Saudi Arabia vs Australia - World Cup Qualifier - Sept 6 [R]

Osieck must decide whether tall timber will stand out or be cut down
Michael Lynch
September 5, 2011

More anti-Jesus propaganda from the SMH

Thought I'd post it again. The highlights from Saudi's first game with Oman. Ended 0-0. Oman were the home team and seemed better imo. Both teams were terrible with finishing.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKx0_XwdW4g"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKx0_XwdW4g[/ame]
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pShfzmS8zB4&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pShfzmS8zB4&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL[/ame]

In an odd way I think Friday's game was a very good result for us. I think it's much better that we fly into Dammam with everyone on notice rather than bathing in elation and complacency.

My gut also says we're going to be less rubbish. Having to keep it compact and play out on the counter suits this team pretty well and if we're disciplined and keep concentration we could reprise some of the Uzbek game, as Saudi have to push up and attack us.

True...we are one of the worst teams when we are required to play a dominating/playmaking style of football. We just do not have the ability or knowledge of how to circulate the ball correctly (tempo, direction).

I think Australia will play well after a lot of critism after Thailand and play with full potential. I believe tactically we are better but only lacking is the physical fight with the Aussies which they can take advantage.
Anyways it will be tight match and hoping for the best.

Right. Jedi's more attacking than Kilkenny. This is kinda true but he uh, doesn't really pass all that well, does he?

Starting:

-------------Schwarzer
Wilkshire--Neill---Ognenovski--Zullo
--------Jedinak-----Valeri---
Emerton------Holman------McKay
-------------Kennedy

any links?

Guys did better than the States. The USA will not stand a chance against the Roos with the way they're playing.

Really good performance, Holger got the tactics spot on with Holman for Cahill.

Jedinak adds a lot of grit to our midfield and look at the difference a proper left fullback makes to gameplay.

dodgy but watchable webrip of the game at http://thepiratebay.org/***********....2014.Qualifying.Saudi.Arabia.v.Australia.flv until you find a better copy

Can't really fault anything, was a great away performance, very neat and tidy play from us. Complete opposite to what happened against Thailand.

Would still like to see Williams play somewhere there...anywhere...

Mabye give him a go at CB in a friendly? Can't be much worse than Neill right now. Good performance from Zullo BTW... Carney may now have lost that spot by the time he finds a new club, though there should be a place on the bench for a left footer such as him...

Carney was always a bit of a stopgap anyhow, I don't think he'll claim that place back.

From a midfield and forward perspective I agree, I think we have them covered in that area, but Howard is very good and capable of pulling off some great saves. I'd love to see both teams face off at full strength. And don't underestimate Altidore. He may have fallen away in terms of respect but he can still play.

I would really like to see him competing/playing with Jedinak/Valeri in midfield...he's certainly an upgrade over Kilkenny, despite some of the positive signs that he's shown in the last 6-12 months.

No, in terms of booking, I'd go with this:

Australia 1.24
Draw 5.67
USA 9.49