Waiting for Saudi game against Australia now, even though Australia is clear favorites while Saudis are out-of-form but still anticipating another good game with general expectation of Australia being on top. One of my friend even states that Aussie will cruise 4-0 or 5-0 over Saudis since Saudi players are short in mid-field and the attackers are out-of-form but you never know...
Whoever your friend is, isn't a realist. We're a good side, but the conditions even out the playing field. We weren't going to win by that margin away from home, and with the Saudis scoring their well taken two goals, I'm happy with the point. I'm flabbergasted that Ange waited so long before making subs. Kruse, although good, looked gassed from the 1st minute, and a lot of players were almost walking in the end, and yet he left two subs to only go on with 5 minutes remaining. I didn't understand why he didn't at least make one change a lot earlier. There's no extra time in this one......
Considering the circumstances I'm happy with the result, but yeah I didn't like that the last two subs were brought in late into the game
I also posted this in the Asian forum: There are a lot of things that make up a good footballer but I must say I've always been impressed with the technical ability of Japanese players to keep the ball in tight spaces, 1v1 attacking situations and the vision/creativity to put a through ball. I don't think our current Socceroos are at that technical quality yet and I'd be very surprised if Japan don't become the first Asian team to win the World Cup, whether that is in 10, 20 or 30 years. That's no disrespect to what's going on in Australia, I think we are headed in the right direction, but no matter the result tonight, I think we are technically very behind the Japanese.
I was at the game tonight. I definitely felt that Japan gave us a hard time and were stronger at times. I was entertained nonetheless and I'm happy with the 1-1 draw.
The rules: Clothing for spectators shall be in polite manner with suggested colours such as white, black, grey and preferably with no designs on them. Equipment such as drums, trumpets, flags, megaphones, whistles, cheering sticks and any other equipment will not be allowed to enter the stadium. Spectators are not allowed to show any symbols. Banners will not be allowed to enter the stadium. Fan chants, along with any other activities that are considered joyful, are strictly prohibited both inside the stadium and surrounding areas. http://www.triplem.com.au/sydney/sp...roos-fans-for-their-next-world-cup-qualifier/
Talk about being culturally different. I've seen some posts of people raging which is not surprising but we need to respect the custom of others. We expect certain things in Australia that others might find odd so we can't complain.
Yep- I'd rather go watch with rules, rather than have the game suspended/moved with all of your travel already locked in!
guys what date and time and what channel will australia vs thailand match be broadcasted in sydney? thx
We were terrible last night. What I don't understand is why Ange continues to call up Brad Smith and Robbie Kruse when they are not getting any game time. I feel like Aziz Behich and Alex Gersbach should be given a go instead, since they are playing regularly.
Goodwin is playing regularly in the Dutch first division too (scoring goals and setting them up). Could even push him further forward to act as a winger (might actually get back and help defenders then ... which Kruse had no interest in). Mooy was terrible last night ... he was well off his game. Him and Rogic in the same two don't work unless they change up their set up IMO. Luongo sorely missed ... adds run, steel and doesn't mind running at players (which only Burns really did last night). Degenek isn't a RB either ... Risdon should have got the nod ahead of him.
Yep- they looked gassed after 10 minutes. I know the conditions weren't the best but, playing regularly will make a difference. I noted in the Asia thread, the wide men of the front three have to really step up and start scoring. Kruse & Leckie, their scoring record HAS to improve for us to be a threat in the years to come. Looking dangerous is great, but scoring goals is essential.
So we'd have a different keeper (which neither are comfortable playing the style required for Australia) A different left and right back. The same centre back pairing (although I'd have Wright over Spiranovic) ... Sainsbury actually played in the Chinese Cup on the weekend (so his season isn't over). In the midfield you'd have Irvine instead of Jedinak (which I wouldn't do ... I think Milligan would be a better bet). Then we would have had Jeggo in there with Mooy (Luongo wasn't available for the Thai game otherwise he probably would have started alongside Mooy). Up top would have been quite different Burns, Apo and Leckie ... For me the engine of Luongo was really missing in the midfield (too much space in there for the Thai game). Mooy looked tired ... might have been better to leave him in England to get some R&R??