Re: Ahmad Elrich update Well, it's been a pretty eventful weekend for Aussies Abroad so I thought I'd do a bit of a wrap for the guys who are looking like being in contention for the WC (and some of those who don't). Kewell coming off in Liverpool's FA Cup semi after an outstanding game was apparently a "precaution" due to the fact that he had a twinge and his history of groin/adductor problems. They're expecting him to take the field in the final, although he'll probably be rested for Wednesday's league match against West Ham, since third is basically assured no matter the results of the last couple of rounds. Schwarzer is out for minimum two weeks with a fractured cheekbone, although they're hopeful he'll be back in time the UEFA Cup final if Middlesbrough make it. Big test for Brad Jones in the second leg of the semi though - I'll be watching with interest to see how he goes. I've been very happy with him in the first-team matches he's played this season, but he's no Schwarzer yet. Also at Boro, Viduka had a slight thigh strain that caused him to miss the FA Cup semi, but he'll definitely be back for the next match. Cahill is the biggest worry at this stage, mainly because it's unknown - he's having scans on his knee which was apparently "twisted" during a clash. They are hoping it's not to serious. With Everton's remaining games pretty much irrelevant, they can afford to rest him until the rest of the season if needed - and the break will probably do him good given the amount of football he's been playing. Stan Lazaridis is unlikely to play again this season for Birmingham due to a lingering groin problem, and the side is still looking destined for relegation despite drawing with Everton - something that should help an A-League side secure his services. Moore has lifted his game significantly since his horrible debut for Newcastle, and won MOTM in Newcastle's 3-0 win over West Brom - every match he's getting better. Alaves lost 1-0 to Atletico Madrid, and it's getting more probable that Aloisi will be looking for a new club over the summer as they're looking more and more like relegation material now. He's pretty lucky we're in the WC - the exposure should go a long way towards getting him a good move. Bresciano played half a match and Grella the whole game in a 1-1 draw with Siena, meaning they won't be in Europe next season. Bresciano is hot property and out of contract, and Parma aren't expected to hold onto him - most recently rumours have linked him with Lazio. John Filan's Wigan was unlucky to go down 1-0 at Fulham with a depleted defence. Scott McDonald played a mere 10 minutes for Motherwell, who drew 1-1 with Falkirk. On the opposing team Danny McBreen had a couple of good chances, and forced some good saves. Danny Invincible had some good chances against Aberdeen where Kilmarnock drew 0-0. Popovic played a full game in Palace's 2-1 win over Southampton despite the losing side's dominance. Palace are assured of a place in the playoffs for promotion back to the Prem. Leicester's Patrick Kisnorbo was sent off last week for an ugly, ugly tackle on Coventry's Andy Whing, and missed this week's 1-0 win over Plymouth. Skoko played in Stoke City's 1-0 loss to Coventry, and will be happy with a successful season on loan after being on the outer at Wigan. The Eiredivisie took a break before playoffs this weekend, but after Vidmar's NAC Breda suffered a 6-2 thrashing at the hands of Culina's title-winning PSV side last weekend they're condemned to the knockout to avoid relegation. On the other side of the coin, Brett Holman was instrumental in helping Excelsior Rotterdam clinch the Dutch second-division title a few weeks ago, securing them promotion to the Eiredivisie for next season. The Swiss Super League didn't play this weekend either, but Chipperfield and Sterjovski's Basel are 6 points clear at the top of the Super League with 4 rounds to go. Milicevic's FC Thun are out of the running for the title but will be happy with making the group stages of the Champions League for the first time, and finishing a strong third in a tough group. Milicevic has been linked with several clubs in the Bundesliga and is tipped for a move in the summer, possibly to Hamburg SV or Wolfsburg. Kalac did not play in Milan's rough 3-1 win over Messina, which resulted in several injuries, although Dida remains fit and healthy.
Re: Ahmad Elrich update I'm pretty sure that Holman plays for Excelsior Rotterdam in the Dutch 2nd division.
Re: Ahmad Elrich update Crap, you're right. Mousecron is Claey's ex-club, I'm getting them confused. Stupid, I actually read an article a few weeks ago about him helping them clinch the second division title. Fixed.
Re: Ahmad Elrich update we donot have a second division. We have the "Eredivisie" (= Division of Honour) and the first division/Gouden Gids divisie (Golden Guide Division)
Re: Ahmad Elrich update WOW what great names. The A-League should change their name to The Great Southern Half Decent Division Of Wannabe Champions, something long and impresive
Tim Cahill out for 6weeks For your information: http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?...575&lid=3&title=Crocked Cahill faces Cup race
There are threads in the World Cup posts; "Diesler hurt", "Totti hurt" as well as other players; yet, this pivotal and crucial injury to a Socceroo is swept into one big thread out of the World Cup area. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/4946590.stm
It wasn't swept anyway.It is reported in the Australia board because,I would imagine anyway,it only has relevance to Australia.And maybe some Everton fans.Besides,he will obviously miss the rest of the season for Everton,but he'll still be in Germany,so I don't see the big deal.
It really isn't that big of a deal. Cahill will probably play in the game against Japan, probably off the bench. Not sure who will replace him in the starting line up though. I'd Like to see Aloisi possibly partner Dukes or have Chipperfield and Emerton as wingbacks. Although, i really don't really trust Emerton on the pitch and neither do Blackburn.
Yes I agree totally.Often with knee injuries,the diagnosis off the bat,can be misleading because the severity of the swelling will be up and down like a toilet seat for a few days afterwards.He will be right for Germany,but I don't think I'd be starting him in the first game,and as I said elsewhere,I'm not sure that he would've been anyway.
Perhaps a savvy coach like Hiddink will ponder Cahill's fitness for the Cup; But I definitely think with injuries piling up to Schwertzer, Kewell and Viduka, even though none of these appear to threat their status for the World Cup, the Toffee needs to be included in the squad if healthy enough. A partial tear of the posterior cruciate ligament is not as serious as one to the anterior cruciate ligament. That is his role to often come in to a National Team's game. We saw how the Socceroos lost to Uruguay with Cahill on the bench, but turned it around in the next game. On June 12th, we will see my friends!
Re: Ahmad Elrich update I thought it was the Eerste Divisie 'second division'??, anywho Excelsior will be playing Eredivise next season
Re: Ahmad Elrich update UEFA Cup: [result]Viduka scored once for Middlesbrough in a gripping come-from-behind 4-2 win over Steaua Bucharest, which is just enough to send Boro to the UEFA Cup final. Brad Jones (standing in for injured Schwarzer in goal) had a couple of good saves, however in each case the opposition scored on the follow-up. Middlesbrough will play Sevilla in the final. It is hoped that Schwarzer will be fit in time for the match, otherwise it is expected that fellow Australian Jones will get the nod ahead of Ross Turnbull, who has recently returned to Boro from a loan deal with Crewe and sat on the bench for the Steaua match.[/result]
Neill tips Cahill to play By Sebastian Hassett April 28, 2006 AUSTRALIA midfield player Tim Cahill's World Cup outlook has brightened considerably with further diagnosis of his injured knee. International teammate Lucas Neill said today Cahill was now certain he'll overcome injury in time for the Cup starting on June 9. Cahill partially tore his posterior cruciate ligament during Everton's match with Birmingham on Saturday and the club's head physio initially forecast a six-week recovery period. "He is supremely confident he will be okay," Neill told Sydney radio station 2KY from England today. "The worst fears were that it was going to be six, seven or eight weeks or possibly even worse. "But he has seen so many knee surgeons in the last few days and all have brought his time down to three or four weeks." Neill said that Cahill, a former club teammate at Millwall, was an key member of the national team and its World Cup campaign. "He is very important. We are all going to get two or three weeks rest, but Tim can get a couple of extra considering he has played almost every game this season for Everton," Neill said. "In saying that, you want to be going in feeling confident about your body and feeling strong about yourself. "It is not the perfect preparation going into a World Cup, but those extra weeks could be in his favour." I guess you were right
Craig Moore got his second MOTM yesterday in as many matches, following the toons game vs Birmingham Birmingham relegated, not good news for Neil Kilkenny, hopefully he kills it in the championship next season.
This is what Australia needed.I don't think anyone doubts our abilities in the mids/forwards,but we really needed Moore to come good for our defence to help out Neill,Chipperfield,Emerton and Popovic.Don't want to sound too optimistic,but if he continues,and manages to remain injury free,I think we become quite a formidable unit all over the pitch.
Don't know how serious it is, but Aloisi just got subbed for Alaves because of an Injury. Just got notice that he might have broken a bone in his foot, a lot like Rooney's injury. The radio was saying he might miss the WC. Don't know how true this is so don't freak out yet.
