Those absences make it a lot harder to play Holger's 4-4-1-1 ---------------|Schwarzer| Wilkshire---Neill---Spiranovic---Carney ----------Milligan----Jedinak Rukavytsya----Bresciano------Brosque ------------------Kewell
A lot of waffle with not many answers from Hassett: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/injuries-and-absences-force-osieck-rethink-20120528-1zfae.html
The only two losses out of that scenario are Holman and Chris Herd. I was hoping to see the latter in action.
Was halfway tempted to watch this but I'm glad I came to my senses. By the sound of it we lined up: ---------------Schwarzer North-----Neill---Spiranovic-----McKay Wilkshire----Jedi---Bresc-----Thompson --------------Kewell---Brosque Not at all surprised the Danes carved that up. That's a worryingly Pim-like selection - persisting with players who shown nothing (Hi Jade!), sticking others way out of position (McKay) and generally favouring age over youth. At least Pim had the sense to play three in centre midfield. Osieck's high line and flat 4-4-2 is something from another era, and while it might get us through Asia this is a taste of what we can expect if we're still playing it in Brazil.
Ah I was wondering why Zullo and Williams weren't there. McKay really doesn't belong at LB as many have pointed out, but I think he did very well (I still question the sanity of Ally McCoist). Spiranovic worries me, I don't think he's getting any time for Urawa and it shows - Ognenovski should start against Oman. Archie isn't up to standard so it'll be good to welcome Holman back to the squad. Overall, not an unexpected result with that lineup, being in camp for a short time and last playing in February. Finishing needs to be more clinical, should've at least put 1 away. Could say the same for Denmark too... penalty and a scrappy goal. I can see why they're #10 though. Valeri scored for Sassuolo in their promotion play-off against Sampdoria overnight but unfortunately will be staying in Serie B unless he gets an offer.
Bresciano was ace in the midfield. He was our best player IMO. Brosque and Archie didn't really do that much but Kewell was pretty good. It always pains me to see McKay playing killer through balls from left back...such a waste. In saying that Carney was close to useless when he came on, so McKay was probably a good choice for LB considering Zullo's injury. As 007 said, we should have had at least 1 goal. Brosque had an opportunity to lay it on a plate for Archie, but he thought it was a better idea to kick it straight at the keeper. Also agree that Og will be starting against Oman, Spira looked pretty rusty.
The kilt wearers squad has been named: Allan McGregor (Besiktas), Matt Gilks (Blackpool), David Marshall (Cardiff) Alan Hutton (Aston Villa), Phil Bardsley (Sunderland), Christophe Berra (Wolves), Gary Caldwell (Wigan), Daniel Fox (Southampton), Grant Hanley (Blackburn), Russell Martin (Norwich), Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic), Andy Webster (Hearts) Charlie Adam (Liverpool), Barry Bannan (Aston Villa), Don Cowie (Cardiff), Graham Dorrans (West Brom), James Forrest (Celtic), Shaun Maloney (Wigan), James Morrison (West Brom), Robert Snodgrass (Norwich) Matt Phillips (Blackpool), Jamie Mackie (QPR), Steven Naismith (Everton), Jordan Rhodes (Huddersfield). http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/news-display/scotland-side-named-for-aussie-encounter/48430
Cockers starts on Osie! http://www.smh.com.au/sport/footbal...occeroos-out-of-time-warp-20120806-23qcl.html
And a few new names- but not the broad sweep that was asked for above. Australian squad: Australia: Mark Bresciano, Alex Brosque, David Carney, Jason Davidson, Adam Federici, Chris Herd, Brett Holman, Mile Jedinak, Neil Kilkenny, Robbie Kruse, Mitch Langerak, Scott McDonald, Ryan McGowan, Lucas Neill, Sasa Ognenovski, Mark Schwarzer, Archie Thompson, Carl Valeri, Luke Wilkshire, Rhys Williams .
Really good to see Davidson, Herd and McGowan there. And to be honest, a total sweep only sounds like a good idea to commenters and commentators, no self-respecting, non-Maradonna (but I repeat myself) coach would even think about it.
It's an encouraging squad. I like some of the new faces. The fact Archie is still getting selected illustrates how hard up we are for strikers. I really would like to have seen Osieck take a punt on someone else for that position in the squad.
And news from the Scots: http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1116166/Scotland-calls-in-reinforcements-to-face-Socceroos http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/socceroos/news/1116178/Rangers-midfielder-tipped-to-shine http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/socceroos/news/1116144/Levein-comments-misconstrued
I just came in to post that. Out with a quad. Fricken unlucky! Although I do wonder if it's just foxing from Villa.
Holger expects a "great challenge" http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/news/1116306/Osieck-expecting-'great-challenge'
Jeez, first international in years that I'm not really interested in. Hope we win while playing nice football but I'm not sold on guys like McGowan and Davidson yet. Seemed like a perfect opportunity to put Leckie in the squad at least, as opposed to someone like Archie. Think I'll sleep through this one.
Oh yeah: Kick-off is: 05:00 AEDT http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/calendar/match/August-2012/Scotland-vs-Qantas-Socceroos/2532
Pretty poor effort really. Once again the older experienced players are our best. Once again young players coming through don't put their hands up saying I should be a part of this squad. We may qualify for 2014, but unless some of the younger players start lifting their performances we wont be in Russia in 2018.