The Socceroos meet China tonight in the second round of World Cup qualifiers, and it seems everything is stacked against them. Not only must they play China in Kunming, at the lofty height of 1900 metres above sea level, but they must also do so without several key players.
Players have been dropping like flies: Tim Cahill, Josh Kennedy, Scott McDonald, Brett Emerton, Mile Sterjovski, Bruce Djite. John Aloisi was not added to the squad, apparently due to a knee injury. Not was Mark Viduka, who must have pen poised to sign his international retirement.
Harry Kewell will be available, and he will be wearing the captain’s armband. While there are still doubts about his fitness and ability to give a solid ninety minutes, Kewell will be of central importance tonight. With so many of our first team squad missing – especially up front – Kewell is China’s greatest threat.
The run of injuries has paved the way for Archie Thompson to break into the first team squad, perhaps as a sole striker. With Josh Kennedy missing, Australia lacks a strong aerial threat up front.
It all looks rather ominous, doesn’t it? After Melbourne’s loss last Wednesday against Chonburi FC, and the Socceroos’ 0-0 draw with Singapore on the weekend, I am left feeling rather pessimistic about tonight. Pim Verbeek, on the other hand, is a little more hopeful. About the run of injuries, he said yesterday:
“These things can happen… but we still have enough players to win the game and that’s what we’re going for.”
My tip: China 1, Australia 1
Your tip?
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