Well after much doubt and scorn the Socceroos have managed to move forward to the next stage in the AFC Asian Cup and i am bloody relieved.
Admittedly i am a football tragic from way back and while i have seen the mighty reds (GO LIVERPOOL) claim European glory and many trophies since i first learned to use a tv remote, my national team has basically slipped under the radar for 3 out of 4 years - only ever notice them when it comes time to qualify (or more accurately blow the opportunity) for the world cup.
But that was the old soccer situation in Australia and that has permanently been reformed thanks to a revitalised domestic league, a spectacular performance at the World Cup and, but more importantly, a change to Asia group as opposed to Oceania. As a result of this group shifting we now get to face a much higher quality of opponent and also have access to Asian competitions which finally gives us a realistic chance to win a trophy.
So it was with great expectations that the Socceroos went to Thailand and compete in their first ever Asian Cup. Surprisingly, since we are brand new to Asian football, Australia was the bookies favourites before the competition despite no real recent performances worth praise other than the world cup effort. Given that we have a core group of players who work over in England and Italy big things were expected of the men wearing the green and gold, particularly since the group we were drawn into was as easy as it could get - i had never even heard of Oman until the announcement of our group.
So you can imagine my disappointment and frustration when sitting in front of the big screen on Sunday night a week ago, wrapped in my Socceroos scarf and beanie, we were handed a lesson by a country that has a population smaller than Sydney's. If it was not for a fortunate goal by Tim Cahill (who will be in the history books as the player who scored the first goal for Australia in both the World Cup and Asian Cup) we would have recorded a loss and be virtually assured of a ticket home. The team looked slow, the players tired and lacked commitment and the formation was a dog's breakfast - assuming that a dog would even eat something that looked that shabby, Bagel Hendrix wouldn't. Excuses were made (heat and humidity) and changes were hinted but everyone felt that it was a one off, better to get it out of the road now then at the knockout stage later in the comp, and the next game we will show our true colours.
Come Friday night our true colours were shown with a 3-1 pounding by Iraq. As with the previous game we went behind early and the team looked toilet but there were some improvements in commitment - well at least for the first half. Coming out in the second half we looked hungrier than ever and Viduka put a well placed equaliser into the back of the net and the men from the land down under seemed to have the momentum but some pitiful midfield work and terrible marking squashed that, and led to Iraqs second goal. That was the straw that broke the aussies back and we fell apart completely, highlighted by Lucas Neill's brilliant
sequence of taking a quick free kick, with half of the Australians not even aware of it, passing it to the only unmarked iraq player on the field, deflecting the ensuing shot (to the player he was supposed to be marking) for a simple tap in and then getting his marching orders for a second yellow card - well in Vice Captain and the new "therapist". All in all it was a complete disgrace on the park and seemed like a perfectly good way to destroy shabbos. Changes were required and not just on the pitch but in the mindset off the team and coach Graham Arnold, who by all reports is officially keeping the bench warm for his replacement. Liverpool favourite HKewell put it simply with "I can't even put that [how bad the performance was] into words really,"
Last nights performance was something that was good to see as the hunger and determination of players was back but it was by no means enough. While i do not want to rain on everyones parade, the fact is that we only just hung on for the win - the 3 goals coming at the end of the match and after 30 minutes of constant defence. The team have made it through but there are still massive problems that must be addressed -
Defence: Milligan had a man of the match performance that should ensure him a start for the rest of the cup. Beauchamp had a good game but was running out of puff towards the end - but for a first national goal it could not have been sweeter. I would say that these 2 are now in there with Emerton (played well and ran for the full time but still has not shined as brightly as he can) and Niell (who has disappointed completely but better than the rest). Keeping by Schwarz is poor by his standards but hopefully he can snap out of it.
Midfield: The center of the park is woeful. Grella has been poo and losing the ball to easily while Culina is only playing par for the course - Grella needs to sit down. Bresciano is a player who frustrates me, i know he has skill but for the most he does no distribute like he can, but he played better - not sure if he is a 90 minute player though. Carney played very well and should start against Japan but he also seemed to fall off towards the end. Wilkshire is trying hard and giving it all but not at top level yet. HK is excellent but used as an impact player is where he shines. Cahill - heart of our mids and can not understand why he is not on from the start.
Forwards: Playing one up front is STUPID end of story. It enables more in midfield but we have the talent to secure the center of the park with 4 players. Viduka class finisher and hopefully can score more, but he does look old and slow in the very fast paced Asian game. Aloisi is the logical choice for a partner up front but his first touch need to be sharper. Holman is toilet and would not trust him to hit the back of the net if he was playing in those warm up cages at a golf course.
Enough of my rant - lets just enjoy the win and hope its a feeling we get used to in Asia.
