World Cup Draw - Thoughts

[TheStinger]

I think Ozil wil push Podolski out but in a 4-3-3 which I think they will play against us Podolski would be the better option.

Serbia have trouble working as a team.You high Stinger. Very well coached and organised especially down back. One of the better defenses around.

A major problem. The 3 RW for Chippers to contend against. Essien, Schweinsteiger and Krasic. 3 of the very best RW at this World Cup, dont underrate Krasic either, hes immense when hes on. Hes got no hope... Skinned alive

I said historically they have had trouble working together but I also said they have had a good qualifying campaign and are in form. No doubt individually they are world class and it would seem they are on the same page at the moment.

 

[Embers]

Well our history hardly reeks of success

I think with Ghana there youth and injuries have always been a major problem for there form. They have the depth of a puddle and a injury or two effects them majorly but atm there starting 11, if it plays that way will cause alot of teams a problem never mind us. Still interested to see how they line up defensively, wouldnt surprise me if Pantsil plays CB and one of the 2 18 year old RB prospects they have step up and take that spot.

 

[thebigboy]

Its going to have to involve a collective team effort to protect the back 4 as well as Schwartzer needs to be in top form.

We can't go out and play too attacking as we do look suspect when we put too many numbers forward however I'd still like to see us try 2 up front for the lead-up games.

The Biggest concern Vs. Serbia is the fact that we like to play balls in the air. Vidic will eat that up all day and his other defensive partner (who I don't know a lot about) isn't short either. To have success, were going to need Cahill, Kewell & Bresciano to get around Kennedy and give him some support. If we don't, I can't see us scoring.

Against Serbia I would play:

------------Schwartzer----------
Emerton--Neill----Moore---Chipperfield
----------Grella--Wilkshire----------
Bresciano-----Cahill-------Kewell
-----------Kennedy----------------

When we have the ball, its imperative that Cahill can get himself in and around the box with Kewell and Bresicano pulling the strings from out wide.
The other concern is from set pieces. Zigic is a monster on a man, Vidic is known for popping up with a goal here and there and our marking at set pieces hasn't been our strenght of late. We need to have that water tight if we want to get 3 points from this game.

 

[Amazing Bombers]

I think 4 points will be enough.

 

[smasha]

Well our history hardly reeks of success

I think with Ghana there youth and injuries have always been a major problem for there form. They have the depth of a puddle and a injury or two effects them majorly but atm there starting 11, if it plays that way will cause alot of teams a problem never mind us. Still interested to see how they line up defensively, wouldnt surprise me if Pantsil plays CB and one of the 2 18 year old RB prospects they have step up and take that spot.

Umm,if Association Football was our number one sport,i'e. no AFL,NRL,we would've had a few World Cups in the cabinet by now.

FACT.

 

[Embers]

I think 4 points will be enough.

I think your once filled bong pipe is now recently empty

 

[MadMac]

Umm,if Association Football was our number one sport,i'e. no AFL,NRL,we would've had a few World Cups in the cabinet by now.

FACT.

I wouldn't go that far. We'd probably have more success however to have one, let alone few World Cup trophies in the cabinet is a stretch. It's not easy to win it, just ask some of traditionally strong nations like Spain or the Netherlands. Even Poms themselves needed a home WC and a dodgy goal to win it.

 

[mark73]

You think beasts like Klose and Zigic against Neill and Moore will suit us. You think 2 of the best midfields in the cup will suit us? You high?

One thing I do know, it wouldn't have mattered who we were drawn with, you'd have found a reason to say we'd fail. I'm quite happy with the draw. It's testing, but not above our capabilities.

 

[ashley12]

Thats fine with me. Who cares if they don't rate us. The only thing that's important is the team back themselves, which isn't in doubt..
You'd think though the BBC would at least mention that we Qualified top in Asia undefeated...

About the group, well it could have been easier, but I would much prefer this group then North Korea's for example... It maybe midpack in terms of group toughness...

Not getting pumped by Germany is important, but however, up until last time only one team I think had ever lost their first game then qualified, however, two teams did that in Germany, and they were both teams who played a seed first up (Ghana and Ukraine)...

Its not going to be easy, will take a shit load of luck as 3 games is a shitload of variance involved, but who knows...

And dont get to up about the Ghanaian midfield Embers. Appiah dosent have a club at the moment, hardly the attribute of a top 5 midfielders, Essien is a superstar, but is only one man, and Muntari has been pretty gash for Inter in recent months IMO...

A Ghana - Serbia draw would be excellent in their first game, as we would be unable to be drawing dead going into the last game if we fail to beat Ghana, with a win against Serbia for 4 points that way would almost get us through...

 

[smiddaz123]

One thing I do know, it wouldn't have mattered who we were drawn with, you'd have found a reason to say we'd fail. I'm quite happy with the draw. It's testing, but not above our capabilities.

Ghana, Serbia and Germany all playing at their normal level is above Australia's level.

If any of those sides bring their A game, we'll get absolutely pummeled.

Some people here are in for a rude shock in June.

 

[bloodsbigot]

We gave the Germans a hard time on African soil back in 1941, and we can do it again.

 

[bullish23]

This is a much, much tougher gig then the group we receied in 2006. In a way its not bad we play Germany first. Its not a cut throat tie straight up as one would expect the Germans to top the group. In saying that get a draw and that would be an awesome result. Further if there is a loser in the Ghana v Serbia match, it could lead to some tensions in that losing squad.

Serbia are much better then what they were 4 years ago. As some have stated Krasic is an absolute gun. With Stankovic in midfield I think they are stronger then most give them credit for. Their defence is always tough to break. Their coach is world class as well.

Ghana played very well against Brazil last world cup and 3-0 wasn't a just result. I can't say I saw any of their qualifiers however we all know of their EPL stars and Appiah is also quality. Last world cup it was the striker Ayan (number 3) who really impressed me. I recall attending a friendly v Ghana at QPR and it was a fairly even match.

It's certainly possible to qualify and get a dream draw against England but I think it will be a lot tougher this time round. I am not as confident as 2006 but never discount the Aussie spirit.

 

[Bradesmaen]

And dont get to up about the Ghanaian midfield Embers. Appiah dosent have a club at the moment, hardly the attribute of a top 5 midfielders, Essien is a superstar, but is only one man, and Muntari has been pretty gash for Inter in recent months IMO...

Appiah has been at Bologna for over a month after he got over his injuries. He also was still playing in the national team. And they have more than Appiah, Muntari and Essien to worry about in that midfield. Makes ours look like absolute crap.

 

[ashley12]

Appiah has been at Bologna for over a month after he got over his injuries. He also was still playing in the national team. And they have more than Appiah, Muntari and Essien to worry about in that midfield. Makes ours look like absolute crap.

That was still a long time between his spell at Fenerbahce and his return to Bologna. Not only that, but I dont think that teams such as Bologna are really the teams with players in the "top 5 mids in the world"

Dont get me wrong, we are pretty big dogs to make it out of this group, as we would have been in many of the groups. But this talk of Ghana being this absolute monster of a team and ZOMG we are so boned... is a bit crap IMO...

As well as that, its very easy for all of a sudden come June any team, including Australia, can have 3 or 4 of their best players out of the team in a shallow area and the entire team is more or less screwed...

Ask me about our full chances of advancing maybe 3 hours ahead of the first game...

 

[Embers]

About the group, well it could have been easier, but I would much prefer this group then North Korea's for example... It maybe midpack in terms of group toughness...

Not getting pumped by Germany is important, but however, up until last time only one team I think had ever lost their first game then qualified, however, two teams did that in Germany, and they were both teams who played a seed first up (Ghana and Ukraine)...

Its not going to be easy, will take a shit load of luck as 3 games is a shitload of variance involved, but who knows...

And dont get to up about the Ghanaian midfield Embers. Appiah dosent have a club at the moment, hardly the attribute of a top 5 midfielders, Essien is a superstar, but is only one man, and Muntari has been pretty gash for Inter in recent months IMO...

A Ghana - Serbia draw would be excellent in their first game, as we would be unable to be drawing dead going into the last game if we fail to beat Ghana, with a win against Serbia for 4 points that way would almost get us through...

Muntari is not gash. Hes not CL class but hes still better then any Aussie midfielder. Essien is a top 5 midfielder in the world up against Scott Chipperfield. Appiah is playing and trialled at Tottenham etc for a reason. Asamoah is light but very quick and has a buyout clause near 30 mill in his contract for a reason

Gyan is also handy upfront and Mensah is a VERY good CB who can lead the line. Best team in Africa. They are going places and they will prove it this WC

 

[jefffff34]

Muntari is not gash. Hes not CL class but hes still better then any Aussie midfielder.

Cahill.

Essien is a top 5 midfielder in the world

Ronaldo, Keita, Gerrard, Lampard, Robben, Arshavin, Dirnei, Malouda, Benayoun, Iniesta, Ribery, Gourcuff, X.Hernandez etc, etc

He's not even the second best midfielder in his club.

 

[Embers]

Cahill.



Ronaldo, Keita, Gerrard, Lampard, Robben, Arshavin, Dirnei, Malouda, Benayoun, Iniesta, Ribery, Gourcuff, X.Hernandez etc, etc

He's not even the second best midfielder in his club.

Cahill isnt a CMs arseh*le, Cahill aint better and its moot since he will play upfront where he belongs anyway

Better than all of these, plus id classify Ronaldo more as a striker since his Real move

MUCH better than Lampard btw. Lampard missed 2 weeks and Essien played his role well better, handy that he can also tackle and dribble too. Hes the best midfielder in the EPL atm

 

[thebigboy]

Ghana, Serbia and Germany all playing at their normal level is above Australia's level.

If any of those sides bring their A game, we'll get absolutely pummeled.

Some people here are in for a rude shock in June.

So is there any point of the Socceroos turning up?

If the other nations just have to play at an average level to beat us, most of our players should go on vacation rather than turn up to the tournament.

Thank God that view is only confounded to some supporters rather than the staff and players.

 

[rdhopkins2]

Suits us to keep a low profile. We need to be switched on and firing during the campaign and hopefully have good crowd support backing the boys.

Apparently 18,000 tickets have already been sold to Australians, though I'd imagine a fair proportion of those would be expat Brits or Sth Africans living over here. The other factor may be that SA is closer than Europe and that may help to entice people over, though flights, accomodation etc will be very expensive.

In a nutshell we can make finals but there is a lot of work to be done. Focus boys, worry about preparing well and with a little luck the results will take care of themselves.

 

[bloodsbigot]

Suits us to keep a low profile. We need to be switched on and firing during the campaign and hopefully have good crowd support backing the boys.

Apparently 18,000 tickets have already been sold to Australians, though I'd imagine a fair proportion of those would be expat Brits or Sth Africans living over here. The other factor may be that SA is closer than Europe and that may help to entice people over, though flights, accomodation etc will be very expensive.

In a nutshell we can make finals but there is a lot of work to be done. Focus boys, worry about preparing well and with a little luck the results will take care of themselves.

Quite frankly I'm a little disappoined with the number of Australians going over to South Africa.

Apparently, British supporters will get over 50,000 and America are getting 80,000.

http://goal.com/en-us/news/66/united-states/2009/12/03/1664464/usa-beating-england-to-have-most-traveling-supporters-at

I know the media are touting this as a 'massive' turnout by Australia, but quite frankly, I expected more from Australian supporters. We're supposedly the best sporting nation in the world.

I am aware that per capita 18,000 tickets seems about right in regards to Australia's population compared to America and England, but seriously, I was expecting around 30,000 at least.

 

[apollo_creed]

That was still a long time between his spell at Fenerbahce and his return to Bologna. Not only that, but I dont think that teams such as Bologna are really the teams with players in the "top 5 mids in the world"

Dont get me wrong, we are pretty big dogs to make it out of this group, as we would have been in many of the groups. But this talk of Ghana being this absolute monster of a team and ZOMG we are so boned... is a bit crap IMO...

As well as that, its very easy for all of a sudden come June any team, including Australia, can have 3 or 4 of their best players out of the team in a shallow area and the entire team is more or less screwed...

Ask me about our full chances of advancing maybe 3 hours ahead of the first game...

I think respect where it's due mate. Embers has displayed a very good knowledge of the Ghanian team and I trust he knows what he's on about.

Having seen Annan play, is it Anthony Annan - and several of the others mentioned (as midfield prospects) he is right. They are a very exciting team with the potential for physical superiority - initiated by their athletic excessives.

 

[apollo_creed]

Cahill.



Ronaldo, Keita, Gerrard, Lampard, Robben, Arshavin, Dirnei, Malouda, Benayoun, Iniesta, Ribery, Gourcuff, X.Hernandez etc, etc

He's not even the second best midfielder in his club.

Cahill isn't a central midfielder. he's an extra midfielder - support behind the striker player.
he really doesn't have any outstanding attributes as a footballer besides his timing and aerial strength.

Muntari is the better player and he is CL quality. (I disagree there Embers)
Great attacking qualities for a defensive player.

And he is top 5. Most certainly. I think most would agree with that opinion. (his last two games have been poor mind you)

 

[Embers]

I think respect where it's due mate. Embers has displayed a very good knowledge of the Ghanian team and I trust he knows what he's on about.

Having seen Annan play, is it Anthony Annan - and several of the others mentioned (as midfield prospects) he is right. They are a very exciting team with the potential for physical superiority - initiated by their athletic excessives.

Yep thats the man, he can easily slot into CM for Appiah if needed, might take Muntari spot push him left and bring Asamoah closer to goal

 

[jd2006]

I'm sick of hearing the excuses and Group of Death. Here is how I assess the groups.

Group A - would of been easier. Still tough to pip the hosts and enemy Uruguay for 2nd
Group B - close to as hard as our group. Nigeria, Argentina favourites and we arent much/if any ahead of Greece in 3rd
Group C - easier
Group E - harder IMO. Holland I rate higher than Germany, Cameroon and Denmark on par with Serbia and Ghana
Group F - easier but still would have a battle with Paruguay
Group G - would have been the death of Australian football. 3 losses all above 4 goals
Group H - easier and really should qualify over Chile and Switzerland

Lets stop the sorrow tales of our "hard" draw. We were in the 2nd pot which was the weakest and most sides in our place are the worst side in their groups

 

[rdangelo]

Ah everyone is talking up Germany/Serbia and Ghana.

Germany , they aren't as good as everyone makes out. They are only slightly better than Serbia, and Serbia are average. Serbia did good in qualifying, big deal, they also qualified well for the last World cup and if i can remember they got smashed in the group stage. Italy always struggle to qualify, but hey they are World Champions. Ghana - haha. cmon, all African teams are crap. If there was a prize for being fancy they would win it.

That said Germany should still win the group from Australia, Serbia and Ghana. This group is not as hard as the Brazil Japan and Croatia one 4 years ago. Australia have no excuses.