Nearpost Football: Socceroos

Showing posts with label Socceroos. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Socceroos. Show all posts

Wednesday, 16 November 2011

Fox Sports: Thai's can still qualify - possibly favourites to as well!

Now I know Australia won last night but Fox Sports continue to suggest this was Thailand's last chance.

They must win - or get a draw to stay alive was the verdict from Australia's best football commentator, Simon Hill. Simon is always on the ball, pretty much always correct on this stuff so I was surprised when he went down this line again and again.

Well I reckon Thailand are not only right in the mixer - they are my favourites to take the second spot.

If they beat Oman - not impossible - and Australia beat Saudi Arabia - not impossible, guess waht Thailand go through.

And we need them in the second phase to get two wins!

Just thought I let everyone know. Not like Fox Sports Football to get this stuff sooooo wrong!

Holman our saviour - do you remember Oceania.

Socceroos won in Bangkok last night.

And wasn't it fantastic. Tense, tight and terrific football - from the Thai's at least. With a packed stadium in downtown flooded Bangkok the Aussies are no longer in Oceania.

And remember this is only the first group stage.

We needed a point - but if Robbie Kruse didnt know which of the Sutkee brothers at the end he played with in Melbourne - Michael Zullo had a fair idea by the end of the night.

Zullo was exposed, and exposed again as the Thai's set about the space behind him. Oh dear - Japan and Korea will murder him and his mate Matthew Spiranovic if they perform list this.

Brett Holman walked all night - no energy, probably injured, and Australia lacked forward purpose, forward intelligence.

And so we soaked the pressure from a team ranked 100+.

The Thai's tired in the second half and the Aussie fitness began to show. The pressure eased somewhat - and eased further when Brett Emerton able to get forward late-on (still got the energy Brett) and eased the ball on to the head of Holman.

Surprised Holman was still on - but it was his forward run that released Emerton - and amazingly Holman ended up at the back post with Kennedy moving nearpost.

Holman won it - but gave us little else all night. He must be injured, tired or both.

Lot's to worry the Aussie Coach - but we're through and through early.

Oceania was never like this and football in Australia is better for it.

Can we get to Brazil - I don't think so - or if we do it will be tight.

Korea Republic destroyed us in the Asia Cup with their pass and movement - I don't think we have improved since then.

Carl Valeri and Mile Jedinak have got the job done so far - but is there a quality creative midfielder who could take Jedinak's position. Matt MacKay inside?

Good days and games ahead but if we can sneak through to Brazil with this squad surely we'll really be transitioned ahead of Qatar!

Thursday, 20 October 2011

Holman out Cahill in?

Looks like Brett Holman might miss the next World Cup Qualifiers due to injury - so a chance for Timmy Cahill to come back in?

International football - players come and go pretty quickly.

Just five years ago, Cahill was a bench warmer for Hiddinks team in 2006 - he came on with explosive impact and now just five years later his international career is less secure.

Of course he'll continue to play but I don't think he will ever be guaranteed to play from here on in.

Interesting to see how the superstar copes with this. Will he continue to travel for games when he's not certain of starting?

He missed the recent games after being dropped by Holger for the Saudi game - of course he was injured, or was he sending his own message to Holger?

Time will tell - but with the distances involved, his desire to maintain his performance in the EPL, I won't be surprised if Timmy has a few feathers ruffled or rustles a few in coming months.

Getting to the top takes time - staying their even harder - especially for a 31 year old explosive forward, attacking midfielder. Could he play anywhere else?

And no chance Brazil Tim!

Thursday, 13 October 2011

Socceroos need a midfielder - Holger's eyes light up

Love Mile Jedinak and all he's achieved but to take the Socceroos to the next level we need a better, more skilled midfielder.

Neil Kilkenny is not it.

Carl Valeri has done a fantastic job for Australia over the last couple of years, like Vinny Grella and Jason Culina at their peak in 2006, his contribution has perhaps gone undervalued.

But who can step up and push Jedinak aside?

Eric Partaluu is surely one in the mix. Although many poo poo the A-League, not me, Matt Mckay stormed the international scene, so why not Eric who has played outstandingly in a key role in Australia's best ever team.

We wait for Terry Antonis, or Steven Lustica currently starting for Hadjuk Split but surely under increasing pressure from Croatia.

But Holger, of course, has the answer. Did you see his eyes light up when he talked about Adam Sarota - the less than significant Brisbane Roar player. He got around 9 games before heading to Holland.

He could be the one, but note James Holland is also set to start his first game in the EreDivisie.

A lot of quality coming....perhaps in two years.

Tuesday, 11 October 2011

Socceroos waltz on - fewer English based players in the team - is that why we're better?

Do you remember when we used to make hard work of Oman?

With Harry Kewell, Brett Emerton, Tim Cahill, Vinny Grella all English based in the line-up.

Three times we played them in the last four years - three times we struggled - really struggled.

This time with a bunch of so-called lesser names, younger boys, we waltz it. Pass, control, pass and move and the Omanis didn't get a shot - or maybe one which tested Adam Federici in goals.

We were brilliant. In terms of international football we truly were. Yes we were slow at times, but we had the ball and proceeded to work the Omanis into the ground and ease to a 3-0 win.

Brett Holman, isn't he brilliant, Matt McKay, Josh Kennedy and Luke Wilkshire - not quite as eminent as the boys above who played in the EPL but really this groups results against Oman is even more impressive.

Is it the young guns factor? Is it the fact that our new boys are mostly playing outside of England, therefore bringing more tactical and technical nous to their game and the team.

Interestingly Rhys Williams one of our up and coming English players lacks a lack of technique at time, particularly at full back going forward.

The more players not playing in England the better prepared for international football they are. Now there's a thought!

Friday, 9 September 2011

Holger over Pim? No he just has pace - more weapons.

Football fans label Coaches crap or brilliant.

Jose Mourinho used to be brilliant, now he's second he's well...less so.
Alex Ferguson is always brilliant - he always wins, whereas Neil Lennon is crap - he comes second - add in Vitaslev Lavicka - season 1 brilliant, season 2 crap.

Ange Postecoglou is now brilliant and despite losing heaps of players in Season 1 and beginning of Season 2 if he's not top of the league after three games he'll be...crap.

So Holger is brilliant and Pim was crap.

In defence of Pim -

He had no pace - I mean his team and he inherited an ageing squad with only Carl Valeri and Brett Holman (how the fans hated him) coming through.

He got us to the World Cup without Mark Viduka replacing him with Josh Kennedy while Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell, Marco Bresciano and Brett Emerton got us the goals.

And all of those guys were and are ageing - but only after the last World Cup could we focus on Youth. Why? Because we didn't have one, not one player other than Brett Holman starting to play consistently at a level worthy of matching above stars at their best.

So Holger had to change.

And he now has pace.

Take the last two games - both victories.

Brett Holman has continued his rise - he has pace. Michael Zullo broke at key points in the game against Saudi Arabia with pace from full-back and of course Matty McKay has been buzzing for a year or so now.

Robbie Kruse comes on with pace - similarly Alex Brosque.

Teams, good teams and great international teams have pace. A dying element in Pim's regime and few if any of the above mentioned players were ready to play for the Socceroos.

A little older a little wiser they now have what it takes. Or so it seems at this early stage.

When the Young guns plying their trade in Europe in increasing numbers at "higher" clubs than the previous generation start to come through we'll see the final change - maybe just in time for 2014.

Matthew Leckie, Tommy Oar, Adam Sarota all playing in good leagues - all have pace. Surely all will play regularly for Australia.

Holger will be delighted and can now mould a team around the older players in a way Pim never good - they were all old.

Pim never could - it wasn't his fault - perhaps a hangover from the crash of the old NSL. The rebirth has come, and the A-League via Europe is now producing more Socceroos - more athletes, with more skill, more pace.

Wednesday, 7 September 2011

Why I loved the Thailand game

All the so-called experts and many fans on football forums denigrated Australia for their recent World Cup Qualifier against Thailand.

Why?

Because we allowed Thailand to score first, we didn't pass with fluency, we launched the ball high into the box too many times, or maybe because we didn't win 6-0. Maybe all four.

But as a football fan I loved that game. Loved it!

Here we are watching the Socceroos in a World Cup Qualifier three years before the real deal. I still remember the Socceroos playing two games every four years!

And suddenly I'm tense.

The Thai's have scored - the script is ruined after just 14 minutes.

For me I loved seeing my prediction on Neil Kilkenny come true - again - got that one over Fozzie, a Kilkenny supporter. I hated hearing Robbie Slater back on air for the season - depressing but the emotions stirred again. That's good.

And Brett Holman - I supported him long before the bandwagon had stopped whining about this guy - I also called Bruce Djite the new Viduka so I'm know Holger yet!

And watching A-League star Matt McKay storm into the box - I felt good.

Tense we needed goals - and not to concede again.

Cheered? I went thru the roof when Big Josh slammed it home and when the left side of the Killer B's ( I hate that Cockerill label) scored the winner I could have kissed Cockerill never mind Alex Brosque.

You see that's football, passion and fandom.

When two goals against Thailand are treated like World Cup Final winners you know you're hooked on football.

And now we've beaten Saudi Arabia - doesn't the Thai result look even better. Enjoy your day!

Tuesday, 2 August 2011

Socceroos squad: Neil Kilkenny still with the Roos?

Socceroos squad v Wales has been announced and somewhat dishearteningly to me - given his recent performances, Bristol City's Neil Kilkenny has grabbed a place in an 18 man squad.

In a 32 World Cup possible squad maybe - but the final 18!

Kilkenny hasn't done nearly enough in my view to keep a Socceroos place after some rather shaky performances in the Asian Cup and recent friendlies. He doesn't give me much hope for the future either.

We've seen many Asia teams now and lack of touch in the midfield is not a quality we need. Come on Holger!

Hurry up Jason Culina - back into the fold and for that matter grow up fast Terry Antonis.

The centre midfield positions are critical in international football. Kilkenny performed well for five minutes in Asia when he had TWO other centre-midfielders alongside. Can we afford to play three?

Good to see Rhys Williams in the mix - Michael Zullo is raw at best but he'll have to perform if it seems if we are to progress easily in the coming World Cup groups - with David Carney seemingly often injured, and clubless, we'll probably need the flying Zullo.

And he's fast.

Good to see Luke De Vere getting a call-up, surely he'll be a very competent centre-back in years to come.

But where is the Ogmonster?

And no Josh Kennedy - perhaps being saved for the World Cup. With Scott McDonald, it's not much of a forward line, no Harry Kewell; and James Troisi has a fair bit to do to convince me that Matthew Leckie isn't really the next best emerging forward.
At least he's fast!

Is Robbie Kruse going to take us to the World Cup? He'll need a bit of help if he is - he's good, let's hope the Div 2 German player becomes something a little more in the coming months!

Harry needs a team, Rukavystya needs to score in the Bundesliga and Culina needs to get fit - quick.

Not sure the value of this Welsh game - and interestingly - once again can we only afford to take 18 players!

Wednesday, 22 June 2011

Aussie Starlets: Three to watch?

Mitchell Langerak, Mustifa Amini and Dylan Tombides.

All three are at top German or strong English Clubs - Langarek is proven as a keeper having played in the A-League and in the Asian Champions League and in Germany with Dortmund he can surely only improve and challenge Adam Federici in years to come for the Soccerooos spot.

Mustafa has played A-League at 17, in a dynamic central role and done well. He has a long way to go but the expected move to Dortmund could see him further progress.

And then Dylan Tombides at West Ham. At 17 he's massively strong, reminding some of a young Mark Viduka. Like Harry Kewell he's making his mark in the UK at a young age, making the bench recently for West Ham.

Tons of Aussies go overseas - most languish in Div 1, 2 or 3 of their national leagues. We need more Tim Cahills, Mark Vidukas, Harry Kewells, Craig Moores, Stan Lazaridis, Josip Skoko, Scott Chipperfield, Tony Popovic, Tony Vidmar, Brett Emerton, Vinny Grella, Marco Bresciano, John Aloisi,Josh Kennedy, Lucas Neill even Spider the list went on and on didn't it - playing in the major European leagues if we are to have a real chance of improving international results.

Arguably in the five years since 2006 only Brett Holman and Adam Federici have shown the ability to crack a contract and play consistently at a level high enough to make a major impact on the International stage.

Others like Matt Spiranovic, Rhys Williams, James Troisi, Michael Zullo, Mile Jedinak are possibly looking at maintaining their position in their teams or ready to make the next move in a year or two. But apart from Rhys Williams I won't be expecting too much.

But in the three players mentioned at the head of the article we have a spine developing - possible superstars - although there is an awful long way to go.

We need some players able to play Champions League a la the quality of a Kewell or Viduka - we'll always have the Stejovski, Wilkshire, Culina and co to put around them - but we need the creme.

The signs are encouraging that the next generation Socceroos are starting to progress still albeit a long long way behind the class of 2006 in terms of playing experience.

Remember Premier League players like Lazaridis and Skoko couldn't even get 5 minutes at a World Cup! What we'd give for a flying Stan the Man now! In Zullo maybe we have one, developing yes, certainly one to watch after recent attacking displays and getting game time like a young Emerton at full-back in the Dutch Ere Divisie.

I see no superstars in Neil Kilkenny, Jon McKain, Carl Valeri, Robbie Kruse, Dario Vidosic and that generation.

But maybe just maybe we have three to really build and improve a team in years to come.

Wouldn't it be great to see one or two young Aussies burst onto a World Cup field in 2014!

Wednesday, 8 June 2011

Socceroos find Serbia a little harder than Kiwis! Holger is great!

Aussies found the game a little more meaningful against Serbia than the run out against the Kiwis.

Michael Zullo was tested and showed he has a lot to learn but still showed enough to get some more opportunities.

Adam Federici and Brett Holman were both outstanding against top opposition and Serbia were a class outfit - recently beaten by South Korea it should be noted despite missing 4 or 5 key players.

Carl Valeri had a mixed game, some great things some not so hot but again showed why playing in Serie B is better than playing in the lower leagues of England.

Leeds' Neil Kilkenny has probably played himself out of the team with another dire performance. Lacking control - crucial in the international midfield - he has had his chances.

Archie Thompson looked lively but is well behind Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill in the striking department - we may still need him, however, in the Asia Qualifiers.

James Troisi was less impressive last night - was the Kiwi game his level? Hopefully he can improve further.

Matt McKay was strong, very strong again and showed he's ahead of Troisi by miles both defensively and in the attacking areas. Crucial to have both in International football, Troisi has litte defensively it seems!

Rhy Williams will offer a lot in coming years, and late entrants Robbie Kruse and Dario Vidosic offered something.

The question remains while many newcomers are showing signs of hope - where is the next Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton, Marco Bresciano, Harry Kewell and co.

Players who can play in the highest leagues for many years.

We got a draw with Serbia with a team playing in lower leagues.

And it wasnt too bad considering the cattle we have.

Good enough to take us to the World Cup again.

Along way to go and lots of fast Asian forwards to test us out.

The best thing about last night?

Holger Osieck - he has a plan - gets the ball moving forward and is bringing in young guns who are performing above themselves it seems. They'll need to improve by the Qualifiers but we seem to have more players who can do a job now than six months ago.

Nice appointment FFA - I think you got it right

Monday, 6 June 2011

Young Roos better away from the UK! Proven?

The Socceroos young guns stepped up to defeat NZ 3-0 yesterday. Despite the usual whingeing from many fans about the play there was plenty for me to like about Holger's team performance.

Particularly the crisp passing and pacy interchange in the final third. We don't often get to see it in the Green and Gold - and Josh K was on the field too, who would have thought!

And the message for me is that if young Aussies want to contribute in the forward six of the team then get out of England!

Dutch based Brett Holman continues to show why he's the best of the new generation - playing years in Holland has clearly helped - and his movement and thought is the best on the ground.

While Big Brett Emerton a loyal servant to the Roos his lack of that something extra will see him play a less important role as his pace declines - even a little.

But it was the Europeans who impressed. Turkish based James Troisi got out of the UK just in time, Rhy Williams is looking good but defenders can flourish in any league I'd argue - even the UK.

Michael Zullo looks to be improving at left-back - remember he was the winger originally at the Roar - anyone want to move Taj Minniecon to left back at the Gold Coast - for another day maybe.

Zullo is learning his trade in Holland.

The clamour and support for Nicky Carle has not been quite the same frenzy for Neil Kilkenny but the Leeds midfielder did his hopes no good with a lack of touch, and vision time and time again and that was just the warm-up.

On this performance he was old Australia.

And of course his play mate Serie B Carl Valeri is just so far ahead in terms of possession, team play and football intelligence.

Mark Milligan surpassed Kilkenny quickly. His touch and passing was crisp and effective. He made the error to hand the Japanese the Asia Cup in 2007 when he was on the rise - and his career crashed from that point. He's now in J2 would you believe but clearly ahead of Kilkenny who is flogging himself in the English Championship.

New Zealand were poor, very poor, and if any team suited Kilkenny it was this big team full of white men. But sadly for me Kilkenny doesn't have it. If he plays on Tuesday it maybe his last chance for sometime! Bring back Mile Jedinak - and yes Mile plays on the Euro mainland.

If Mile had gone to the English leagues would we ever have seen him in a Socceroos shirt!

And finally Dario Vidosic did enough off the bench to get me interested. Pacy and skilled he took the ball to the opposition. He's in Germany.

When did we last see so many at Socceroo level show such sparks of something. Throw in Robbie Kruse and Matt Mckay and pressure for places is building.

With the odd U20 starting to shape up in a year or two - maybe it's only the centre back positions where we seem lacking. We still need a Mark Viduka or Harry Kewell and we don't have any of that stature yet - but another Tim Cahill - well in Holman we have a different type of Timmy but quality and a star none the less.

Who else can play Champions League from this generation? Time will tell.

A weakened Serbia side will be a better test.

Still some hope for the Green and Gold fans - finally! Good job Holger!

Friday, 22 April 2011

Socceroos/Asia Cup 2015: TV Money to save the A-League

But will we ever use money in football wisely in Australia?

Socceroos are the big big drawcard and with World Cup qualifiers on FTA in coming years and the Asian Cup in Australia in 2015 we have a lot to sell.

Not to mention the A-League which is what really needs the money to kick on.

Jesse Finks talks of rumoured figures below. And if Fox wanted to get in early you'd imagine we'd get more money than $42 mill per year.

A nice ten A-League teams with $3 million per year per club would be great - but given each W-League team needs $1 million per year (wouldn't that be nice) and all the other increasing costs from o/s teams, Socceroo payments and of course ahem grassroots and coaching programs - and the soon to be increased if we get the TV deal FFA staff, can we really give the A-League what it needs.

$60 million per year is probably a 4 year $250 million deal approx - surely the Socceroos and Asian Cup Hosts can lock in the cash.

Last year Buckley turned down a revised offer made in late 2009 by Fox Sports that included a free-to-air component and which would have replaced the $130 million, seven-year deal made in 2006 with Premier Media Group, owners of Fox. The new deal would have locked in FFA until after the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, which is to played in Australia.

In the press this figure was put at $60 million a year. Insiders at FFA I have spoken to have it at $42 million. Whether it was $42m or $60m, or something in between, the exact figure was significantly more than the $17 million a year averaged out on the original seven-year 2006 deal.

Wednesday, 9 February 2011

Robbie Kruse a Socceroo: So who is next?

Robbie did it at 22. Played in the A-League and made a significant contibution for the Socceroos in a big tournament, the Asian Cup.

So if Robbie can step up who will be the next guys to challenge, the next young guys currently plying their trade in the A-League but good enough to make an impression two or three years from now?

Here's five to consider....remember where Robbie was two years ago? In and out of Brisbane.

1. Luke Devere - okay he's just left but hey he could do it.
2. Matthew Leckie - a lot to learn but could make an impression a la Robbie sometime soon.
3. Iain Ramsay - left field? no left side and we need him. Could he develop further?
4. Mustafa Amini - has time on his side, heaps of it.
5. David Williams - like to see him at a decent club to start to really get success in a winning team.

6. AndIf Robbie can do it, can his mate Mitch Nicholls make the next step. A leap to far? Robbie did it!

oh and Dimi Petratos another bolter with time on his sides

Heaps more around but if Robbie is the marker we could have some decent squad members coming through our young boys.

Wednesday, 2 February 2011

The Socceroos stand tall in Asia

Lucy, Paddy,and Nick are on the pitch and examine our narrow loss in the final of the Asian Cup and of course all the A-League news.

We are not in mourning at the Nearpost - Oh No! Lots of positives for Australian football in this Asian Cup campaign. But did Carney have to leave that Blue Samuria player alone in front of goal in the last gasp of exetra time??? The margins are very fine at this level. The Socceroos stand tall in Asia.

How many football poddies only cover Aussie football?

We are clearly Australia's number one football poddie, apart from all the others, We discuss all the news from Australian football. What more could you wish for from the Australian media?
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or play right from your computer....

Saturday, 22 January 2011

Australia v Iraq

Adelaide thumped the Fury 8-1 with some fantastic goals. Watch them, they were beautiful with a forward four to die for, and then Matthew Leckie steps on to the field.

Brisbane won't have the finals all their own way.

With the Melbourne Derby followed by the biggest game in Australia football for some years, World Cup a side.

Australia in a do-or-die game, Quarter Final of Asian Cup against holders Iraq.

Can we do it?

Yes we can!

Wednesday, 19 January 2011

Australia limp on in Asia - hands up who's young enough to play 6 games

Australia beat Bahrain 1-0 thanks to a Mile Jedinak strike but the real concern is the wounded soldiers, some limping, some suspended, some just ageing.

Did anyone really think Harry Kewell could play six games straight?

Well he's up to three, but he's showing signs of slowing. Meanwhile Brett Emerton pulled his Croatia 2006 World Cup trick, getting booked for nothing on the eve of our most important game in a while - watch Iraq or Iran just like Italy pour down the Aussie left next game.

Tim Cahill went off injured, Luke Wilkshire, David Carney, Jason Culina, and Brett Emerton could all miss the next game - that's half a team.

Matt McKay did okay at left back - but as expected he was and will be cruelly exposed as the games get tougher. Similarly Jade North - though he was better than McKay.

Mark Schwarzer saved the day as ever. Doesn't he always?

Mile Jedinak and Carl Valeri both played well in parts and that's the problem. Parts.

When Bahrain took control, the Aussie midfield took too long to grasp possession back. Jedinak continues to lose possession too quickly, hits it too long, too wild, on too many go occasions, and embarrasses himself by shouting his frustration every time he does it (he must get tired.) Is he really a man to win an Asian Cup?

Hard to see, but loving his power and goals. These are certainly encouraging performances from the Jedi and will hold us in goodstead for the next World Cup Qualifiers.

Australia had some purple patches, unfortunately so did Bahrain, and when Neil Kilkenny came on, the passing and ball control went up a notch.

However it was Bahrain, like Korea, and even occasionally India who were more inventive, technically adept in parts, who threatened the Aussie goal time and time again.

Enjoy the next game - it could be our last!

That said we've yet to concede, could be good enough to win, but will not dominate from here on in.

If we can't get any of the five above back you'd expect a possible defeat in the next game, but if it's Japan in the semi finals Australia will not have a hope.

Let's not cry injuries.

You are only ever as good as your squad, and most Aussie fans have known for a while we're relying on a few oldies. The next group are not ready...yet.

Mark Viduka anyone? or Matthew Leckie....pity the firebrand isn't here for a cameo.

Saturday, 15 January 2011

Aussie pride maintained.....but three old fellas crocked already!

Australia drew 1-1 with Korea in it's crucial Asian Cup Qualifier last night.

A strong performance from the Australia team, particularly at times in the final third showed enough to suggest that the triumverate of Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill and the mobile Brett Holman could see them yet into the final.

It won't be easy but if Korea with their mobility, skill, and youth couldn't see off the Aussies - you wonder who can.

The loss of Luke Wilkshire, David Carney and Jason Culina, if confirmed will be a massive blow in this tournament.

But will allow the further development of players so crucial to the next set of World Cup Qualifiers.

Harry Kewell was superb, Tim Cahill did what he does and Brett Holman assisted with his energy and intelligent runs.

So many Socceroo fans have written Holman off - not me, never.

Sasa Ognenovski was passable, good in parts, but agricultural at times. Lucas Neill has another great game, Carney and Wilkshire important throughout.

Of course Mark Schwarzer saved the day, once more, but Australia also had enough chances to win.

Mile Jedinak had his best game in the green and gold capping it with a fine goal. He still gives the ball away to easily, but this was still his best game!

Overall as good as a performance as one could expect. Full of grit and determination, and skill and energy at appropriate times.

Korea were the more inventive, slightly. Threatened more, but Australia posed many many problems for the Korea side.

A betting man would look for Korea to improve more.

But the front three could do the trick for Australia, and it will take a couple of new players to rise above the mediocre if Australia are to improve on tonights result.

Can Matt McKay step up? Is Jade North ready to play to his full potential? Can Carl Valeri and Mile Jedinak really take us to Asian Cup glory.

A good performance from Australia, our best under Osiek - but still not good enough to win, not good enough to dominate.

It could be harder still with a stretched squad - can the ageing legs go seven games.

After last nights walking wounded, you'd think not!

Friday, 14 January 2011

Nearpost on eFM Seoul, Korea in 1 minutes...

Thanks to Johnroar for the link! http://radiotime.com/station/s_113003/TBS_eFM_1013.aspx

Talking football to our Korean friends ahead of the clash tonight.

Go Australia!

Thoughts pre-game:

Could Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill and Brett Holman be the key to victory? If so we could build a platform for the tournament - we'll see.

Will the defence hold out? Possibly but unlikely.

Will Mile Jedinak get hold of and keep the ball, consistently? Unlikely.

Thursday, 13 January 2011

What do FFA think of Mrs Wensing. Fozzie: Here's a case study on FFA Engagement

What do the FFA think of Mrs Wensing? 80 years of age, she went out of her way to sign the A-League4Canberra supporters pledge in 2009. The FFA could not have cared less.

Fozzie has spoken.

At the recent inaugural fans forum in Sydney, a marvellous initiative btw, to look at and solve the problems facing football in Australia.

Fozzie states: We have not engaged enough people.... one and a half million who play, five or six million who care about the game....we (The FFA and Clubs) have simply not engaged them.

We don't leverage our community.

And how right he is. It takes work, short and long-term initiatives, to open our ears and eyes to the football community. The football community that will never reduce. So let's get to work

And of course the football community is the business community. Everyone plays, everyone's child is playing etc etc. We are connected through football - we just have to be smarter.

What organisation wouldn't die for our connections?

And how quickly, if we get it right, we could see the fans flooding back.

Is it that hard to get another 50,000 in Melbourne, 32,000 in Brisbane, 25,000 in Sydney, 23,000 in Newcastle, 18,000 in Central Coast etc etc. Sure it looks like it right now but I don't believe it is.

Not with clever engagement, a real vibe, and a valuing and leveraging of our football community. Our grassroots players, our grassroots friends and parents, their friends, our Socceroos and Matildas supporters, our EPL followers, our NSL, VPL and State League followers and of course our rusted on A-League followers.

Would these people rather support football or knock it? Everyone would support something visionary, something inspirational.

Much as they did in Canberra - despite the strong smell of the Cosmos still in the room and in town with League and Union entrenched. Getting grassroots support was no problem

Over 100 Ambassadors signed up - two from every club in the region - I know I rang them. It took 100 phone calls. No-one rejected the idea that they would be the Canberra A-League Ambassador for their club - no-one.

And that's what Fozzie is talking about. Engagement, building community.

We bring our football people together and we're powerful - a resource. Getting more people to A-League games is our single most powerful tool.

In Canberra the FFA has done something that shows they have NO FUCKING IDEA how to engage the grassroots community to grow the game.

The A-League4Canberra bid made great strides, building community, overturning the "Cosmos factor" culminating in 20,000 people turning out to watch an A-League based Socceroos team take on Kuwait. A record crowd.

We had something to build on. The FFA had something to build on. A community working to build football, that's their business isn't it. And we mugs were doing it for them, for free!

The FFA threw a wonderful opportunity in Canberra out the window, completely diregarding the work the locals had done to grow the vibe - with the A-League bid gathering 15,000 signatures and from one who stood outside various centres in Canberra getting sign-ups - it was easy.

I with the other volunteers could have got 100,000 signatures for a football team in Canberra. Such is the size of the community, such is the army of supporters, volunteers, such was the goodwill.

The FFA didn't want that grassroots support!

The FFA response was simply astonishing.

The FFA simply did not care. Could not see a way to assist this community to build towards a professional team. And if Canberra can't get a team, well there aren't many other options are there?

Reap what they sow? Sadly they have.

But with the renewed vigour, grassroots renewal we can grow the game stronger, and quickly.

After all we are already connected - just not through the turnstiles. Not yet.

Tuesday, 11 January 2011

Asia Cup: Our last hurrah

Lucas Neill, Brett Emerton, Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, Jason Culina, Mark Schwarzer will not be in Brazil.

One or maybe two might - if Australia get there.

So this is really the last hurrah for these guys, as a team.

Let's hope they can build on the India game. They certainly look more prepared than the previous Asia Cup in Thailand.

The heat, end of season timing and World Cup let-down played it's part that time.
This time the team appear fresh - mid-season for most - and maybe that will be enough to get them beyond the Quarters.

Last time we were poor but still only lost to Japan on penalties. This time let's hope we can go one or two better.

I'd love to see Harry running around with the Cup. Great end to a wonderful career.

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