That's REALLY optimistic....not saying it can't happen (truly closing the gap) but 3-4 years is too short.
vs Craven Cottage will host the international friendly fixture between Saudi Arabia and Australia on Monday 8th September, kick-off 8:00pm. (local time) http://www.fulhamfc.com/Hosted/International/2014/Saudi Arabia Australia
I'm an optimist, and I did say at least meaning a minimum of 3-4 years. I agree it could take longer. Also by big boys I meant top 15, not top 2-3.
In a Nutshell, their defence was worse than ours. Theirs can't mark, whilst ours gives the ball away too much.
25 times: the apparent amount of passes Jedinak & especially Sainsy passed straight to an Saudi player. 2 times: goals originating from set pieces. 1 from open play and that was a counter. Was a brilliantly taken counter I must admit, but the fact we didn't score a goal from patient buildup was a worry.
So in about 3 weeks time the Socceroos travel to the middle east to face fellow AFC members the UAE and Qatar. Both games are away which annoyingly seems to be a trend with the Socceroos. I'd like to hope we'd comfortably win both matches, but who knows, our defence has issues. I'd imagine they'd go with roughly the same young squads that took on Belgium and KSA.
I think Australia will struggle against UAE in Dubai. UAE are a pretty good team these days. Have only lost 2 games out of 28 since start of 2012.
Aziz Behich, Mark Bresciano, Josh Brilliante, Tim Cahill, Jason Davidson, Adam Federici, Ivan Franjic, Chris Herd, James Holland, Bernie Ibini-Isei, Mile Jedinak, Tomi Juric, Mitch Langerak, Matthew Leckie, Massimo Luongo, Mark Milligan, Tommy Oar, Mat Ryan, Trent Sainsbury, Brad Smith, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, James Troisi, Alex Wilkinson. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/...roos-squad-20140925-10lrgi.html#ixzz3EHushieu
With all due respect to the UAE, if we have any conceptions about winning the Asian Cup, even at home, we have to be able to put away sides like the UAE away, on a consistent basis. The talent pool is there- not as good as it was, but better than its currently showing. They just need to cut out the silly errors in defence.
UAE v Australia 10 October 2014 Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE Kick-Off 6.30pm (1.30am AEDT October 11) http://www.news.com.au/sport/footba...-socceroos-squad/story-fndkzvnd-1227070034589
Oar and Herd out of this game: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-10/tommy-oar-and-chris-herd-to-miss-socceroos-uae-clash/5803396
Ange was realistic in his review: and: http://www.footballaustralia.com.au...ck-after-stalemate/16n5u5j8nczhl1b5vaams7hz0x
Venue: Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha Broadcast details: Wednesday, 15 October - Fox Sports 2, 2.30am (Kick off 3.00am AEDT).