Socceroos Down Again

A disappointing 1-0 loss to the Socceroos in Dubai sees the threat of early elimination from the World Cup increase markedly. Again Australia showed an inability to handle the extreme conditions found in Asia an issue that is likely to prove concerning now that we are permanently entrenched there. The predictable weather of China, Japan and Korea is rarely found elsewhere on the continent with either humid warm weather found in most of the south-east or extreme heat and some humidity in the central and west Asia. A look at the likely qualifiers for the 2nd stage of qualifying shows that 3 of our potential opponents will come from the east (Nth Korea/Sth Korea/Japan), 5 from the west (Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, Qatar, Bahrain) and Uzbekistan from the Central Asian steps (much cooler conditions). Bahrain remains the only team from West Asia the Socceroos have beaten away.

One of the key problems for the Socceroos seems to be an inability to score early in their games. In oppressive conditions an early lead can provide a major psychological boost but only against Qatar in the 1st rd have the Socceroos managed an early goal. This is a result I believe of negative tactics being employed by the current manager Pim Verbeek and a lack of preparation under Graham Arnold. Playing Harry Kewell one out at striker after 2 games in 3 months is not an effective way of employing the resources available. Scott Macdonald has looked threatening without creating any great chances in the previous 2 matches but I believe that eventually Scotty Mac will breakthrough and become a regular scorer at international level.

Jason Culina had one of his best games for the Socceroos in Dubai. He excelled in the conditions along with Brett Holman, not stopping at any stage and playing a part in most of the chances created by the Aussies. Attack is clearly our best strength so we need to play to that strength in the coming qualifiers. A draw with Qatar will all but guarantee qualification but we need to go out with a winning attitude to ensure the best result.

On a side note, Luke Wilkshire should be immediately barred from taking set pieces. I am yet to see him get a free kick on target across the 5 or 6 games he has been designated as set piece taker. The suspension of Grella could be a blessing as his light fram does not appear to handle the oppressive conditions and he will be the freshest player for the Chinese game in Sydney June 22.

My preferred squad (subs in brackets) would be:
Schwarzer
Wilkshire, Neill (North), Beauchamp, Carney
Emerton, Valeri (Carle), Culina, Kewell
Kennedy (Djite), Macdonald

In-Out
Kennedy - Coyne
Neill - North
Macdonald - Grella

Socceroos Middle East Adventure

The Socceroos begin their middle east qualifying campaign tonight in the oppressive heat of Dubai. Conditions are expected to be in the high 30's for the 8p kick-off. Our previous experience in the Middle East does not bode well with a 2-0 loss to Kuwait and a 3-1 victory over Bahrain where we were clearly outplayed for the whole of the first half.

The game is on at 2am AEST but dedicated fans will be seen all over the country. The middle east will become a key qualifying ground in the 2nd stages where we are likely to face at least 2 middle eastern teams out of our 4 opponents.

Elsewhere in Asian qualifying there are some key games tonight for Iran and China. Iran is sitting in 3rd and have a must win game also in Dubai against the UAE. UAE grabbed a 0-0 draw at the famous Azadi Stadium last week leaving Iran languishing in 3rd place 2 points off qualification with Syria drawn to play Kuwait who they beat last week.

China are struggling in 3rd, 1 point behind Qatar who they meet in Tianjin. The Chinese tactics can best described as cynical up to this stage in qualifying including playing a 6-3-1 in Doha last week. A loss will put them 4 points behind with only 2 games to go, a position from which recovery is unlikely. This would not be the build up to the Beijing Olympics the Chinese will be looking for.