Blog goes until the final

The Aussies may be out, but this blog will run until the final, of course

Japan v Saudi Arabia: I'll be following Japan as a Celtic and Nakamura fan.

Iraq v Korea Republic: In view of my special relationship with Jorvan Vieira and the Iraqi players, its come on Iraq.

Japan v Iraq final. I'd like to see that.

Jorvan Vieira: Should Australia sign the Iraqi Coach?

Jorvan Vieira, The Iraqi coach of Brazilian origin, was offered to the Socceroos earlier this year but was rejected.

He coached Morocco in the 1986 where they got out of a group which included England and Poland. They also beat Portugal 3-1.

He coached Oman Under 20 side in 2000 and they did pretty well. Still are if Sunday's game is anything to go by.

Guus Hiddink impressed. His observations, tactical nous and general demeanour.

Jorvan Vieira has a the same level of class, but different. He is fluent in English, is generous to his opposite numbers, and has an understanding of the World and it's cultures. How else can you coach Morrocco, Oman and Iraq.

Could you imagine Graham Arnold being able to coach these national sides, or Korea like Hiddink did.

Of course he doesn't have to, or maybe he does. Maybe the Australian coach needs to have proven himself in other countries so they can mould an Australian side which can embrace and compete against the region we are now in.

Jorvan Vieira signed up for Iraq one month before the Asia Cup. Do you think he is expensive?

Compared to Arnold, or Houllier or whoever?

Maybe Frank Lowy and FFA should forget European managers who have never coached in Asia.

Houllier and Co have no experience.

Jorvan Vieira is available after the Asian Cup. Should we go for him?

Hey Mr Vieira I ask the questions

Did you fight with your brothers when you were young?

Hawar Mulla Mohammed gave his Captain a Baghdad caress during the last Iraqi game against Thailand.

So I asked the question at the Press Conference

"Hawar, given you gave your Captain a Baghdad Caress in the last game, how is your relationship with Younis Mahmoud now."

Hawar was apologetic, said he didn't mean and things are fine.

But then the Iraqi Coach Jorvan Vieira, who is a tremendously warm and friendly man, it must be said, asked me a question!

In the middle of the Press Conference. That will teach me to open my mouth.

What did he ask?

"Do you have brothers?"

To which I replied, "I do, three." Because I do have three.

"When you were young (nice dig Jorvan) did you not fight with your brothers."

Well I'm not going to let him a way with that am I.

"Yes I did, but now I'm older I don't," I replied. "And wouldn't you be concerned such indiscipline could be punished by the AFC?"

"It's not a problem. We deal with things in our own way."

No worries Mr. Vieira, and I'm impressed the way you defended your player. But in England Lee Bowyer and Kieran Dyer earned suspensions for having handbags in the middle of a game, so why not your player?

Anyway I didn't ask another question at any press conference for the rest of the day:)

Here's what www.sportal.com.au Chief of Staff, Bren O'Brien wrote the next day.

http://sportal.com.au/default.aspx/football-news-display/iraqi-coach-dismisses-disharmony-30955

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