Match Analyis: Canberra Times

My article below first appeared in the Canberra Times.

Dismal Aussies saved by Cahill.

Tim Cahill, a man with an eye for goal, saved Australia again in Bangkok last night. Socceroos Coach Graham Arnold’s substitutions forced the change in a game Australia looked destined to lose, but there weren’t too many positives for Australia in this game

The storm clouds grew darker and darker in monsoonal Bangkok last night as the Socceroos lacked the creativity and firepower to break a stubborn and talented Oman.

In truth Oman didn’t have to do much as the Australians produced a dismal performance.

In the World Cup last year Coach Guus Hiddink introduced a mobile style of football to the Socceroos game. The game centered around one striker, Mark Viduka. A five man midfield covered any defensive frailties. And Australia earned great success.

Last night Arnold, perhaps believing the hype around the quality of this Australian team, went for two forwards, thereby weakening the midfield, and exposing the new Socceroos defence.

Despite this new attacking potential, no real chance was created in the first half, and worryingly Mark Viduka looked out of sorts up front despite having Harry Kewell playing alongside for the opening 20 minutes.

Midfielders Vince Grella and Jason Culina were unable to control the centre of the field and as a result Oman was able to dictate the flow of the game with their quick incisive passing.

Ominously for the Socceroos chances of Asian Cup glory, Oman ripped through the heart of the new Socceroos defence, much the same as Singapore had done in the previous friendly. Oman pulled key defenders Lucas Neill and Brett Emerton all over the place and Al-Maimani could not have believed the amount of time and space he had to finish from inside the box. And finish he did

Arnold introduced John Aloisi, Tim Cahill and later Brett Holman as Australia pushed for the equalizer.

A Hiddink like strategy again proving successful for Australia and Arnold.

Positives for Australia were few. Aloisi’s energy and Mark Schwarzer perhaps the only standouts. And of course late on, a fit again, Tim Cahill. If Arnold got the starting format wrong his ability to force change was a positive. The negatives were many.

Australia started the game very slowly at the Rajamangala stadium. A big mistake. Going a goal behind in the heat of Bangkok is a hard task for any side, not least an Aussie side lacking pace and creativity.

Australia can only get better, and they must, if they are to have any hope of winning this tournament.

Omani fans reaction

Want to know what the Omani's think about that game with Australia?

http://soccerblaze.com/ John sent through this link to the Omani supporters blog.

Headline goes: So Australia are not Brazil!

Too early to say Soccerblaze.

Speaking to Conditioning coach Andrew young today at the team hotel in Bangkok, Young was disappointed with the result.

"We knew the Omani's were strong physically and had some very skillful players. We will get stronger the longer the tournament goes."

"Remember some guys are in season, while our players have just done three weeks pre-season in unfavourable climatic conditions."

And remember Soccerblaze, Brazil often start slowly. And if you couldn't beat Australia the other night, maybe you never will.

Take that:)..and good luck with your blog.

Match Analysis: Australia v Oman

This match analysis first appeared in the Canberra Times:

Tim Cahill, a man with an eye for goal, saved Australia again in Bangkok last night. Socceroos Coach Graham Arnold’s substitutions forced the change in a game Australia looked destined to lose, but there weren’t too many positives for Australia in this game.

The storm clouds grew darker and darker in monsoonal Bangkok last night as the Socceroos lacked the creativity and firepower to break a stubborn and talented Oman.

In truth Oman didn’t have to do much as the Australians produced a dismal performance.
In the World Cup last year Coach Guus Hiddink introduced a mobile style of football to the Socceroos game. The game centered around one striker, Mark Viduka. A five man midfield covered any defensive frailties. And Australia earned great success.

Last night Arnold, perhaps believing the hype around the quality of this Australian team, went for two forwards, thereby weakening the midfield, and exposing the new Socceroos defence.

Despite this new attacking potential, no real chance was created in the first half, and worryingly Mark Viduka looked out of sorts up front despite having Harry Kewell playing alongside for the opening 20 minutes.

Midfielders Vince Grella and Jason Culina were unable to control the centre of the field and as a result Oman was able to dictate the flow of the game with their quick incisive passing.

Ominously for the Socceroos chances of Asian Cup glory, Oman ripped through the heart of the new Socceroos defence, much the same as Singapore had done in the previous friendly. Oman pulled key defenders Lucas Neill and Brett Emerton all over the place and Al-Maimani could not have believed the amount of time and space he had to finish from inside the box. And finish he did

Arnold introduced John Aloisi, Tim Cahill and later Brett Holman as Australia pushed for the equalizer.

A Hiddink like strategy again proving successful for Australia and Arnold.
Positives for Australia were few. Aloisi’s energy and Mark Schwarzer perhaps the only standouts. And of course late on, a fit again, Tim Cahill. If Arnold got the starting format wrong his ability to force change was a positive. The negatives were many.

Australia started the game very slowly at the Rajamangala stadium. A big mistake. Going a goal behind in the heat of Bangkok is a hard task for any side, not least an Aussie side lacking pace and creativity.

Australia can only get better, and they must, if they are to have any hope of winning this tournament.

Everyone loves a goalscorer!

Superhero Tim Cahill to the rescue.

Tim Cahill gives the press what they want in the mixed zone after the game.

"It's great to score important goals." said Tim Cahill.

And doesn't he keep doing it for Australia.

How good were the Aussies tonight?

Maybe 4/10..bit harsh, but it wasn't pretty.

But what about the defence. In it's current form it can't win a major football trophy, can it?

Aussie keeper saves the day

Mark Schwarzer's crucial saves kept Aussies alive.

Schwarzer was busy on the field and off. Fox Sports Murray Shaw puts Schwarzer through his paces.

But Schwarzer deflects with ease.

"No we didn't underestimate Oman. Yes the conditions are tough. We're in Asia and this is what we have to get use to."

Excellent performance for Australia tonight Mark Schwarzer.

Aussie and Omani fans mingle

Maybe 5,000 fans in the stadium 30 minutes before kick-off

Thai media, Government have pulled out all the stops for this one.

And the next time someone says Asians love Englisj Premier League football and players, and that EPL players are massive in Asia..just say oh yeah, sterotypes rock!

Still the sun is out, the Aussies are here and it's going to be great.