Entries Tagged 'World Cup 2010' ↓
March 27th, 2008 — China, Socceroos, World Cup 2010
The Socceroos side held China to a draw last night, keeping them at the top of the ladder in Group A of Asia’s 2010 World Cup qualifiers. Qatar, who beat Iraq 2-0, rise to 2nd place, a point behind Australia.
The Socceroos had almost everything go against them: a spate of injuries, a tough environment to play in, minimal preparation time. Ten minutes into the game, things started looking even worse, as Pim Verbeek was forced to sub Archie Thompson off after he picked up a calf injury. Continue reading →
March 26th, 2008 — China, Socceroos, World Cup 2010
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. Continue reading →
February 7th, 2008 — China, Qatar, Socceroos, World Cup 2010
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oHPp_wHCEo[/youtube]
Midway through the first half, I thought one word could describe the Socceroos’ drubbing of Qatar: Clinical.
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February 6th, 2008 — Qatar, Socceroos, World Cup 2010
Can a Socceroos side that has had just 48 hours together win its first-ever World Cup qualifier in Asia?
Australia coach Pim Verbeek has had 6 weeks to decide whether to field a team of inexperienced A-League players, or try his luck with a squad of experienced – but potentially jet-lagged – Europe-based players. After several training camps with the local players, culminating in an embarrassing 1-1 draw against an undermanned Melbourne Victory last Saturday, Verbeek has opted for the latter.
Selecting a team after spending only two days with the majority of the players is far from a safe option. But then, picking a side that can’t beat a Melbourne side missing many of its key players is just plain foolish. Choosing the “Euroroos” was the better of two risky options.
Or at least, that’s what we hope.
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