Hi,
Two questions about this development;
1. Will one of Soccer Australia's proposed friendlies FINALLY actually happen?
According to Soccer Australia, no. Unless a contract has actually been signed, any proposed friendlies are just that, proposed. The England match is signed, sealed and delivered. Well, it's in transit. It's Argentina in Australia next June that's the real worry.
2. If and when we do play the Poms, how do you think we'd go?
Depends on how seriously England take it. Hopefully it's serious, unlike their last friendly against Portugal when seven substituions were made at half time. Because it's a friendly, it's up to the two countries to dictate the terms of the match. Already Farina has said he wants it to be serious, meaning only 3 subs like you'd get with official games. I'd say they'll compromise with 5 subs, but in the end, Australia and Farina will probably take the match however England dictates.
So, to answer, if it's non-serious, it's anybody's. But serious, England are obvious favourites. I'd think England would do everything in their power not to lose to Australia, and Australia will find it very difficult to score. In that case, don't be surprised at a 0-0 draw.
In my opinion, we can match it with anyone on our day, we've beaten France and Brazil and Uruguay in the past, so we can match it with England I'm sure. Also been reading that Okon will probably not play due to his lack of time at Leeds. I reckon we need to play a few young kids, like Bresciano and Neill and Grella, so come 2005 when we embark on qualifying, hopefully we will have more potent midfielders.
I've already said on the website that Okon's time is up. Facts are, he disappointed against Uruguay, and other players in his position have surpassed him. It's not realistic to pick him at this stage. Provided Farina sticks with his usual formation (it could time for a change back to a sweeper system), I'd try Grella in his spot against England, whilst also trying to incorporate Bresciano in midfield. Those two, along with Emerton, Skoko, Tiatto and Kewell, should form the basis of the midfield. I can't see a way for Okon to come back.
Also read that Lazaridis may not play, at least in the starting 11, cos people want Kewell on the left. Kewell is brilliant on the left, but Lazaridis is also valuable. He's great with corners.
Lazaridis is unfortunately getting on and beginning to taper and will have trouble getting a spot ahead of previously mentioned players, and Neill at wingback. He's in a purple patch at present and yes, cornering is vital, but you need more from players than just that, and he just can't be placed ahead of Kewell at wide-left.
With the Kewell/left-midfield debate that preceded the Uruguay games, people basically forgot the implication on Lazaridis. Farina played Kewell up front so Lazar could play. He wanted his best players on the pitch period, rather than the best players in the best positions scenario that could dilute the overall quality of player on the pitch. That's a quandary he still has today. So to say Kewell must play left, also says that Lazar does not play. There's no where to put him. It's a tough decision. But as they same, a champion team beats a team of champions. The team of champions failed against Uruguay.
If Kewell and Viduka dont play in this one, I will be livid. The match is scheduled for a international break, so there is no excuses. I was furious when Kewell didnt come down for the Olympics, and his general lack of game time for Oz has really annoyed me. He's a great player, and from what I've seen a pretty decent bloke, but he's got to play more. There have been times in the past where I have doubted Kewell's true commitment and desire to play for Australia. What do you think?
Kewell was injuried before the Olympics - he would have appeared otherwise. But I get your point at his reluctance to play. I once felt he was being selfish and should play more for Australia, but now think that the travelling to Australia for insignificant matches (friendlies and qualifers against island nations) is not only a burden, but not worth the risk at losing your spot at your club. In fact, few overseas player are now called up for home matches during the club season for, not only Australia, but most other non-European countries.
Kewell would be first to admit that at the start of his club career he did forsake the team to cement his club position. That's fair enough because that's his entire career. Other players have done the same, including Okon and Bosnich, who both famously "retired" from international football just prior to the Canadian games in the 1993 World Cup qualifiers. In Europe, there's only been Hungary, Scotland and the Confederations Cup that Australia has played in during the past few years. Kewell played against Hungary but was injured for Scotland and too tired for the CC. Viduka was the same. In fact, quite a few players missed the CC, on the back of a tough club season, last year.
Viduka's attitude has always been inspirational to me, I can tell he wants to play. But his form for Australia has been a worry to me, particuarly in the Uruguay/ France matches. But its on England soil, against many players he actually scores against for Leeds, so i'm thinking things will change.
Viduka's always had the luxury of being established at club level (he played in the lowly Croatian league originally, and then Scotland) so could come back. Plus, he's a tougher character and prepared to stand up to his clubs for what is actually his right to play for his country. Kewell's profile is now high enough that he can now do the same. A good sign is that after the Uruguay debacle, I think all the players now feel that they need to play more, and Kewell has been vocal in this respect. Because, with almost certain direct qualification to the World Cup via Oceania, Australia won't need to play any matches until 2005, the players will commit to playing the qualifiers against even the minor island nations. Really, they have to, because Farina has stated he won't pick players for the World Cup that have bypassed the qualifying rounds.
Club versus country is an increasing problem and I now have all sympathy for the players and the clubs. They pay their wages and invest in their future, so should not be so inconvenienced with players trapesing off around the world during the season. The root of the problem is due to Fifa's crazy calendar of mid-week international matches upsetting the club season. As I discussed in the recent Big Problems, Simple Solutions editorial, the only solution is to segregate the club and internationals seasons so there can be no clash.
You're right, Viduka is an inspiration. He's probably my favourite player. Not only because of his skill, but his attitude both on and off the pitch. There's talk that Kewell could be the next captain, but I'd like it to go to Dukes. He's already captained the Young Socceroos and the Olyroos, and seemed to do it well. Most of all, the players respect him.
Yes, his form for Australia is statistically poor. He's only scored twice in about 15 games (against Tunisia in a friendly just prior to the 1997 World Cup qualifiers and then against Mexico in the 1997 Confederations Cup). However, it must be remembered that most of his appearances have been against countries superior to Australia or the tougher World Cup qualifiers. At youth and Olympic level, he scored freely. He's also been used as more of a holding striker than an out and out scorer in many appearances. Plus, he's been a tad unlucky. Still don't know how he missed that close range header off Okon's throw-in against Uruguay in Montevideo that would have put Australia at 1-1 and in the box seat to qualify.
Well, thats it. I'm happy, but I just dont want to be pissed off in a couple of months
time because SA announce they have had to scrap the match due to financial reasons. And I
reckon we can beat England.
Don't worry, the match against England will go ahead. Financial problems will
certainly not bring it undone. It's all been signed-up. It's only 3 months away, so just
look forward to it and hope England take it as seriously as Australia desires.
Cheers,
Sean.