Socceroos: Chile Tournament, Czech vs,
Hungary vs, vs Paraguay, LG Cup (Kuwait, Korea), Scotland vs
Olyroos: Adelaide Tournament, Slovakia vs, Holland vs, NZ vs South Africa Qualifiers
Matildas: Australia Cup, Pacific Cup, North Korea vs and China Tour
Clubs: World Club Championship, NSL Grand Final
Socceroos
Four Nation Tournament in Chile involving Chile,
Australia, Bulgaria and Slovakia
First Game
10 February 2000: Red Card Blues again.
Like the last time Australia played Chile in Chile, a red card - this time to Van
Blerk - cost Australia a hard fought draw. Chile opened the scoring at the 5 minute
mark, but an Australia response from Steve Corica came 10 minutes later to see the game
balanced at 1-1. With Australia looking the most likely to score again, and Danny
Tiatto again starring, the turning point of the match came at the 65th minute with the
send off. Australia seemed likely to escape with a draw, but depressingly, a penalty
was converted in injury time in what turned out to be the last play of the match.
Coach Farina was happy with the team's performance that overcame the hassle of several
locally based players arriving late due to an aircraft mishap. His 4-4-2 formation again
worked well, and created several scoring chances. In the other match, Bulgaria
defeated Slovakia 1-0. Slovakia, who apparently out-played their
opposition, will be Austalia's next opponent.
Second Game
13 February 2000: No reward again
With newspaper reports stating Australia was hard done by with the refereeing
decisions against Chile (Van Blerk's push was mild and the penalty was an out and out
dive), the unlucky Australian team, which dominated most of the match, was hoping to
obtain reward against their next oposition, Slovakia. And, again, Australia did dominate
the match but profligacy in front of goal saw the teams battle out a 0-0 draw. Onto
Bulgaria and nothing but a win would be acceptable for coach Farina.
Third Game
16 February 2000: Bulgaria let off the hook.
Frank Farina is still chasing his first win at full A international level as
Australia drew 1-1 with Bulgaria today. Paul Agostino put Australia ahead in the
first minute, but in the last minute, Bulgaria despairingly summoned an equaliser.
While Australia did not control the match like the previous games, they still created the
better chances, without significant reward. For all Bulgaria's possession, it
amounted to just one save by Schwarzer for the match with Australia content to sit back
and pick them off on the break. Chile, who'd already won the tournament, lost 2-0 to
Slovakia in the other game. Coach Farina has signalled that he will retain his 4-4-2
system, and although the results have not come, the team's performances have been
improving every game. In fact, and with some better refereeing and a bit of luck, or
if the games were only played until the 89th minute, Australia would have won the
tournament. As it is, they finished last with two draws and one loss.
Standout players on this tour include replacement Luke Casserly, Shaun Murphy, Steve
Laybutt and Danny Tiatto. In fact, Tiatto is likely to be in the team for the next
game - against Hungary on the 23rd - which will be at full strength. This match
will be televised live on SBS at 6am next Thursday.
International Friendly: Hungary vs Australia
24 February 2000: Austro/Hungarian Empire Destroyed
Australia last played Hungary nearly three years ago, and obtained a 3-1 victory at a game
where Olympic supremo Samaranch honoured Hungary's great player of the 50s, Ferenc Puskas.
There was no fanfare this time but despite some shocking decisions in failing to
check the Hungarian rough play, Australia overcame both the Austrian referee and the
Hungarian players to win decisively, 3-0. Hungary were greeted with a succession of
corners early on, with Laybutt scoring his first ever goal for the national team after
volleying home a rebound from the soaring head of Craig Moore at the 12th minute.
Four minutes later, Viduka and Kewell had one defender between them but unfortunately
Viduka's pass went straight to the opposition to thwart another golden chance. From
then on, Hungary recovered to launched some dangerous corners of their own. With
Australia easing up on their tight closing down of opponents and becoming complacent,
Hungary's desire to foul Australia's dangerous ball players like Tiatto, Skoko, and
especially Kewell, increased, Hungary saw out the half with the better chances. A penalty
was missed by the referee as Moore's raised hand brushed the ball from a corner, and as
the Hungarians attacked vigorously down the left, a shot from close range hit the cross
bar after some confusion in the penalty box. Unfortunately for them, most of their
attacks were brought to nothing with poor final balls and good Australian defending.
Only at corners did Australia seem vulnerable.
With Kewell's ankle injury flaring up, Agostino came on in the second half for him with immediate improvement up forward. There seems to better chemistry between he and Viduka, compared with Kewell/Viduka. However, it was Hungary that started the most enterprising with raids down the left causing much havoc. Meanwhile, Australia were content to soak it up and counter attack. This made for an open and attractive game, but despite all this action, Bosnich only made one stop, which was an easy long shot. In fact, the thing that disturbed him the most was the dead fish and toilet paper thrown onto the pitch in protest of a part ownership by an Australian company of a mine that leaked cyanide into local rivers. Not only that, there were many signs showing the anger of the locals like "fish murderers" and "swim home".
Anyway, after the Hungarian midfield exhausted itself midway through the second half, Australia came into the match with several great breaks out of midfield. Agostino had a good head attempt of Viduka at the 55th minute, and a few minutes later, shot straight at the keeper from a Tiatto cross. It was here that the referee when crazy as Agostino was brought down by the keeper charging out of his box with studs up. There was not that much contact, but still enough - and also the dangerous intent - that most would expect a red card for the keeper. Instead, Agostino received yellow for diving. Then, minutes later, a less dangerous Viduka studs-up tackle saw him get a yellow. To be fair, both should have been red carded. With Tiatto tiring, Foster came on and impressively set up several chances. He had a shot on his own as he broke through down the left, but his weak shot went straight to the keeper. Then, after setting Viduka free with a jig inside and lovely through ball, Viduka dribbled his marker to send a low cross that was eventually converted by Skoko, who was probably playing his best ever game for Australia. With two minutes left, Foster almost got on the end of a Lazaridis cross. And a minute later, Lazaridis was again in the action when a corner was eventually rebounded back to him, for him to cross straight back in. Moore, sprinting through the middle, volleyed home for the 3-0 result.
An excellent result, and despite some awkward moments from set pieces, coach Farina finally received his first win. The players seem at ease with the 4-4-2 formation, but it will no doubt be really tested in the next game against the Czech Republic in a few weeks who will be far more formidable than this Hungarian team. Whilst the Czechs lost 3-2 to Ireland overnight, they went through their Euro campaign winning all ten games. A good performance with their strongest team will really show Australia just how well they are progressing at this point in time
International Friendly: Czech Rep vs Australia
30 March 2000: Czechs out-class out-of-sorts Australians 3-1 in Teplice
Hopes were high coming into this friendly after Australia beat Hungary 3-0 last
month. With draws against both England and Liechtenstein, it was difficult to rate
Hungary as an opponent as well as to relate the performance on whether it would be good
enough against the Czechs. Within 10 minutes, the tone of the game was set with the
Czechs breaking from midfield quickly whilst Australia absorbed and adjusted to the game
and the slippery pitch. Unfortunately, Australia could not counter the height,
speed, cohesion and physical presence of their opponents. Kalac saved an early
header from a free kick, whilst Australia's defenders constantly scrambled back to, and in
some cases, foul, the Czech marauders. At the 10 minute mark, a bullet like corner
from Nedved that was, like with most of his others he took, placed outside the arc,
surprised the Australians, and myself included, and was powered home by Fukal. Heck,
Nedved's run-up to the corner was almost of Roberto Carlos proportions.
From this point on, Australia did settle and gained more possession. But still, the Czechs did come. Six-foot-seven Koller narrowly missed a chip shot, whilst at the other end, only a Viduka mazy run that beat 4 opponents before being gobbled up by the keeper, was Australia's only real chance. Soon after, a Poborsky break saw the ball spill through as he cut inside the Australian defense, only for it to eventually fall to Koller. At close range, Kalac again made another great save - this time with his feet whilst he was on the ground - whilst Nedved skied the rebound from point blank range. While Australia did compete successfully, their lack of innovation and sloppy passing in going forward let them down, and eventual turnovers in midfield were a constant source for Czech attacks. And with four changes in defense from the last game, they looked out of sorts and vulnerable when not set. 1-0 at half time, and with seemingly more to come.
Agostino had an early attempt in the second half, again as the result of some brilliant Viduka dribbling. The resultant corner fell to Skoko whose mid-range drive was well saved. From this point on, Viduka was double teamed which significantly reduced his impact. To its credit, Australia started looking the more likely to score, but again a midfield error resulted in mayhem at the back. Poborsky pounced and sped away down the right flank at the 57th minute. The cross-field switch fell to an unmarked player, who then crossed brilliantly for the giant Koller to head in at close range. Australia still kept plugging away, with Agostino having a couple more shots. However, the Australian naivety continued and a Czech counter attack saw Koller luckily get past Popovic. The ball was then taken up by Poborsky whose magical backpass back to Koller was then passed on to substitute Ulich who duly scored into an open net at the 67th minute.
Both teams made substitutes, with Foster, Zane, Casserly and Murphy coming on for Corica, Agostino, Van Blerk and Muscat. As the match petered out, Fukal again went close from a corner, whilst in the 89th minute, Foster got a consolation goal for Australia after a great cross took out the keeper and left a vacant net. Along with a later cross that sailed across the face, this was the only time Australia got real space on the wings.
So, the test versus the best failed. Whilst Farina was reasonably pleased with the performance, one thing is for sure, that some lessons have been learnt. Breaking quickly from midfield has always been the bane of Australia teams, with match reports from all age levels on this page, has highlighted my frustration at the inability to execute them, or combat them. The tendency to hold up play and try and beat opponents, rarely wins. It is speed and directness that does at international level. Once the attack breaks down, then you mess about. But any possession gains in midfield should be turned straight into meaningful attacks. The Czechs were masters at this and their ability to have instantly 3-4 players almost on the Australian last line caused all the trouble. Whilst in defense, they always had plenty of numbers back. It was as though they were almost playing without a midfield, when in actual fact, it was antipation, speed and a well drilled game plan. Australia may have had some players missing, but I don't think it really mattered in the end: they were tactically outplayed. If the Czech's can survive the draw of France, Holland and Denmark at Euro 2000, they should go far.
Player wise, the defense was disorganised, but that could possibly be forgiven due to the late withdrawals and the slippery conditions. Individually, Van Blerk seemed slightly out of his depth with several touches letting him down. Lazaridis and Corica did not have great games and were constantly dispossessed when trying to beat opponents. But then, they were playing a better opponent. Tiatto is definitely the best choice at left midfield, whilst Foster is on the right, it seems. The strikers did not click as usual, but that was mainly due to the lack of service. Kalac performed very well as goalie. So, all in all, a not too bad, if not predictable, result. Especially against the number two team in the world.
Paraguay Series in Australia
10 June 2000, Game 1: Sterile start to Paraguay series
Australia and Paraguay played out a lackluster 0-0 draw in Sydney last night.
In a match against a potential World Cup opponent, Australia were untroubled
defensively, and showed more enterprise in attack. However, both teams' tentative
approach to the game made for very little goal-mouth action in the first half.
In fact, the main highlight was probably Jerry Lewis (yes, that's the real Jerry
Lewis and have no idea what he was doing at such an insignificant football game) when he
jokingly tossed the coin away at the captains' toss, and pretended he could not find it,
when in fact he never tossed it in the first place. On the pitch, the best chance of
the game came from a lovely backheel that sent Zdrillic free, and whose cross brought out
a good save from an Agostino header. This was the first time this pairing had played
together and was the first game for Zdrillic since the Optus World Series in early 1997 -
the start of the Venables era. They proved lively in attack, but any crosses sent in
were generally cut out easily by the Paraguayan defenders. Australia's short striker
force obviously needed pin-point crosses or balls played to their feet. The only
time Paraguay seemed under threat from the air was for free kicks when quite often
Australian's would win the ball. In fact, Murphy had a good opportunity that
ballooned over the bar in the 12th minute. There were also some rash challenges by
Australia - especially a Muscat high tackle that received a yellow - which brought
Chilavert into the match with his back chat. These intimidatory tactics did not go
down well and eventually saw him gain a yellow card in the second half.
However, his famed free kick taking skills were put on show early on, but the 45metre
range shot was hit meekly into the wall. Heading towards half time, both teams
became more adventurous with Danny Tiatto, again, proving highly dangerous.
This pattern continued in the second half as Tiatto and Lazaridis on the left and Emerton on the right continued to get into could wide positions, however, most of the crosses went straight to Chilavert or missed any Australian attackers by miles. As both teams opened up, more opportunities looked on. However, with both team's poor final balls, plus numbers at the back, most attacks were brought undone. Paraguay's best chance then came as their known counter-attacking game almost produced the goal when a long ball over the top sent a man clear and whose shot was ably stopped by Kalac in goal. Of course, Chilavert kept coming up for free kicks - one against a Popovic yellow which again also gained Chilavert a card for his mouthing off - that brought out a good save by Kalac. Australia also now tried to capitalize on them by quickly booting the ball forward, but to no avail.
With both teams desperate not to concede - in fact, one Paraguay player even resorted to an AFL style spoil with his fist, which strangely, the referee did not yellow card for deliberate hand-ball - a goal never really looked liked coming. Australia still did have the better chances though. A fabulous Lazaridis run brought an even better cross only for Zane to head it straight to the goalie. And Zane had another good chance just prior, this time off Agostino. Then strangely, Colosimo replaced the excellent Tiatto - maybe due to fatigue - which seemed to remove any impetus the left side had. However, he did have a long shot on goal. A.Vidmar came on for Foster too, and both he and Okon starting producing more out of mid-field. In fact, Okon had quite a good game with many a nice pass hitting difficult targets. Meanwhile Paraguay, rarely trouble the goal, with the main highlight being a donkey kick on goal reminicisent of Rene Higuita against England some years ago. As the game drew into injury time, Australia had the last of its six corners (Paraguay had none for the game) and almost scored. The ball bounced back out of the box for Okon to rocket back and then for Zane to deflect in. However, several Australian's were offside and the goal was disallowed.
So a reasonable result considering the defensive nature of the game and the counter attacking tactics of Paraguay, but Australia did show enough in going forward to suggest they have the better of this team. Paraguay could do better to pay Australia more respect as their constant tactic of trying to beat opponents by dribbling past them and/or with cute little flick passes were easily brought undone by an Australian team that had enough technical skill to cope with them. Of course, one game does not mean much, and it is also wise to remember that both teams fielded largely b-teams. Apparently eight or so Paraguayans were missing from the recent World Cup qualifier against Ecuador, although most of the France98 squad are in this squad. Australia, whilst missing the noticeable Viduka, Kewell and Bosnich, also missed recent first choices T.Vidmar, Skoko, Moore and even Laybutt. Expect stronger teams from both countries and more enterprise going forward now that the feeling-out process has been completeted.
Game 2
12 June 2000: Another dull draw
Australia and Paraguay continued the trend of the first game by again playing out
a drab 0-0 draw, this time in front of a sparse Gabba crowd of 3500 in Brisbane.
With 11 changes - that is the whole team - Australia went in afresh and again showed lack
of impetus up front. Paraguay, for their efforts, continued their counter attacking game
that they are known for and gave the Australians no width or space. Again, fouls
were a plenty, and so were the yellow cards. The largely local based Australians did
however have the best chances, more possesion, and deserved to win, but did not.
A.Vidmar nearly scored with a header in the first few minutes but was just tipped over the
bar. Fellow "blast from the past" player Carl Veart also went incredibly
close after a nice buildup saw his header go just over the bar. Zane was lively most
of the game and had a good chance too. Like last time, and Paraguay is just as guilty,
final balls were poor, crosses were hit too low which gave no hope for Australia's tall
players, and the 11 crosses were just as impotent. Australia were more content to
shoot from range, or even, in frustration as the shot tally of 19 suggests.
Paraguay's 9 shots for the game were largely impotent too, with Clint Bolton only making
one save - that being a smother off Gonzalez as he looked to chip Bolton in a one-on-one
situation. Next game is in Melbourne, and while I doubt the crowds will be that
good, lets hope the match at last provides some entertainment. Viduka has intimated
that he wants to play in front of his home crowd, and coach Farina should be able to
select the best 11 from the first two games.
Game 3
15 June: Finally, a Goal
This Paraguay series has been marred by the lack of goal action and offensive initiative,
by both sides, and it was hoped the third and final game of the series would finally
produce. It did, has Australia were rewarded for their more enterprising play
thoughout the series with a 2-1 win.
Predictably, Australia opened in a blaze of glory which resulted in several early corners and good shots on goal by Emerton and Agostino. The foul count of the previous games continued in this game, but thankfully, Australia did restrain themselves, and it was Paraguay that were the main culprits. Unfortunately, they were allowed to get away with it as the referee was not strict enough. Despite giving Chivavert (finally) a yellow for back chat and intimidation tactics, a brutal kick-stab to the groin on Foster went completely unnoticed. Anyway, as the game progressed, Australia were again let down by their poor set piece attempts. And disconcertingly, Paraguay adopted their sit-back tactics to stifle the Australians. Paraguay's best chance was a long shot over the top that released Caceres. Kalac, in a portent for events later on and miles out of his box, was lucky that Caceres tripped as he dribbled to save red faces. At 1-0 down, Paraguay would really have sat back. It was looking like Australia would not score going into the half time break, but a great run by Tiatto saw a penalty awarded as he was brought down heavily. However, captain Okon did not look confident and sent the penalty over the bar. Okon has never been a noted penalty taker and the fact that he is captain should not mean he should take them. It should go to the most capable.
Australia, after their 9-0 corners and 8-2 shots on goal in the first half, were rewarded almost as soon as the second half started. Foster latched onto a bobbling ball in the box, to place a low shot passed a seemingly surprised Chilavert. The shot seemed slow enough to save, but he did not dive, or maybe thought it would go wide. At the other end, tempers were ignited when Kalac was back-heeled in the head by Avalos as he lay on the ground after a save. From here on, the Paraguayans were very reckless and it was disappointing that the referee did not hand out more cards. Not just for the fouls, but the intimidation and back-chat. Chilavert was extremely lucky not to get another card. Paraguayan heads slumped when an Australian brisk counter attack (finally) saw Emerton - who was running wild down the right - deliver a low cross to Zdrillic. His quick turn and shot also went past Chilavert at the near post to score his first goal of his international career. Australia were cruising now, but celebrations were put on ice when a punt forward saw the dangerous loan striker Caceres racing to beat Kalac to the ball with two Aussie defenders on him. He got their first, slipped it past Kalac who was well out of his area, and scored a well executed goal from outside the side of the box on a reasonably acute angle.
Game on now, as both teams really opened up. Paraguay showed that they can play, and started to create several chances with their nifty players and passing skill. Wollongong Grand Final hero, Scott Chipperfield, along with Zane, came on for Tiatto and Zdrillic, but this seem to slow the local's attacking impetus. Tiatto was again outstanding and probably should be the third over age player to go to the Olympics, after Viduka and Okon. The game petered out from here, as Corica then came on for Foster, However, some more Kalac confusion, this time with a defender, saw the ball spring dangerously loose. He did not have that good a night. And Emerton did have a late effort when his low cross almost had Zane on the receiving end. As injury time elapsed, Chilavert came out and was hurried off the ball, only for it to land at the feet of Okon. His long lob almost scored, and may just have, if the wind had not been so strong. Chilavert took offense to something - maybe the rugged challenge on him - but his manhandling of the referee saw him finally received a second yellow, and hence a red, much to the cheers of the reasonably sized crowd of 7500. Other players manhandled the referee too and it was disappointing more action was not taken. I know you can't send everyone off, but it is time Fifa made a directive that any touch on a referee is strictly taboo, and will result in instant red. The fracas that evolved after the Chilavert sending off lasted several minutes - basically until the game's end.
So finally, some goals, but more importantly, a great competitive game for the local fans. Overall, Australia did dominate and will learn much from such an opponent. These South Americans are notorious for their spoiling tactics, and I personally hope we get a strict referee when it comes to the crunch. The leniency of the referee involved in the Iran game certainly did not help us in the end. It is off to Tahiti now for the Oceania championships, where the trouble in Fiji has seen Vanuatu replace Fiji as one of Australia's opponents (that'll make it easier!). For Paraguay, I hope we do end up facing them as I'd love to see Chilavert turn the villain in front of his own crowd as he lets in some soft Aussie goals. Finally, it was great to hear the "Chilavert is a wanker" chant go up as the crowd got sick of his antics. Hopefully someone told him what it meant.
Almost forgot, I was not there. Caught the replay later on
TV. The game was transferred to Olympic Park but the tickets were still an obscene
$50, and $38 for standing room. Hope IEC - Soccer Australia's new marketing arm - learn
something from the dismal crowds. If you want to sell the game to the masses, you
first need to get the masses to the games. If you can't get someone like me to a
game, then you have no hope. $25, maybe $30 tops, should have been the price.
Australia: Kalac, Muscat, Murphy, Popovic, Lazaridis, Okon, Emerton, Foster (Corica),
Tiatto (Chipperfield), Zrdrillic (Zane), Agostino
Squad for the Paraguay series
GKs: Mark Bosnich (Manchester United), Zeljko Kalac (Roda JC)
Defenders: Steve Horvat (Carlton), Kevin Muscat (Wolverhampton) Con Blatsis (South
Melbourne) Tony Popovich (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Steve Laybutt (Paramatta) Stan Lazardis
(Birmingham).
Midfield: Steve Corica (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Aurelio Vidmar (Adelaide City), Gabriel
Mendez (Sydney Olympic), Paul Okon (Capt. Fiorentina), Danny Tiatto (Manchester City),
Sean Murphy (Sheffield United), Brett Emerton (Sydney Olympic), Scott Chipperfield
(Wollongong Wolves).
Forwards: David Zdrillic (SSV Ulm), Harry Kewell (Leeds), Carl Veart (Adelaide City), Mark
Viduka (Glasgow Celtic), Paul Agostino (1860 Munich), Pablo Cardozo (Sydney Olympic).
LG Cup 2000, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
5 October 2000: Lacklustre win in LG Cup Opener in the UAE
The LG Socceroos beat an ordinary Kuwait team 1-0 last night in Dubai. The
goal came 4 minutes into the second half when Foxe - who was amongst 6 Olyroos starting
from the recent Olympic Games campaign - exploited some open space in midfield to put
Aloisi through who then poked the ball under the advancing keeper. This kick-started
a more spirited second half in which there were several excellent goal chances at both
ends. The first half, however, was deplorable for its lack of action. Australia had
most of the possession, but did little with it. Aloisi missed a good chance -
hitting it wide - when he beat the offside trap. Tiatto did score but was just
offside. Kuwait had a great chance late, but similar to Aloisi's attempt, the shot
went wide after a back-peddling Australian defence was almost caught out with a short
through ball.
Kuwait responded to the Australian goal when Abdulla burst through three Australians only for captain-for-the-day Kalac to smother his poor final dribble. Agostino then blasted against the crossbar when Skoko set him clear on a brisk Australian counter-attack (yep, an Australian counter-attack). New-cap Lovell had a further chance when his angled shot hit the post, whilst at the other end, Kuwait had Kalac tip a shot onto the bar. Kuwait also had two headers, that should have at least been on target. One in particular occurred within the 6-yard box but was poorly connected.
Really, once Australia got the goal, they were content to sit back and absorb. The Olyroo defence of Laybutt, Foxe and Colosimo, along with T.Vidmar, were rarely troubled with most of that to be attributed to a lacklustre Kuwaiti side that were short on talent and short on ideas. Thankfully, there were no calamitous errors either. The only real surprise came before the match when the band launched into the second verse of the Australian anthem. This brought surprise and minor laughs from several players, but most just went along with it and some actually resorted to mouthing the words from the first verse!
In a strange 4-team tournament where each team only plays two games, Australia plays Korea on Saturday, with SBS televising the game from midnight. Korea are no doubt in the tournament because LG is a Korean company, and they should put up a more sterner test than Kuwait. They drew with UAE 1-1, and then lost the shootout. You get an bonus point for a shootout win, and it seems that the aggregate points from the two games decide the winner of the tournament. Whatever, it is another chance for Farina to trial more players, and for the Asian teams to prepare for the upcoming Asian Cup - a tournament that Australia desperately needs to play - in Lebanon.
AUSTRALIA: Z Kalac (cpt), S Colosimo, H Foxe, S
Laybutt, T Vidmar, B Emerton, K Wehrman (S Lovell 72), J Skoko, D Tiatto, J Aloisi (M
Curcija 60), P Agostino (S Chipperfield 66)
KUWAIT: O Husain, J Mubarak, N Alshammaty, H Al Khudary, B Alhalabeej, S Alazmi, A
Almutairi, B Abdulla (A Marza 69), J Al Wahoudi (E Saed 74), F Almajdi, N Alothman (N Asel
64)
8 October 2000: Australia blunders again - this
time, Korea benefits.
It has been a familiar story over the past few years. Australia shoots
itself in the foot and hands victory to the opposition. This
time it was their final game in the LG Cup tournament in the UAE whereby a win over Korea would be enough to win it. Amazingly, Australia gained a 2-0 lead despite having the least chances in the first half. Korea had most of the possession but failed to do much with it, whilst Australia seemed content to counter attack (yes again, counter attack!).
Early on, Emerton broke free down the right only for Aloisi - under heavy tagging - to put the ball over the ball. At the 30 minute mark, Vidmar sent a long cross in that fortuitously fell for Agostino who converted. Then minutes later, a brisk counter attack involving several players saw Emerton break free to lay the ball off nicely for Agostino again to score. This was really the only golden patch for Australia during the game, and they had Korea on the ropes. Australia should have scored soon again as they continued to break from deep. This time it was Tiatto sprinting clear on goal. However he chose to shoot instead of squaring the ball for the unmarked Agostino and it went wide.
Tiatto had injury worries coming into the game, and got substituted just before half time. But not before he was able to set Vidmar free only for the attack to be repelled. Late in the half a clumsy studs-up step-in by Colosimo saw a free kick awarded just outside the box. The ball was crossed in and infuriatingly converted by an unmarked Korean. No doubt coach Farina would have been livid going into the break, with everyone watching at home thinking "here we go again".
And here we did go again, as minutes into the second half, a ball crossed in harmlessly outside the box saw Foxe glance the ball on straight to a Korean. A short through ball and a clip over the goal keeper and it was 2-2. While Foxe is great on the ball and defends well, his decision making has been appalling recently. Why on earth a simple hack away was not executed is beyond me. Still don't know what he was trying to achieve anyway with that daft header.
Anyway, 2-2 presented a great chance for some Australian resolve, but all it saw was continued Korean dominance. Australia had a handful of attacks for the remainder of the half - the best a header by Curcija that went straight to the goalie - as Korea plugged away looking for the winner. It came when a long cross was fumbled away by Kalac. Now out of position, it was re-crossed back and headed in well despite a despairing defensive header off the line and one last flap at the ball by the recovering Kalac. Now Australia chased the game with Korea doing the breaking. Eventually they got their fourth goal via a penalty in injury time after a despairing tackle from behind by Laybutt.
The result meant that the UAE had to beat Kuwait in the final match, which they did 1-0, to give the hosts the tournament victory. Australia finished third behind Korea in this weird and somewhat pointless tournament. Supposedly Farina is still in the experimentation phase, but with the next game to be against Scotland next month, it may be time to end the experiments and settle the lineup somewhat. World Cup qualifiers are imminent and it is a worry that we are still learning. These horrendous mistakes still being made at the back seem more an individual thing than a tactical problem. On the positive, the going-forward options look good with Emerton and Tiatto on the wings - outstanding recently - feeding players like Kewell, Viduka, Agostino and Aloisi. And this new-found breaking tendency hopefully can be refined and perfected. When you are playing poorly, it is this ability that will keep you in the game.
AUSTRALIA 2 (Paul Agostino 30' 35')
SOUTH KOREA 4 (S Jae-Won 44', N Jung-Yoon 48', S Ki Hyeon 65', L Dong Gook pen 90+)
Australia's line-up: Z Kalac (cpt), S Colosimo, H Foxe, S Laybutt, T Vidmar, B Emerton (L Casserly 75'), K Wehrman (S Lovell 61'), J Skoko (C Blatsis 75'), D Tiatto (S Chipperfield 42'), J Aloisi (M Curcija 61'), P Agostino.
International Friendly vs Scotland, Hampden Park,
15/11/00
16 November 2000: Polished Australia on Target Against Lame Scots
Australia won its first ever game against Scotland in six attempts will a heartening
performance in Glasgow last night, 2-0. Heartening in the sense that the team looked
like a team and with coach Farina now seemingly settled on formation, primary personnel
and roles within the team. The telecast was on early morning Australian time and it
was disappointing SBS saw fit to have Paul Williams commentate from the studio here
instead of the usual excellent Sky Sports Scottish duo. Williams is not poor
by any means, but we get him all the time. Not only are the Scottish duo way
superior anyway, their greater knowledge of their local players, more comprehensive
analysis, and the bonus of getting a different perspective, would have made for better
viewing. And of course, any glowing praise is always more worthwhile when coming
from an opposition source! Anyway, below is a match report from a similar
perspective - the Scottish Herald, and provided to the Socceroo Realm by P.Lau.
SCOTLAND ARE BUSHWACKED
KEN GALLACHER
Scotland 0 - Australia 2
The pre-match wish from Scotland manager Craig Brown that he wanted to turn the National Stadium into "Fortress Hampden" had a hollow ring about it last night after this defeat at the hands of Australia. It came from an Australian side which had lost several key players - and so that nullified any excuses Scotland may have in that direction. The Leeds United front pairing of Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell were not there, nor were Rangers' Craig Moore and Tony Vidmar and these losses outweighed any that Scotland suffered. The defeat was an embarrassment for Brown and his players. And it was one that the 30,985 supporters who had arrived looking for a continuation of Scotland's successful run this year found difficult to accept. The Tartan Army, so supportive on foreign fields, were booing the team at times last night and it was hard to blame them for that. This was a shadow of the team which earned that so-important draw in Zagreb to keep the nation at the top if their World Cup qualifying section. The spirit which brought them that result was never evident last night.
Australia always looked the better team, always were the better team, and their goals proved that. They looked more up for the game than Scotland did. They looked better prepared than Scotland did. And, in the end, they proved that beyond question. Apart from a flurry before half-time when Don Hutchison had two attempts on goal, Scotland side were rarely able to threaten the Australians. Yet, the goals part, the Aussies were always dangerous when they moved upfield towards the Scotland penalty area.
Brown made changes in the second half but these did nothing to alter the flow of the game. In essence, Scotland never looked able to recover after the Australians scored their first goal after 12 minutes through Brett Emeton and when the second came after half time it was all over. David Zdrilic scored that one - and substitute Colin Hendry looked to be at fault - and it was a fitting reward for the Australian side. No-one can question that they deserved this win.
The questions this morning surround Scotland. Earlier yesterday, the SFA decided to turn down the opportunity of a game against Wales, another chance to play before the World Cup qualifier against Belgium. They should think again. Scotland need another game, If not several more games to get their act together. This was not an experimental team. This was a team where Brown tinkered with the essentials and he found that even some of these essentials were not working. The defence was always vulnerable, the midfield was anonymous and new boy Dominic Matteo, despite his Champions League adventures this season, seemed somehow overawed at this level. It was an unhappy night, one that Brown and his players will want to forget but one which the supporters will now allow them to shrug aside. The booing from the stands at the end of the game was in stark contrast to the celebrations around Europe which the Tartan Army have enjoyed this year.
Scotland went into the game without goalkeeper Neil Sullivan, who had been injured in training. But, after the first half, it seemed that too many other players were being marked absent as the team slumped in form. Indeed, when Australia scored after 12 minutes, it was no surprise. Emerton, the Feyenoord midfield player, who was pushed forward last night to support the front men, broke forward leaving his marker, Colin Cameron, trailing in his wake. He nicked the ball past a despairing challenge from Christian Dailly and, then, as Cameron failed to catch up, he struck a shot past Jonathan Gould. Ten minutes after that, Birmingham player Stan Lazaridis struck a free kick from 30 yards which struck the bar, and still the Scots had been unable to mount any serious threat on the opposition goal. It might have been worse minutes later when Gould had to move quickly to stop a shot from Agostino.
Then, suddenly, Scotland made some impression on the game at last. Don Hutchison saw a shot deflected over the bar for a corner and when that kick was taken, the Sunderland player tried again and his shot was blocked by Australian keeper Mark Schwarzer. It might have been a goal and it might have given Scotland a half-time draw their play had not earned them. As if to warn them that they had not done enough, Lazaridis cut the a ball back for David Zdrilic, who somehow contrived to push the ball past a post from six yards range. It was a let-off and Scotland knew that they would have to lift their game in the second period to preserve their recent unbeaten run.
That hint of danger which came before the break eventually reached fruition in 66 minutes when the Australians scored a second goal. A deep cross from the right from Kevin Muscat found Zdrilic who headed the ball carefully and confidently into goal. Scotland, were unable to make any serious impact on a game which they had been expected to win. The crowd were booing - and they had every right to do so.
Scotland - Gould, Weir, Boyd, Dailly,
O'Neil, Ferguson, Dodds, Burley, Cameron, Hutchison, Matteo. Substitutes - Douglas,
Ritchie, Pressley, Hendry, Elliott, Dickov, McCann.
Australia - Schwarzer, Muscat, Murphy, Okon, Popovic, Skoko, Tiatto,
Laza-ridis, Zdrilic, Emerton, Agostino. Substitutes - Filan, Laybutt, Casserly, Burns,
Wehrman, Scer-jovski, Zane.
Referee - P Garibian (France).
Courtesy of Tom Anderson on SBS this morning, you can add to that his description of Scotland as, "rubbish", "a team of no-hopers", and regarding Steve Hendry who'd played only a handful of reserves game with his club this season, "we're 1-0 down and he (coach Craig Brown) brings on a 54 year old croc"! While we are all quick to rubbish our teams when things don't go to plan, Scotland were not that bad, it was just Australia were on top of them for that game. Coming into the game, Scotland were leading their World Cup qualifying group and just played a 1-1 in Croatia and won 10 of their last 17 games. This game is just one game, and a friendly at that too.
That goes for Australia too. One swallow does not make a summer. Failure to make 2002 renders this result meaningless, if it not already is. Before the game, I, like many fans and media, just wanted to see a cohesive unit on the park. We did, with the real highlight being the excellent passing, speed, and running off the ball. What a shock to the system to see our team perform this well, with the win a pleasing bonus that merely iced the cake. Not since the 1997 Confederations Cup with wins over Mexico and especially Uruguay (ok, and the 0-0 against Brazil too) has an Australian team put a smile on my face, and that says enough. But it is still only one game, and just as Scotland should not be sharpening knives, Aus should not get too confortable. The game was nothing like the team will face in South America: there were no yellow cards, no foul play, no rough tackles (except near the end when the frustrated Scots went 2-0 down), no 9-man defences, and depending on the opponent, no rarified atmosphere.
With Viduka (whose third of four goals for Leeds against Liverpool two weeks ago was one of the best Australian goals I have ever seen - what a performance!), Kewell and others to come in, things look promising, to say the least. The personnel is certainly there to make 2002. However, small quandaries do remain. The fear of having two excellent left-sided players in Tiatto and Lazaridis nullifying each other was not totally eradicated last night. Tiatto often cut in-field, and so too Lazaridis, to make room for each other. While Lazaridis excelled, Tiatto did not have his usual impact on the game. Truth is he did not need to and it's unrealistic that he plays great all the time, but the jury is still out. A higher quality opponent will tell the story, and it will also confirm whether Lazaridis' restored dribbling skills are back permanently. Recently I have felt Lazar losing confidence in cutting in and dribbling past opponents, to the degree that he solely relied on his speed and the quick nick ahead to get past opponents. Having more variety - especially if he reproduce a free kick like that, that would have been the best Australian free kick ever if it had of went in, again - will make him more difficult to stop.
Okon I am still not convinced about. Sure he dominated midfield but he had oodles of space this game. He got caught out a couple of times resulting in lost possession or errant passes. Also, he still seemed to make the more cosy, less risky pass, often to a player in a less offensive position. He needs to be more reactive and stike quickly and forward, or, run on in preparation for a give-and-go, or draw players toward him so the pass's recipient can do something worthwhile with the ball. But he did supply Emerton with that mesmerising pass and if he does that once a game, then he is doing his job. Farina was happy enough, though, and I am no expert on coaching either.
Schwarzer I could not fault, and maybe should be given a long overdue fair go in the first eleven. We all know what Bosnich can do, and while he is in his rut with ManU, it is the perfect opportunity to retain Schwarzer for a few more games. Schwarzer was part of a defence that totally contained Scotland and nullified the handful of dangerous opportunities competently. Again, it was just a friendly and it is the crunch games when the defence will get a name for itself.
Brett Emerton. I felt he was easily the most dangerous player on the pitch, and his stature continues to grow and grow. His reading and anticipation of the game is first class and combines that with skill to make a player almost totally unique to Australian football. Since he emerged in that Brazil U23 series several years back my impression of him has parallelled his rate of improvement. If he can develop into truly world class, that would leave Australia with a mouth-watering left-centre-right combination of Kewell, Viduka and Emerton up front that would be feared throughout the world. It is these intelligent-skilled players Australia needs to develop to take the next step. Only Zelic, I have felt, has reached this level and you could see the frustration in his face often whenever teammates failed to read his play which resulted in stray passes.
No doubt more friendlies will be arranged, but the only real test ahead before the final qualifiers is the Confederations Cup mid-2001. Until then, any optimism regarding 2002 should be curtailed. We've be burnt too often.
Matildas
Australia Cup: Australia, Sweden, USA
& Czech Republic
8 January 2000: Matildas go down
The first game of the Australia Cup saw Australia lose 2-0 to Sweden, at Sydney's
North Sydney Oval. Two first half goals sealed it against a disorganised Australian
team that played well below par. Meanwhile, in Melbourne, the USA, without their
first choice team, still managed to steamroll the Czech Republic 8-1. Read all about
it at the Matildas homepage (link on main page). More disconcerting for the fans is
the lack of publicity for the games that lead to many not even knowing they were on. That
is, unless, you had the Matildas calendar. The next game is a double header in
Melbourne at Lakeside on Monday. Kick off for the Matildas is 19.30.
10 January 2000: Matildas easily as
Sweden and the Swedish Army turn it on.
In the second game of the Australia Cup, Australia overcame a weakened Czech
Republic due to a player send off at the 25th minute, to win 3-0. In the early game,
Sweden and the USA drew 0-0 in a classy exhibition of football. Australia has a lot
of work to do if they want to be a factor at the Olympics. While Australia's win was
a good result, they did lose 2-0 to Sweden in the first game while the US (minus all their
World Cup winning players) trashed the Czechs 8-1. These two teams certainly looked a
class above the others.
The first salvo was fired by the Czechs, but then Australia took over with the frustrated Czech's making many silly fouls. This resulted in the two yellows for the player involved in the send off. From then on, it was all Australia, but like with most Aussie teams, they failed to find the net. Sunni Hughes was lively up front but was constantly frustrated with balls not being played to her feet. At 10 minutes into the second half, and not long after I personally walked to behind the goals in anticipation of much action, Australia's pressure paid off. A direct free kick was scored by the number 6, the left wingback. (Sorry I don't know their names since their shirts were nameless with most players beyond recognition.) Then, a shoddy backpass was played to Julie Murray who duly scored just minutes later. She'd just come on for Sunni Hughes. With 10 minutes to go, a shortish player with a black ponytail (I think number 17 - Matildas homepage will have all the details, I'm sure) slotted in from near the corner of the six yard box after bursting into the penalty area. There was also a goal disallowed for accidental hand-ball as it was controlled.
This was my first live game involving women, and it was refreshing to see one of the fringe players take the shot. To me, it seems there is a core group of senior players like Murray, Hughes, Salisbury and Foreman that are constantly given the ball, which makes it easier for opponents to close the team down. Often it was frustrating to see these fringe players get into good positions, either with or without the ball, and then played the poorer positional option by seeking a senior player, or were not given the ball. If Australia is to succeed, it will need to play more as a team and allow the younger players the courage of their convictions.
Whilst the games were entertaining, the real feature turned out to be the Swedish team warming down after the match. Done on the sidelines, they were watched eagerly by a core group of Swedish fans that you'd see at the tennis. As the girls got into all sorts of weird stretching positions, the fans chanted leaving many of the girls somewhat embarrassed. Although, one in particular could not stop laughing and eventually this infected the rest of the team. It was so damn funny watching this 10 minutes of sideline theatre. Occasionally when the stretches did not involve supporting themselves with their hands, the girls actually joined in the chants, including the action of placing their hands near their ears and waving their fingers. Once it was all over, several then jumped up and down in tune with the chants, and with their hand actions continuing along with the fans', joined in the chant. Marvelous stuff and worth the price of admission alone. Also, I think the Swedes should contemplate a calendar too. Sorry for the chauvinist remarks, but their gun striker, Malin (that happens to be the first name of the blonde chick from Ace of Base!) Gustaffson is a spunk-o-rama.
Final Game
15 January 2000: USA wins 4-Nation Australia Cup
After Sweden beat Czech Republic 2-0 and the USA beat Australia 3-1, goal
difference was needed to separate the two winners to decide the tournament victor in
Adelaide last night. Courtesy of USA's 8-1 trashing of the Czechs last week, this youthful
USA team, without all their world cup stars, came out on tops. In the final game, the US
scored early, and just before half time, a second went in courtesy of an own-goal when a
cross was deflected in at the near post off a defender. The US still created chances
in the second half, but at the 74th minute, Australia kept Sweden's hopes alive when
captain Alison Forman (I think) scored from a corner. Both teams created several
more good chances to swing the game either way, with the US breaking through again when a
long range effort just managed to loop the Australian goalie with only 10 minutes to
go. While this sealed the game, Australia still fought on and nearly got a second
goal through a Sunni Hughes shot that was well saved.
Pacific Cup: Pre-Olympic Tournament with Australia,
USA, China, Japan, Canada & NZ
1 June 2000: Australia starts off well
In the inaugural Pacific Cup, held in Canberra, Australia won their opening game
1-0 against Japan. The scrappy goal was scored after some nice buildup play on the
left made for an easy tap in for Bryony Duus. In other games, China upset world
champions, the USA, 1-0 and Canada beat NZ 2-1.
Second game, vs China
Speaking of the Matildas, the lost against the powerful Chinese side in their
second Pacific Cup game by penalty shootout after ending the game 1-1 after extra
time. Australia, through Heather Gorrick, scored the equalizer with 9 minutes to go
after China's captain, Sun Wen, scored from a free kick 3 minutes into the game. In
the other games, USA smashed Canada 9-1 and Japan beat NZ 2-1 in extra time. An
excellent report on this outstanding game in front of a record 10,000+ fans, can be seen
at The World Game website. Also at the site is news on China's late entry into
hosting the next women's World Cup which dampens Australia's chances, especially since
previously they were the only ones bidding.
Third game, vs Canada
5 June 2000: Matildas Bomb
After the Matildas impressive performance against China, they played some awful
stuff and constantly gave away possession in their third Pacific Cup game against Canada.
They lost 2-0 against a team they have pedigree over. It seems that the team was
a-buzz with their outstanding Olympics draw, but will have to watch for complacency during
the games if they are to make it out of the group phase. These sorts of losses are
really inexcusable for a supposed medal prospect. In other games, USA easily
accounted for NZ 5-0 and China predictably beat Japan 2-0.
Fourth Game, vs NZ
7 June 2000: NZ on the end of some Black Magic
In their fourth game of the Pacific Cup, Australia, lead by a Sharon Black
hat-trick destroyed NZ 4-0. She dominated the midfield and scored in the 7th, 21st
and 30th minute, and with Sunni Hughes' lovely chipped goal from 25 metres out in the 25th
minute, killed the game then and there. Whilst NZ have not been all that competitive
against any team during the tournament, it was still a good effort by the girls to
restrict them to absolutely no chances by playing possession football which frustrated the
Kiwis until the 66th minute. Australia eased off in the second half to save
themselves for the real test - against the USA this Sunday. Full report at The World
Game.
Fifth & Final Game
12 June 2000: Matildas, almost
After Canada upset China 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, then beat Japan 4-1,
and with USA and China also winning their previous fourth round matches against Japan
(4-1) and NZ respectively (6-0), this left China and Canada on top with equal points, but
China ahead on goal difference, with the USA game 3 points back but with one game in
hand. This match, against the Matildas, who needed to show some real form if they
are to be factors at the Olympics, also needed to be won by the USA, if they were to win
the tournament on goal difference. In heavy rain, Australia was generally out-played
for most of the match with the US big guns like Mia Hamm in force, but hung on bravely to
keep the match at 0-0 for all but the last 11 minutes. But the US were rewarded for
their dominance by converting a penalty awarded for hand-ball against Salisbury to leave
the Matildas still to win or draw a match against the US. After losing 2-1 in 1996,
this was their closest chance and will rue missing the handful of opportunities that they
did manage to generate throughout the game. Australia ended up finishing fourth in
the six team tournament behind the US, China and Canada (all separated on goal
difference). Japan and NZ brought up the rear. Points tally from five games each,
with a shootout deciding drawn games, was 12,12,12,6,3,0.
Pre-Sydney Olympic Tour of Asia
19 August 2000: Matildas' horror tour of Asia has a final salvation
The Australian women's national team gained a confidence boosting 0-0 draw against China
in Shanghai (and won the penalty shootout 5-4), to end what looked like to be a disastrous
tour of North Korea and China. In Pyongyang, they lost the first game against NK 2-0
after several goal keeping and defensive errors, but it could have been worst if GK
Wheeler had not saved a penalty during the game. Two red cards and 7 yellows
consigned the Matildas to a 2-1 loss in a controversial second game. NK's winning
goal came after Wheeler was inadvertently pinned to the ground by a NK player in a penalty
box scrimmage, and looked helpless as another Korean slotted the ball home.
The first game against China finally brought some decent form out of the Matildas, however, it was a game of missed chances. They out-played China territorially but could not convert, whilst China scored their only chance in the first half. Australia kept plugging away in the second half, but were caught out in the 77th minute with the second Chinese goal. And five minutes from the end, the nail in the coffin arrived with a third Chinese goal as Australia where caught with too many players forward. Thankfully they got some reward in the second Chinese game, and if they can sort out there striking problem (a perennial problem with all Australian teams) they maybe in with a shot of a medal in Sydney.
Olyroos
Olympics warm-up Tournament: Australia, Egypt,
Nigeria & Korea
9 January 00: Africans fail against local opposition as aliens land
The four-nation Olyroo Tournament started today in Adelaide with Egypt and
Nigeria losing to Korea and Australia respectively. Korea - who have qualified for
Sydney - out-played Egypt with skill and pace and were easy 2-0 winners, while Australia
had a tougher task in winning 1-0. Their goal came just before the half when Werhman
put through Foxe out wide who immediately crossed for Allsopp to head into an unmarked
goal. Nigeria screamed for offside on Foxe, but his run was timed well and beat the
goalie to the ball for the quick cross. There were few real chances in the first
half, but both teams became more enterprising in the second half with many surges into the
box. Unfortunately, for the almost 6000 crowd, good defending and poor crosses and
final balls prevented any addition to the score. A fire alarm that went for 15 minutes
added a certain type of atmosphere to the game. One commentator thought that aliens were
about to land!
12 January 2000: Tougher Egypt give Olyroos a hard
time
A more resilient Egypt made Australia work very hard for a 1-0 win with the
winning goal coming via a Werhman free kick from the head of Hayden Foxe. The free
kick was awarded as a result of a late tackle on Laybutt, which also gave the Egyptian
captain his marching orders after a second yellow. Not long after this, Australia
did score again with Laybutt's diving header, again of a Werhman free kick, when it hit
the bar and crossed the line only for the referee to rule against it. Really, it is
about time an ice-hockey style buzzer was implemented at this level. Other than a
Laybutt header from yet another free kick which cannoned into the bar in the second
minute, until the goals, there were very few opportunities with both team's defenses
holding court. Australia experimented with a 3-man forward line of Rizzo, Allsopp
and Emerton, but with a more concerted Egypt closing down players quickly, this left
Australia frustrated with the lack of quality ball coming out of mid-field. In fact
Egypt held the mid-field until the second half when Australia resorted to the more
conventional 2-man frontline and pushing the extra player in mid-field. While they
regained mid-field control and dominated possession, Egypt still made it difficult to
score but thankfully the height and leaping power of Foxe saved the day. Australia
will now have to defeat Korea - who destroyed an unimpressive Nigeria 3-0 - on Saturday to
win the tournament due to poor goal difference. Like tonight's endeavors in breaking
down a stoic defense, having to defeat a well drilled Korea will be a great test of the
team's abilities.
16 January 2000: Much work required as Korea wins
tournament. Blatter on 2006 path.
Korea put on a sizzling display of sharp, quick, physical and clinical football
to defeat Australia 3-0 in the deciding game of the 4-nations tournament in Adelaide.
Korea came out blazing and had Australia on the back put from the word go with
several good chances on goal and several corners. Australia rarely left their own
half. Korean pressure eventually paid off when a break down the right wing produced
a great cross for a first time shot to be slotted in under the advancing goalie.
From there, Australia slowly worked into the game and curtailed the Korean menace in
attacked, but other than a Bresciano long shot, failed to create much themselves. Somewhat
against the play and with 5 minutes to half time, a Werhman pass was played straight to a
Korean midfielder that was then passed to one of the Lee's just in front of the Australian
backline. A dummy wrong-footed two defenders, with a dribble doing another and
disorganizing the defense. This resulted in a low being easily struck into the corner of
the goal for Korea's second. A disenchanted Australia then watch a Korean patient buildup
from the back, result in a quick break from midfield - again down the right wing - with a
looped cross over the top landing perfectly for Park to half-volley into the net.
Basically it was all over, and while Australia made a few changes, their efforts in attack were largely ineffective. It took until the 57th minute for them to received their first corner for the game! Emerton had a good attempt that should have forced a save and Allsopp's first touch sent the ball too far as he rolled off a defender into the box in another chance. The game became spiteful too with Werhman and Foxe lucky to stay on. Werhman's elbow in trying to shrug a jumper-holding opponent and Foxe's double-footed studs-up tackle were both violent and unnecessary. In the early game, Egypt got their first win in defeating Nigeria - who failed to score for the entire tournament - 1-0. So where does this leave Australia? The wins over the African countries mean nothing if Korea, which beat them far more easily, can give Australia such a lesson. The positive is that the team is aware now of its problems, not later in the critical matches. There is a lot of work too be done, and while the squad will be significant strengthened with several overseas players and Colosimo as sweeper to shore up the leaky defense, Coach Blanko's praise of Korea being a better team "on the night", was wrong. Quite simply, they are the better team period, and by a mile.
Friendlies in Holland and Slovakia
29 March 2000: Time to ask questions?
Australia lost both their games on the recent European tour: the first against Slovakia
was a 1-0 loss with the goal coming just before half time; the second, against Holland,
was a 2-1 loss with Brett Emerton equalising just before half time. So two more
losses on top of the hiding Korea dealt out in January, what do we make of this?
While Holland has yet to qualify, Slovakia topped their group, and with Australia without
several players, these narrow away losses are not quite enough to hit the panic button
yet. Having said that, the team seems to have tapered off and the recent average
form would be a concern if this exact team will take the field come September. Facts
are, it won't. With several players missing, plus the three over-age players to come
in, the team will be radically different, and hopefully improved. These matches seem
quite meaningless in this context so the June 4-nation tournament in Sydney plus other
warm-up games just before the tournament will be the crucial games to analyse.
Oceania Playoff for Olympic Games
22 May 2000: NZ's Olympic moment of truth
New Zealand played the first of their 2-leg playoff against South Africa at home
over the weekend, and went down 3-2 in a pulsating game, when SA scored the winner in the
last few minutes. NZ opened the scoring, only for SA to take the lead, then for NZ
to equalise. Full story at theworldgame website. They will need to win by 2
clear goals in SA, and I for won hope they pull it off.
1 June 2000: NZ fail to may Sydney
After losing the first game at home 3-2, NZ had to win by two
clear goals in South Africa to make the Olympics in their Oceania/Africa
playoff . They put on a brave performance, had several good chances and contained
well, but the more skilful Africans eventually broke through and scored the only goal with
5 minutes to go. This leaves Australia - as hosts - as Oceania's sole
representative.
Clubs
World Club Championship, Rio: South Melb,
ManchesterU, Necaxa, Vasco da Gama
9 January: Credibility achieved
South Melbourne played an excellent defensive game to restrict themselves to a
2-0 loss against Brazil's Vasco da Gama in the inaugural Fifa Club World
Championship. It was not until the second half when Felipe launched a long powerful
drive to put the locals in front. A packed Maracana, until then, saw Vasco
frustrated as their avenues though the middle of South's defense was continually blocked,
while the linesman played his part in awarding several close on-sides as offside.
Clarkson had a long shot stopped in the first half, which was South's only
real strike on goal. At 1-1 in the second half, Curcija had a header that almost looped
over the goalie, while the most clear cut miss for South was a Panopoulous header from a
long throw that just went over the bar. This should have been scored to really set
South up for a tremendous result. Unfortunately, not long later as South became more
adventurous in going forward, a lovely lob over the top allowed Edmundo to sprint through,
chest the ball down, and slide a low shot into the corner of the net.
South achieved their goal of not being embarrassed and conceded two goals that were world class. They have Mexico's Necaxa next, who drew 1-1 with Manchester United in the early game. Necaxa lead at half time and failed to take a golden opportunity as ManU's Beckham's was sent off just before the half. In other games, Real Madrid beat Saudi team, Al Nassr 3-1, and Corinthians defeated Raja Casablanca 2-0.
Second Game
In Rio, South Melbourne lost their second game of the Fifa Club World Championship 3-1
to Mexico's Necaxa. The team, sluggish and lethargic from their previous efforts 2
days ago against Vasco where given the severe run around right from the kick off.
Necaxa constantly penetrated out wide, and it was not until Alagich - one of three
substitutes for this game - was put into the sweeper position with Iosifidis placed back
into his customary wing back position that the torment stopped. Before then, South
were 2-0 down: the first came via a dubious penalty that was wrongly given for hand ball
(hit the unsighted player's chest); the second from a low cross across the face of goal
after another raid down the wing left South stretched (they also missed another legitimate
penalty). Just before the half, a South penalty was not given as it was deemed the
foul was committed outside the box, but the resulting free kick near the by-line was
nodded in from close range by Anastasiadis after Blatsis originally headed it towards
goal.
After the break South came out with more endeavor but the lack of skill showed up as they failed to dribble past defenders. A more direct approach would have been better, as most often, South would cut in-field, wait for more players, but then close-in pressure would see see the ball coughed up with poor passes. Necaxa increased the tempo in the last 20 minutes in a bid to seal the game, and with 5 minutes to go, a third penalty was awarded after Orlic mis-timed his tackle on a player sent through. It was was duly converted. A tired South held on for the 3-1 score-line. The win by Necaxa sees them with the chance to make the final if they can beat Vasco da Gama, as ManU lost 3-1 to them in the early game. ManU are now out of the tournament, and if they can restrict themselves to a 2 goal win over South, they will be free to go home instead of playing a third place game. In yesterday's games, Corinthians drew 2-2 with Real Madrid while Al Nassr defeated Raja Casablanca 4-3. Only Raja from that group can not make the final.
Third Game
In Rio, South lost their final game against Manchester United 2-0. While
ManU fielded many reserves and seemed to lack interest in the second half, South played
very well in holding equal possession and create several good chances. Again, the
lines-men, just like for the entire tournament, hindered several South breaks with wrong
calls for off-side. This tournament has seen the most inept performance from
lines-men I have ever seen with the media severely critical too. ManU's goals game
from Quentin Fortune: one from a Solskjaer speedy break down the wing and nicely set up
with an Andy Cole back heel which dummied the goalie and left the net vacant; the other
saw Fortune on the end of a nice Cole through ball and clipping it over the advancing
goalie. Cole played more in midfield and set up many lovely attacks. Later, a
Solskjaer shot from a corner hit the bar and was scrambled out of danger by a defense that
seemed less cohesive without Orlic, who was suspended. Lozanovski playing at right
wing back was constantly exposed and seems more suitable further in midfield.
Fortune was easily able to sprint past him for that second goal. Basically, ManU's
ability to suddenly play lethal passes brought the most trouble for South.
At 2-0 at the 20 minute mark, the floodgates could have opened. To confound the commentator's predictions, the score remained despite South's best endevours in missing two clear cut scoring chances in the second half. Coveney was sent through with his clip over the goalie hitting both goal posts! Later, another shot was saved well with Trimbolis's follow up also saved from the recovering Van der Gouw. The much talked about Beckham came on in the second half, but other than a speculative long shot and free kick attempt, like the rest of his team, had little impact for that period of the game. Though, Cole still created havoc in setting up two Solskjaer shots on goal (one saved, one hit the post), plus a close range header that was aimed straight to the goalie. For South's persistence, they really deserved a goal for their efforts. In the other game, Vasco beat Necaxa 2-1 to make it an all Brazil final against Corinthians.
Souths' excursion has ended and I think they have succeeded in not disgracing themselves. Remember all those 6-0 predictions we heard? Australian soccer is not that far behind. Areas that need to be improved are technical and tactical skills when attacking and fitness for the rigors of tournament play which saw them play 3 games in six days. This fitness factor was the primary factor that hindered their performance in the later games.
National Soccer League Grand Final
12 June 2000: All turns Gory for Perth
In what was easily the best local soccer match I have seen, Wollongong Wolves
turned around a 3-0 deficit at half time to win the NSL Championship 7-6 on penalties in
front of over 43,000 people at Perth's Subiaco Oval. The Gong started off well with the
first real shot on goal, but Perth then dominated and scored first by Despotovski rounding
the keeper, then by two headers from set pieces. Really, the game was over, but one
goal would suddenly put the pressure back on Perth.
The media et al are remarking at "what a comeback" it was, which I personally don't see the significance. If one team can score three in one half why can't the other team do the same in the second? The feat of Perth to score three goals unanswered is just as impressive as the Gong to score three themselves. Just because Wollongong do it second, why should it be any greater an achievement? In reality, they have nothing to lose and can attack with almost total impunity, whereas the team leading can be suddenly under immense self-directed pressure at the prospect of losing a supposed unassailable lead.
In this game, Perth aided the Gong "comeback" by easing off and succumbing to complacency. This was typified by Trajkovski, who when in a good crossing position, flicked the ball up and volleyed it in instead. Once the Gong got their first goal through some Chipperfield brilliance that saw him beat two players in the penalty box, Perth were notably nervous. Then a free kick luckily rebounded to Horsely, who slotted home, and now it was really on with just over 20 minutes to go. Luckily, coach Stange brought on the club's captain Naven - a controversial ommission - who immediately shored up the defense. Perth composed themselves and looked comfortable to defend the lead until full time. However, in the 89th minute, Halpin gave the ball away cheaply in his own defensive third by messing about instead of clearing it away, which was pounced on immediately. Reid then ran on to a short lob over the back line into plenty of space and scored low under the body of Petkovic. Again, the complacent Halpin and huge space on offer should never have been allowed at even 3-0, let alone 3-2. Shades of the Iran game of poor team selection, complacent players and myopic coaching came thundering home as all the mistakes made then, were made this time. Extra time saw Perth on the offensive, but with tired players, on both sides, only produced one good effort that just went over the bar. At the other end, a free kick was well saved.
Disappointing for Perth, sure, but they should be back better than ever next season, and hopefully be much wiser. For Wollongong, this was the first National competition any team from the region had won and no doubt will benefit the region as much as the actual grand final and its buildup has done for Perth. And special mention must go to the locals as the whole week was crazy with Glory news. All media provided huge coverage, with all newspapers including wrap arounds and multiple liftouts. The fans showed create a wonderful, yet uniquely Australian atmosphere, that I first witnessed at the Iran game. Channel 2's coverage was excellent too. However, in future, instead of cutting to the Gong social club to show fans going crazy and missing out on all the on-field activity, including muting the commentators, provide a picture-in-picture or at least let the commentators keep talking. It really spoiled the flow of drama through the shootout.
For Perth, things looked to get bigger and bigger despite the heartbreak. Despite the loss, it may just further galvanise the soccer public just like the Iran game did for Australians. Losing like that is much more painful than the joy of winning in those circumstances. More people will now empathanise will the magic of the round ball game and how it affects the world. Tangible positives are that a 30,000 stadium has been announced, to be completed by 2002, and a second team, possibly to be entered as early as 2001 is also on the cards. For practical reasons, it really should be delayed until the stadium is complete. Perth have shown that local soccer can capture the imagination of a city or region, and hopefully their recipe for success will be copied by other clubs, snowballing the league to the success that the world game deserves.