Any interest in the Asia cup?
Australia are currently playing Kuwait in the opening game.
Aus 4-1 easily account for Kuwait.....Aussies too big and physical for the Kuwaities who are very small and rely on speedy counter attacks with defense being their main attribute. Aussies just pumped the ball into the box and were superior in the air...Kuwait did score the first goal and Australia can look awkward defending but in the end we were too strong and I reckon the coach would be very happy with our first outing of the Asian Cup...
We were 2-1 up at the half and our 2nd goal was a great header, but I thought overall the Aussies 1st half was still pretty poor overall.
I missed most of the 2nd half, but did see the last goal.
IMO Australia really need a quality out and out striker.
We were 2-1 up at the half and our 2nd goal was a great header, but I thought overall the Aussies 1st half was still pretty poor overall.
I missed most of the 2nd half, but did see the last goal.
IMO Australia really need a quality out and out striker.
Agree regarding our first half, in particular the firts 25 minutes or so, as we were slow to start and conceded a sloppy goal due to a lack of cohesion, probably due to a lack of match practice. Kuwait were happy to sit back and defend in their back third once they scored making it harder tp get going. Once we scored our first goal we clicked into gear and of course Kuwait then were drawn out of their purely defensive focus. We could have easily had 1 or 2 more goals in the second half as Nathan Burns was denied by a freakish save and the woodwork as was Troisi. Burns made an immediate impact when he replaced Cahill and will bo one to watch this tournament as he looked right at home at this level.
Troisi's late goal will also give him a lot of confidence and was reward for great effort. We had far more goal scoring options tonight than at any time during our lead up matches and were threatening even when Cahill was subbed off, if you get the chance to see the second half you'll see we had many options up forawrd, including Robby Kruse who created havoc as well.
Two highlights:
Luongo's first half, just looked like he was going to tear the game apart.
Kuwaiti goalkeepers last 15 minutes. He conceded 4, but it could have been 7!
We were 2-1 up at the half and our 2nd goal was a great header, but I thought overall the Aussies 1st half was still pretty poor overall.
I missed most of the 2nd half, but did see the last goal.
IMO Australia really need a quality out and out striker.
Need a quality mid who can create opportunities as well......we turn the ball over too much and were lucky Kuwait didnt have the tools to hurt us
We were 2-1 up at the half and our 2nd goal was a great header, but I thought overall the Aussies 1st half was still pretty poor overall.
I missed most of the 2nd half, but did see the last goal.
IMO Australia really need a quality out and out striker.
Need a quality mid who can create opportunities as well......we turn the ball over too much and were lucky Kuwait didnt have the tools to hurt us
Agreed. Kruse showed glimpses of being back to his best form but we desperately need that speedy, attacking centre midfielder that can score as well. Danny De Silva will be our guy but he's only 17. The kid is gonna be a star.
So our games are shown on delay on FTA by two hours. What a joke.
I know. I was in Daylesford for the weekend and couldn't believe there was no FTA coverage. And the FFA are trying to promote the game in Aus??
Re the tournament this is a must win for Australia. Would be huge for soccer in this country. ATM though Japan look the strongest and Iran will be hard to beat in the semis should we make it, Iran were very impressive in the World Cup last year.
I know. I was in Daylesford for the weekend and couldn't believe there was no FTA coverage. And the FFA are trying to promote the game in Aus??
It's quite unbelievable. I'm only a casual football fan, as a result of the delayed telecast I don't care about the tournament now. I would have thought they'd be trying to capture 'fans' like me, especially given it's the off-season for the AFL, NRL etc. Mindboggling to say the least.
I know. I was in Daylesford for the weekend and couldn't believe there was no FTA coverage. And the FFA are trying to promote the game in Aus??
It's quite unbelievable. I'm only a casual football fan, as a result of the delayed telecast I don't care about the tournament now. I would have thought they'd be trying to capture 'fans' like me, especially given it's the off-season for the AFL, NRL etc. Mindboggling to say the least.
Pay TV has been working to kill soccer in this country for 20 years.
Not hugely surprising if you recall what C7 sports did to the NSL.
In any case, I watched a bit last night. I cant believe just how bad the standard is.
Brilliant performance by the Aussies, that was the performance of a side that knows it can win.
It will be Japan vs Aus for the cup....Oman were very ordinary and their defense looked like my neighbors back fence...it had plenty of holes.
Good to see Robbie Kruse deliver a good game and take some heat of Tim Cahill...
It will be Japan vs Aus for the cup....Oman were very ordinary and their defense looked like my neighbors back fence...it had plenty of holes.
Good to see Robbie Kruse deliver a good game and take some heat of Tim Cahill...
It's funny because he made a few errors early and I was just about to jump on and label him as overrated. Lucky the computer was more than arms length away. :))
It will be Japan vs Aus for the cup....Oman were very ordinary and their defense looked like my neighbors back fence...it had plenty of holes.
Good to see Robbie Kruse deliver a good game and take some heat of Tim Cahill...
Hopefully commentators can finally let go of their obsession with where our goals come from, 2 games 8 goals and only 1 from Cahill.
What a game Iran vs Iraq that was football drama at it's finest!
It will be Japan vs Aus for the cup....Oman were very ordinary and their defense looked like my neighbors back fence...it had plenty of holes.
Good to see Robbie Kruse deliver a good game and take some heat of Tim Cahill...
Hopefully commentators can finally let go of their obsession with where our goals come from, 2 games 8 goals and only 1 from Cahill.
:))
It will be Japan vs Aus for the cup....Oman were very ordinary and their defense looked like my neighbors back fence...it had plenty of holes.
Good to see Robbie Kruse deliver a good game and take some heat of Tim Cahill...
Hopefully commentators can finally let go of their obsession with where our goals come from, 2 games 8 goals and only 1 from Cahill.
:))
Tim Cahill is just so consistent at taking his opportunities......dont know how we will replace him...
We'll Japan knocked out by the UAE after extra time and penalties. Biggest shock of the tournament and scheduling really has to be looked at with a 2 day break for Japan for this game vs 3 days for UAE.
Amazing. I have work today and was falling asleep so went to bed at full time. Could have sworn the Japs would win once they equalised.
What a game Iran vs Iraq that was football drama at it's finest!
Just saw some highlights... best shoot out they have had for some time... and they have had plenty!
Japan and Iran out... not many excuses for the Aussies now?
Must win now for the Aussies.
Watched the game on TV last night. First soccer game I've watched for many a long year. Great win by the Aussies! Go boys!
I have to say, that I have been unimpressed with the overall standard of this tournament. Players with their heads down and running into their opposition frequently. From what I can see, there is too much run and carry not enough lateral movement and passing. Still some people like players running at their opposition. For me you pass and move, not just move.
Still a win is a win is a win.
If we dont win this tournament it will be a failure of epic proportions.
I have to say, that I have been unimpressed with the overall standard of this tournament. Players with their heads down and running into their opposition frequently. From what I can see, there is too much run and carry not enough lateral movement and passing. Still some people like players running at their opposition. For me you pass and move, not just move.
Still a win is a win is a win.
If we dont win this tournament it will be a failure of epic proportions.
Lot of players hanging onto other players especially chasing, the little UAE bloke with the frizzy hair was getting grabbed all the time......I dont mind some contact when its two players going hard at the ball but there are swinging arms, deliberate bumps etc...one UAE defender just shouldered one of our blokes off the ball with no intent on obtaining the ball himself.
Hasnt been pretty soccer but I guess all teams are trying to get an edge anyway they can....
I agree the standard hasn't been unbelievable but this is the Asian Cup. That said teams like Australia, Japan, Iran and South Korea were far from embarrassed on the big stage in the World Cup and UAE and Iraq were both impressive in this tournament. I reckon Iraq vs Iran was as good a game of football as I've seen in a long time. It doesn't have to be a super skillful game to be a good one.
Rumblings that the AFC want to kick Australia out of the confederation.
Rumblings that the AFC want to kick Australia out of the confederation.
Read that and it seems that it is coming mainly from some middle east (or should I say west Asia?) members who feel that we, among others, are keeping their teams in the shade. Maybe they should think about improving their teams instead? ???
Some do have a lot of influence in terms of petro-dollars so let's hope FIFA don't cave in.
Fox Sports Football
Ignore those suggesting Australia could be kicked out of the Asian Football Confederation.
AFC president Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa says, “I’m really stunned with the timing to bring this topic out. It’s a false topic."
If we were kicked out of Asia where would we go.
They'd have to find another region for us.
Don't want to be where we're not wanted :(
Postecoglou must go, found out in extra time, no plan to handle unusual tactics!
No matter what happens now, Postecoglou is not the man!
Too soon LP. Still this should be a foregone conclusion.
Too soon LP. Still this should be a foregone conclusion.
As I said, no matter what happened after the 90min, extra time is a lottery and we gave S.Korea a 50/50 chance when the game should have been won, done and dusted! And late in extra time S.Korea was nearly put in the same position like a slow motion replay of the game proper.
Australian Soccer has too many chokers, they need to cut the them loose!
Tonight was a good example of why people love and hate soccer at the same time.
The tension was unbearable for well over an hour.
Afl house will be feeling nervous now after what happened in sydney tonight...
Unbelievable.....
Afl house will be feeling nervous now after what happened in sydney tonight...
Agree, that final victory would have been a massive boost for soccer in this country. Hey, even I've taken some interest and watched a couple of games! Normally I can't see what all the fuss is about.
Well done boys and Ange btw. 8)
Afl house will be feeling nervous now after what happened in sydney tonight...
Agree, that final victory would have been a massive boost for soccer in this country. Hey, even I've taken some interest and watched a couple of games! Normally I can't see what all the fuss is about.
Well done boys and Ange btw. 8)
Factor in the Asada saga, if the Afl dont show courageous leadership on the issue people will flock to soccer. .
Afl house will be feeling nervous now after what happened in sydney tonight...
Agree, that final victory would have been a massive boost for soccer in this country. Hey, even I've taken some interest and watched a couple of games! Normally I can't see what all the fuss is about.
Well done boys and Ange btw. 8)
Factor in the Asada saga, if the Afl dont show courageous leadership on the issue people will flock to soccer. .
AFL and A League can co-exist. They're played at different times of the year at different stadiums. I think it's a great alternative to BBL tbh.
AFL and A League can co-exist. They're played at different times of the year at different stadiums. I think it's a great alternative to BBL tbh.
A lot of parents couldn't afford their kids to play 2 sports. That's where the real battle is.
Afl house will be feeling nervous now after what happened in sydney tonight...
Agree, that final victory would have been a massive boost for soccer in this country. Hey, even I've taken some interest and watched a couple of games! Normally I can't see what all the fuss is about.
Well done boys and Ange btw. 8)
I watched the final 10 minutes and was then drawn into the drama of extra time, but in no way is this a distraction from AFL. AFL is the big ticket in Australia and will remain so. As a nation we pay respect to a number of sports in the Calender year, soccer is a local comp in the summer playing second fiddle to the summer of cricket. The big tournaments are just like the Olympics and C/wealth games which are of note every 4 years. Spring racing, the grand prix, the oz open and even the Sydney to Hobart feature on our sporting calendar.
LP Postecoglou has achieved more than any of his predecessors mate, he's going nowhere. JUst looking at the talk he gave them just before extra time if you read his lips he was saying to the boys that they needed to stay positive, and keep playing positive and they would win. You have to take into account the three subs he made were forced subs due to injury and blokes like Cahill and Kruse were the heartbeat of the side in this tournament. I thought he did fantastically well.
Also I might add, tactical subs are a big part of the game when you're 1-0 and Ange was unable to make one due to the injuries the players had.
LP Postecoglou has achieved more than any of his predecessors mate, he's going nowhere. JUst looking at the talk he gave them just before extra time if you read his lips he was saying to the boys that they needed to stay positive, and keep playing positive and they would win. You have to take into account the three subs he made were forced subs due to injury and blokes like Cahill and Kruse were the heartbeat of the side in this tournament. I thought he did fantastically well.
Heartbreaking for Kruse, 12 mtgs out again this time with an achiles injury. Whilst his "contribution" was limited due to him coming back from a knee reco, he busted a boiler every game and agree with P2C that along with Timmy, they are the heart and soul of the Socceroos. In my mind, this Cup is dedicated to those two.
AFL and A League can co-exist. They're played at different times of the year at different stadiums. I think it's a great alternative to BBL tbh.
A lot of parents couldn't afford their kids to play 2 sports. That's where the real battle is.
Cricket is probably more expensive than both footy and soccer put together. (Pads, bat, helmet etc.) Footy boots can be used for both footy and soccer too.
I'd even go as far as to say parents would rather their kid plays soccer because there is less contact than football if they had to choose one.
AFL and A League can co-exist. They're played at different times of the year at different stadiums. I think it's a great alternative to BBL tbh.
On the cost of cricket, for kids most clubs provide full team kits as they know the cost of the gear is prohibitive, having your own gear is usually optional and a lot of kids don;t get their own stuff until they have stuck at it for a season or two.
On the BBL, have you seen how many kids roll up? It's not about the game, it about the environment it's conducted in. No flares, fewer drunken bums, plenty of fireworks, flame throwers, drums, music, dancers, etc., etc.. The whole deal is designed to keep kids entertained while the game continues.
AFL and A League can co-exist. They're played at different times of the year at different stadiums. I think it's a great alternative to BBL tbh.
On the cost of cricket, for kids most clubs provide full team kits as they know the cost of the gear is prohibitive, having your own gear is usually optional and a lot of kids don;t get their own stuff until they have stuck at it for a season or two.
On the BBL, have you seen how many kids roll up? It's not about the game, it about the environment it's conducted in. No flares, fewer drunken bums, plenty of fireworks, flame throwers, drums, music, dancers, etc., etc.. The whole deal is designed to keep kids entertained while the game continues.
The less kids the better imo. They can have their BBL. It has nothing to do with AFL being worried about soccer, though.
LP Postecoglou has achieved more than any of his predecessors mate, he's going nowhere. JUst looking at the talk he gave them just before extra time if you read his lips he was saying to the boys that they needed to stay positive, and keep playing positive and they would win. You have to take into account the three subs he made were forced subs due to injury and blokes like Cahill and Kruse were the heartbeat of the side in this tournament. I thought he did fantastically well.
Carrots...Not a fan of Kruse.., doesnt do enough IMO, sooks up when its gets tough and spends too much time looking at the ref's for help instead of
getting back to help his mates at times.
Agree on Ang though...been great and welded that team together....the captain doesnt get enough kudos either....nothing pretty about Jedinak and the way he plays but he doesnt lose a contest
and plays it hard but fair.....
....the captain doesnt get enough kudos either....nothing pretty about Jedinak and the way he plays but he doesnt lose a contest
and plays it hard but fair.....
Agree re MJ, a dour defender we gives 110% and leads by example. Tough as nails, love him.
AFL and A League can co-exist. They're played at different times of the year at different stadiums. I think it's a great alternative to BBL tbh.
A lot of parents couldn't afford their kids to play 2 sports. That's where the real battle is.
Cricket is probably more expensive than both footy and soccer put together. (Pads, bat, helmet etc.) Footy boots can be used for both footy and soccer too.
[I'd even go as far as to say parents would rather their kid plays soccer because there is less contact than football if they had to choose one.
that's the essence of my argument - the AFL has implemented major changes to the rules to prevent parents from steering away from AFL to soccer..
the problem is that the AFL is cooking the goose that lay the golden egg - the historic attraction of AFL is the hardness and the man on man contests...
further - the legislative nature of the AFL stifling fan engagement of their freedom of expression at games is killing the Code..
Spot on mosquito, I came to Australia with a soccer ball when I was a kid but I fell in love with aussie rules pretty quickly because of the physical contest.
....the captain doesnt get enough kudos either....nothing pretty about Jedinak and the way he plays but he doesnt lose a contest
and plays it hard but fair.....
Agree re MJ, a dour defender we gives 110% and leads by example. Tough as nails, love him.
Guys Jedinak is getting all sorts of kudos in the EPL. Trust me he can be pretty, takes all Palace's penalties and has nailed a few ripper free kicks this season.