Australia lose to Japan on penalties

Australia produced their best performance of the Asia Cup, but it was not good enough to beat Japan.

The game ended 1-1 after extra time, and Japan won 4-3 on penalties.

Australian fans went into the game with some concerns given their defensive performances over the last twelve months.

Japan had a new coach, Ivica Osim, since the last world cup. He'd also made six changes to the team.

It was a good game. Tense and tactical. Both teams playing to their maximum. Japan kept the ball, moved it around and changed tempo.

Australia produced flashes of play from David Carney and Brett Emerton on the flanks. But Mark Scharzwer's distribution was woeful all night. And Mark Viduka and John Aloisi found it very difficult to find other Australian players when they did receive the ball.

But Australia scrapped and the defence was stronger than its been for months.

Mark Milligan Michael Beauchamp and Lucas Neill all started the game well.

Finally Australia took the lead in the Asia Cup. A Kewell corner bundled home by Aloisi.

The reward for effort and determination throughout the night.

They kept the lead for one minute. Just one.

Woeful defence from Neill and Milligan allowed Naohiro Takahara to turn in the box and shoot home.

Then disaster struck. A great game of football was ruined, once more by the referee. The ref, from Kuwait, had a strange game all night. Booking Carney and Kewell for diving. But more amazingly refusing free kicks on Aloisi time and time again.

Vince Grella jumped for a ball. His arm was out, but little intent or power. Takahara coming in from behind went down like he'd been hit by a tank.

Ref showed Grella a straight red, and he was gone.

Pity because this was an epic battle.

And the Aussies battled on. For the last fifteen of the game...and then all through extra-time.

Shunsuke Nakamura should have won it in the ninety. Scharzwer made a superb save. But apart from a similar chance at the end of extra-time, Australia played exceptionally well with ten men. Sure Japan had plenty of the ball but the Aussies were compact and kept the Japanese threats to a minimum.

It felt like the goal was to get to penalties, and that would be our best chance.

We did it. But of course the penalties are always a lottery.

Significantly Scharzwer saved nothing int he shoot-out. And Harry Kewell missed, followed by Lucas Neill. 0-2 is not how you win penalty shoot-outs.

And why did Neill take a two step walk up. Is it just me or do fans hate this approach, especially when they miss.

So Japan the Asian Cup Champions march on.

It was a great game. I loved every minute, but the ref spoiled the fare.

Australia may say they were unlucky, but in truth they lost this tournament they day they produced insipid performances against Oman and Iraq.

Arnold improved his defence only because Patrick Kisnorbo needed a break under the United Nations Human Rights Charter. Rule 30: All Centre Halves who make simple errors in major tournaments mus t be given a two week break form the glare of the fans and media. Without this rule Arnold would still have played him. Of that you can be sure.

And secondly when Neill was suspended he had to change his defence. And it worked against Thailand and against Japan despite Milligans error.

Australia were good enough to be playing Vietnam for a place in the semi-final not Japan.

And who takes responsibility for that?

It has to be Arnold.

Football is a tough business. Arnold should recognise his achievements and do the honourable thing.

The wrap from the post-match in the mixed zone.

Didn't they do well. Sydney FC's Australian defenders!

Well we did it, and players and press were happy to chatlast night



Here's a few snippets of what was said.



Graham Arnold, "Well tonight we played well for 85 minutes."



An insider, "We gave the ball way too much in the second half. If Vinnie has it and players aren't moving he's wondering do you want it or don't you. We need to improve, it's not good."



Mark Milligan, "Great to have two Sydney boys in the team. No I didn't know Dave (Carney) was defender. I've never seen him play there, and I've never seen him defend before." he laughs



Dave Carney, "No I've never played left back in my life. I thought I did well, and I felt pretty comfortable."



Simon Hill, "Could be the ratings of the year on Saturday 8:30 against Japan."



Robbie Slater, "Everyone's smiling now."



Simon Hill, "They will have to improve for Saturday."



Carl Valeri, "I was just about to get on and then we scored."



Thai Coach, "Australia were lucky tonight. The weather helped them."



Mood was good. It was great to be around after a win. I've seen the ugly, after Iraq, so nice to see The Australian manager and players relaxed.



It's been a tense time. Saturday is what joining Asia is all about.



Atmosphere was tremendous last night. Well done Thailand a fantastic performance. Hard to believe they are semi-pros!

Press Conference:Harry and Arnie

Mood was better at today's Press Conference even if the photography wasn't.

"Do you know you can still win the tournament," asked a journo.

"Yes." said Harry.

Everyone roared. It was the way he delivered it.

Arnie well he was given an easy ride today. I guess everyone knows it's all going pear shaped.

Who would have thought Australia would fear Thailand, yes that's right Thailand.

Some say will we win, others are sure we're gone.

Arnie inspired few.

I asked, "Given our defensive performances against Denmark, Singapore and the two games here, do you have confidence that the defence can remain goalless tomorrow night."

"Yes, we're working hard on defence, but it's not about the four guys at the back, it's about the whole team. Your defence starts with your forwards."

Hmmmmn I wasn't convinced, and Arnie is a good bloke but clearly he doesn't seem to be ready for the challenges of the second biggest football tournament that our national team can play in.

Still you can hope if the defence performs, and maybe Olyroos Captain Mark Milligan is about to grab his chance. He looked like he was going to play as he walked through the lobby today. Looks can be deceptive.

Either we win and the journey continues. Surely we can beat Thailand, surely.

Oh to be Graham Arnold just for one day.

Three and a half hours to go!

Full scale security for the Australian game but with my small frame I nipped in unnoticed.

And there was Arnie's seat. And it is hot.

Reckon Arnie could do with my help, so if you're reading this Arnie just three hours before the game it's not too late to ask.

I know I know I've just become a football writer and already I want to be the Coach of the whole thing.

Anyway defence is a problem, so here's some advice. There's more but I'll keep it for Arnie.

My advice:

Play Mark Milligan at right back..and push Brett Emerton forward. Left back...maybe play Mark Milligan there as well. He's so good he play both positions, sure why not!

I know Spike, as he is known by Sydney fans, is a right back, but Luke Wilkshire isn't a full back on anyside.

Failing that Arnie, just get the boys to do it, for Australia, for yourself.

It's all a bit tense but don't lose Australia, not tonight.

It's a bit cooler today at the moment but it could change. Bangkok is that sort of place.

I can't bare it....but we're going to win.

We are, aren't we?

update:2:51...it's stinking hot...just been out into the stands...blazing sun and hot hot hot.

Lucas Neill: Did you know he sponsors two Aussies to go overseas each year?

Our key defender.

Lucas Neill obliges for a photo after today's press conference. A little tension in the air, between Coach Graham Arnold and the press.

I guess the importance of the game is hanging on Arnold's mind. Plus the press, in general, appear to focus on the negatives.

Still a win could relax everyone.

Lucas Neill? Well, he was relaxed, and smiling. Took it all in his stride.

Lucas Neill's salary has been discussed often in the Press recently. Not so well known is his contribution to young Australia players.

He contributes to two Australian players going for a week's trial in England every year.

Very impressive. Makes my heart warm to hear such a positive story from one of Australia's star men

Here at the my first Presser!

Well I learnt a new word this week!

Of course I sat in the front row.

Probably not close enough for my photography skills.

It's Michael Beauchamp, Brett Emerton and FFA Communications Manager Stuart Hodge.

Yes I asked two questions at my first ever Presser (Press Conference apparently)

Well what would you ask the day before Australia play Iraq?

1. Brett are you comfortable playing right-back or would you prefer to play further forward. (implication being I don't think he is.)

Brett: I've been playing there all season so I'm pretty happy. I'll play where I'm picked.

Dynamic question number two.

2. Are you and the Australian players aware that the Iraqi team each lost a member of their family in the war in Iraq?

Brett: No, we're just concentrating on our preparation. We haven't been thinking about the other team.

So marks out ten for me....no actually, keep it to yourself!

Observation:
Press Conferences are dead dead boring if this is anything to go by.

Are you fit?
Do you think you'll play?
How is your knock?
Did you expect to play last time?
How is the team?
How is the heat?
Did you underestimate Oman?

And so on and so forth.

Given we are playing Iraq and the significance of that in view of Aussie troops being at war in Iraq if not with Iraq, you think someone would have asked something along those lines..wouldn't you.

Maybe no-one cares.

Or can someone from The Chaser come in and just liven it up.

So my mate wants to know Red Curry or Green Curry? Which is their favourite?

Arnie's up tomorrow, what should I ask?

The most important man in Australian sport.

Socceroos Boss Graham Arnold.

God help Graham Arnold if the Socceroos don't win (can't say that other word) on Friday.

We must win. We have to win. But spare a thought, a human thought, for a man who takes the time to turn from the criticisms of the previous night, the preparations of the coming days, to smile for a camera with a bloke he's never seen in his life before.

An all the while he must be thinking what went wrong and how we need to get it right on Friday.

And for what?

So he can be given the flick, or at least demoted when the tournament is over.

So good luck Graham Arnold, may your selections be positive and choices prove fruitful.

As Fox viewing figures show, The Socceroos are the most supported National team, even in World Cup cricket year.

And yes I'd love to see an Australia lead the National team beyond this tournament. And I hope to see Graham Arnold produce a team better than its current parts, to enable us to go to the final at least.

And yes, I'll be the first writing my article for The Canberra Times demanding change if we fail on Friday. There would be no alternative would there?

But I'd love to see Arnold succeed for Australia, and for him. He has the passion. He is a football man. He loves the game. And he is Australian.

If we fail in the Asian Cup, with the team Arnold has assembled, no non-Australian could knit the teams (as there will be two maybe three in the coming years) better than Arnold.

Sure they could do better than Arnold in a World Cup final, but over the next three years? Who could do better than Arnold with our qualifying route, our European players, our tyranny of distance and climatic variations.

Who?

Match Analysis: Socceroos v Singapore

This match analysis first appeared in the Canberra Times:

Can Australian win their first ever Asia Cup? Well if, the golden boys of Australian football, Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka perform to their best then the chances are good.

Australia defeated Singapore 3-0 on Saturday night in The National Stadium of Singapore, in their last International before their opening Asia Cup game against Oman on Sunday.

Singapore are ranked 146th in the world but they caused Australia’s new defence plenty of problems. They hit the bar and post before Australia scored and had a couple of further clear-cut chances which should give Socceroos coach Graham Arnold some sleepless nights before next week’s opening game.

Hopes in Australia are high after their exciting World Cup campaign in Germany last year. Many fans expect Australia to win at a canter. They won’t.

Defensively the Socceroos have a new line-up and it’s not settled. Brett Emerton will play right back. He has played there before for Feyenoord some years ago, but he often drifts out of position when defending. Craig Moore will be replaced by Leicester City’s Patrick Kisnorbo or FC Nurnberg’s Michael Beauchamp. Neither are the finished article in international football. Lucas Neill stands out, but with the left back position still undecided there is plenty there for opponents to exploit and they will.

Former Coach Guus Hiddink’s favourite midfielder Luke Wilkshire played left-back against Singapore. Michael Thwaites, who plays his football in Poland, was left-back against Uruguay. Neither is naturally left footed nor looks completely comfortable when defending.

Wilshire supports the forwards better than Thwaites does, but with Scott Chipperfield’s non-attendance at this tournament, Australia has lost a dynamic option to their attacking play.

Australia’s first opponents, Oman and Iraq, both have quick wide players. Singapore could and should have been two nil up before Australia scored last night. Better teams may not allow Australia to play themselves into the game.

In the World Cup, crisp incisive passing by Australia caused Brazil, and Italy problems. Singapore was rarely troubled in the first half.

There were good signs. Midfield general Vince Grella looked sharp and composed on the ball. Brett Holman looked lively and had the best opportunities in the first-half.

But if Kewell is fit, and on last night’s form he looks close, he is capable of making a major contribution to Australia’s historic Asian Cup campaign. He scored one and produced a marvellous moment to provide for Viduka.

Significantly Viduka, with only 6 goals from 38 internationals before Saturday’s game, scored two.

He couldn’t score in the World Cup against defences of the quality of Brazil and Italy, but he should score in Asia. Asia is not the World Cup and Viduka at least in the early stages should get many opportunities to increase his tally.

Big players win big games. Kewell and Viduka are the best footballers Australia has ever produced. With the golden boys firing Australia can win the Asian Cup.
It won’t be easy and with the heat restricting Australia’s mobile style of play the slow slow quick tempo of many Asian teams will severely test the Socceroos unstable defence.

Australia lifted when Kewell came on. And maybe in the early games Kewell will be used sparingly.

Saturday’s workout will have given Coach Graham Arnold much to ponder, particularly his defensive frailties.

Socceroos can't blog for toffee.

Socceroos want to blog, no really they do!

Football Federation Australia have sent out a message saying no players can write diaries, newspaper columns or blogs during the Asian Cup.

The FFA want to ensure team morale is maintained throughout the tournament.

All very good I'm sure. Didn't stop Zeljko Kalac getting his message out during the last World Cup campaign

As far as we are concerned Carl Valeri is not allowed to write for us during the Asian Cup but we can interview him.

You work it out, because I'm struggling.

Come on, we're a little good time blog, not the Daily Telegraph!

Okay Arnie, it's your way for now, but we'd better win the Asian Cup or I'll be leading a campaign for a change of coach....

You can see the headline:

Blog off Arnold:)

Socceroos warm-up games? One maybe two?

Have the Socceroos got enough warm-up games?

One full international before Asian Cup opener.

Australia play Singapore on June 30 and Singapore Under-23's the next day.

They arrive in Singapore on the 21st and play their first game in the Asian Cup on the July 7th.

Doesn't seem like enough match practice to me, but I'm sure Arnie knows what he is doing.

Maybe we're doing a Brazil and using the group games as warm-up matches.

A dodgy strategy if ever I heard of one.

Do we have enough match practice before the tournament? What do you think?

Arnie asks for understanding

Socceroo players will miss pre-season training with their clubs to play for Australia.

Speaking by teleconference today, Arnold said, "Asian league's all have a mid-season break. Apart from a couple of Japanese or Korean players in Europe the rest are all in Asian leagues. We have a lot of players in Europe and they all miss their clubs pre-season. They are very committed to playing to Australia, and this shows their commitment."

Fair point Arnie.

Take Mark Viduka, about to play for Newcastle. He will miss most of their pre-season.

If you were paying an employee a rumoured $400,000 a week, you'd want him there for the pre-season period.

Or Harry Kewell. He missed all of last season after playing at the World Cup.

Not easy for the players, but the turn-out for the Asia Cup is very impressive.

Why Australia can win the Asia Cup

A new Socceroo squad this time but we can still win the Asia Cup.

Coach Graham Arnold needs to win the AFC Asia Cup 2007 to have any chance of keeping his job, or so it seems. But there are other reasons why Australia must get to the final.

The squad announced by Arnold to play in the Australia’s first Asia Cup should be good enough to give Australia a major international success.

Japan has won four out of the last five Asia Cups and has appeared in the last three World Cups. They have been the best side in Asia by some margin but in Kaiserslautern last June, twelve glorious minutes of Australian football stunned the whole of Asian football. One nil down, Australia then produced two Tim Cahill goals followed by a John Aloisi strike to ensure the game ended 3-1 in the Socceroos favour.

And this summer the Aussies are hoping to do it again.

While Japan have made massive changes to their World Cup side. Only Naohiro Takahara and Shunsuke Nakamura remain in the outfield from that scorching day in Germany. Australia has kept as many older players as possible.

Arnold’s strategy is clear. He wants to win, and maybe then he gets to keep his job. But more importantly he wants Australian football to get another boost from an historic and winning performance.

Harry Kewell (Liverpool) Mark Viduka (Newcastle United) will combine once more. The golden boys of Australian football earned Australia a place at the World Cup and then got them through to the last sixteen. Sure there was other quality performances from many players, but it was the ability of the forwards who enabled former coach Gus Hiddinks style of play.

Viduka stunned China in March with his performance. He may find the Asia Cup an easier place to play than the English Premier League where he managed 19 goals this season. He will have more support as Arnold, recognising Australia’s strength, can play a more adventurous game than they did at the World Cup against the likes of Brazil and Italy.

And perhaps that’s why the number of defenders is unusually low for a squad of twenty-three.
Arnold has no recognised left back. Scott Chipperfield (FC Basle, Switzerland) will not travel as his wife is due to give birth, besides he’s thirty-one so may not make many more Socceroo games.

Michael Thwaites (Wisla Krakow, Poland) covered the position in the recent friendly against Uruguay but was uncomfortable going forward. Shane Stefanutto (Lillestrom, Norway) was tried against China but was clearly lacking at that level. Brett Emerton defended Arnold, “Has played a season at left-back for Feyenoord, and (Sydney FC) David Carney will be groomed for the future.”

So Asia are you listening?

Australia has no international class left back, but Australia hope to be so busy attacking that any left back will do!

Carney is an interesting move. Indeed Chipperfield was a flying left-winger in his days with Wollongong in the old National Soccer League. He quickly became a quality left back who could attack with pace.

Carney has loads of stamina and a very strong left foot. In terms of his playing career if he can adapt he may have just won the lottery.

With Hamilton Academicals in Scotland two years ago, he could see himself in the Socceroos squad for the 2010 South Africa World Cup.

Australia’s strike force is strong for now, but beyond Asia it is young and inexperienced. Viduka and John Aloisi (Alaves, Spain) may get us to the next World Cup but in three years they will be too old if not too slow to play in the tournament. Hiddink showed even with quality players like Kewell and Viduka you have to be supremely fit to achieve. Viduka and Aloisi cannot sustain that pace in three years time.

Lets forget about the future. It’s a new party in Asia, let's win.

We need to win for the good of the game in Australia, for Arnold, and most of all for me!

I’m off to cover my first football tournament and the longer the Aussies stay the longer I stay. Now that’s a great reason to win!

Socceroos Squad for the 2007 Asian Cup:

Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer (Middlesborough, England), Brad Jones (Middlesborough, England), Michael Petkovic (Sivasspor, Turkey)

Defenders: Lucas Neill (West Ham, England), Michael Beauchamp (FC Nuremberg, Germany), Michael Thwaites (Wisla Krakow, Poland), Patrick Kisnorbo (Leicester City, England), Mark Milligan (Sydney FC), Brett Emerton(Blackburn, England)

Midfielders: David Carney (Sydney FC, Australia), Mark Bresciano (Palermo, Italy), Jason Culina (PSV Eindhoven, Holland), Vince Grella (Parma, Italy), Luke Wilkshire (Twente, Holland), Tim Cahill (Everton, England),Carl Valeri (Grosseto, Italy), Mile Sterjovski (Basel, Switzerland), Nicky Carle (Newcastle Jets, Australia)

Forwards: Mark Viduka (Middlesborough), John Aloisi (Alaves, Spain), Harry Kewell (Liverpool, England), Brett Holman (NEC Nijmegen, Holland), Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory, Australia).

Group A - Bangkok

Thailand v Iraq – July 7
Australia v Oman – July 8
Oman v Thailand – July 12
Iraq v Australia – July 13
Thailand v Australia – July 16
Oman v Iraq - July 16

This article first appeared at www.netfa.com

Craig Moore to miss Asia Cup

Craig Moore has been given permission by Graham Arnold to miss the Asia Cup. He has struggled with injuries all season and needs to rest to prepare himself for next season.

He is currently without a club, and probably cannot afford to take the risk of getting injured in the Asia Cup, nor miss pre-season with a new club.

Fair enough, which leaves a space wide open for young superstar Matthew Spiranovic.

Coach Arnold was talking him up on Total Football the other night, so I reckon he's in.

Should 18 Year Old Spiranovic be included in the squad? What do you think?

Graham Arnold wants to get to the final

Graham Arnold told the Bangkok Post: "We hope to reach the final of the Asian Cup but there are plenty of strong teams taking part.

"The team is looking forward to playing in Thailand."

Wonder if he'd keep his job if we won. Don't suppose so, but could put some pressure on Fran Lowy and save the FFA a lot of money.