World Cup Playoff: Australia v Uruguay [Archive]

quagga

02-11-2005, 02:22

Hey Guys, as an aussie I just wanted to see what all the footballing minds here think about this 2 legged playoff occuring over the 12th and 16th of November.

The Aussies have new coach Guus Hiddink, who led South Korea to the quarters last WC, but he hasn't had much time to prepare the squad.

Uruguay have Recoba, Forlan, Zalayeta and others, but they are not without weaknesses.

SO WHO WILL WIN??
(Please try to explain why you think a particular side will win as well)

Lugash

02-11-2005, 16:24

On a historical basis, Uruguay deserve it, but I feel sorry for the Aussies never qualifying. Haven't you guys applied to be in the Asian section now?

liechtenstein jim

02-11-2005, 16:42

I think if the Aussies can get a draw or even only a one goal defecit in Montevideo, then they have a good chance of going through over 2 legs, as Uruguay have a relatively poor away record.

jthk2004

02-11-2005, 17:47

it's gotta be aussie's year, isn't it? they have players playing their trades all over the world now and they now have more experiences in european matches than ever. when u look at their squad, only archie thompson is from an aussie club and u know...

and the aussies now have strengths in all departments. needless to mention mark schwarzer's saves at middlesbrough. defensively, u know lucas neill is a tough lad and tony popovic is doing pretty good. but i wanna see jason culina play more as i rate him as a promising defender. and tony vidmar and stan lazaridis finished the defensive puzzles...

there are even more talent in midfield these days with tim cahill and mark bresciano the 2 rising stars. but don't forget brett emerton, whom i think is underrated. josip skoko is not playing much for wigan this season but his carling cup runouts helped him regain his fitness. ahmed elrich can also help as he is now a squad player at fulham. and luke wilkshire could come good as he have gained more experience in the lower leagues.

attacking-wise, mark viduka and harry kewell must be the starting forwards but john aloisi could step up and fill kewell's boots if he's injured...

i really want the aussies to qualify as the fifa rules and unfair to the oceania countries... maybe it will come good for them when they switched to the asian zones next time around.

Yossi

02-11-2005, 21:06

On paper, I reckon the Aussies should go through because they have a stronger team than Uruguay (from what I know about each team). However, football is not played on paper, it's played on grass.

quagga

03-11-2005, 15:15

Yes Lugash, we are now part of the AFC which is a good thing as the problem has always been that Australia has to play qualifiers against oceanic minnows and then wait 5 months to play the 5th place S.American team.

This makes it hard as the S.Americans are battled hardened from a long qualifying campaign - it means their team gels more.

So for 2010 we will qualify through asia which might seem harder but because it shouldn't come down to one big playoff anymore.

Mussav

03-11-2005, 16:14

I Feel sorry for Recoba this is the last World Cup he can play in it.
Forlan deserve to play in the world cup too. :(

But i think Australia will qualify to the world cup. :)

Lugash

03-11-2005, 23:37

Love the double cliche your wheeling out there Yossi.

Nturtle

04-11-2005, 05:57

Love the double cliche your wheeling out there Yossi.

LOL...I second that!!

As an Aussie, I too hope we go through. I only fear for the firepower as we aren't know for attacking football, more like plodding along!

Big names do not equal big victories. I just hope being away first helps us...and no more heartbreaks! We need the development at grassroots level in Australia...and if we don't have more success...we'll never get there!

evilgnome

04-11-2005, 06:46

If Australia dont qualify now then we will never qualify. We have a good chance though, but we all know too well that we have blown it in the past.

Like mentioned we need to develop the game here. Our "style" of football is too defensive and we need to break out from the traditional and learn to play like the other leagues out there.

Im glad Guss is here to help us out, he has coached the best after all.

zer0_faith

05-11-2005, 12:11

As an Australian I hope Australia will go through but both teams have some strong players, so I'm really not sure. Should be a great couple of matches though and I'm going to the second leg in Sydney :D Got prime seats too!

Magpie4eva

05-11-2005, 12:34

Im rooting for Aussies but I doubt they will win. They are without Craig Moore :(

Barry

05-11-2005, 12:35

Uruguay are very intimidating, it showed in 2001 at the previous play-off. They tried everything to intimidate the Aussies, and it worked.
But now Hiddink is on the wheel, and they will succeed :cool:

TochaMan!

05-11-2005, 13:00

Id say Uruguay, especially because of the psychological aspects :) . Uruguayans, as Barryvs mentioned, are one of the most physically intimidating teams when they want to and their supporters are great, especially when they play in the Olimpico in Montevideu. And to add to all of these, they have disqualified the Aussies in the last playoffs too, what will give them great confidence.

Now, talking about footbal aspects, I guess both teams are really leveled with one great exception. Recoba. No australian player is as good as Recoba when he is playng at his best. Ok, Recoba is nowhere near his best after the flurry of injuries, but he looks like he is getting in form and he will play with great desire to take the uruguayans to the WC2006.

My pick: Uruguay. But I guess the Aussies will make it very hard for them this time.

Original?

07-11-2005, 10:24

If Recoba were to play at his best, then sorry but Australia won't be able handle him. If he has an average game he could still be the difference, but then the game will be quite even, though in terms of goals, there do seem to be more anglkes they can come from for Uruguay.

Ronaldo_is_fat

07-11-2005, 10:28

I agree, if Recoba can play at his best then Australia would be a piece of cake unless if Kewell and Viduka also play at their best.

Tallulah Belle

07-11-2005, 10:38

As sad as it sounds, Australia don't have the power that U-r-gay have. I think they will win again like 4 years ago. (Do they have some kind of FIFA law where thy must play each other?)

Magic 8-Ball

07-11-2005, 12:58

I agree, if Recoba can play at his best then Australia would be a piece of cake unless if Kewell and Viduka also play at their best.

Does Dario Silva still play, or has he retired internationally?

Personally, once you end up at Portsmouth, you may as well retire full stop!!!!!

C'mon you Aussies!

-=[101st]=-

07-11-2005, 22:32

Archie Thompson is in doubt, i'd personally love to see this guy play in Uruguay. He's on fire here in the A League, and i'm interested to see how he steps up, and how he compares to others as i am still a little skeptical of how the quality of players rates to other leagues. I've seen some HORRIBLE defending here, but then you see it everywhere.

Personally i think that Australia under Guus Hiddink can make a World Cup, i am just a little concerned about the match time that the big names and also Guus Hiddink's lack of time in charge of Australia might be of a little concern.

Here in Australia, there was talk about 2 weeks ago that Kewell would start from the bench, and to be honest, doesn't surprise me at all. He's been seen as the golden child here for years, but he has failed to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. So why should he walk in?

Can't wait for the game personally, i just hope it is on at a good time for those that reside in Australia. By the way, anyone know what time and day (Sydney time) this is on TV?

David P

07-11-2005, 22:42

=-']
Here in Australia, there was talk about 2 weeks ago that Kewell would start from the bench, and to be honest, doesn't surprise me at all. He's been seen as the golden child here for years, but he has failed to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. So why should he walk in?

I thought Kewell was still injured ?:unsure:

-=[101st]=-

08-11-2005, 02:19

I thought Kewell was still injured ?:unsure:
He is coming back from an injury

Highway Penguin

08-11-2005, 04:33

Uruguay will win.

They've got a good strong team. Let's go Forlan and Recoba. :cool:

200_pesos

08-11-2005, 05:13

Forlan not playing :cool: Maybe Australia makes it and kicks Uruguay out, get some revenge for Colombia :)

-=[101st]=-

08-11-2005, 05:38

I actually rate Australia as favourites, because, this is not the Australian team that any one knows. It's very very different side that played under Frank Farina.

Don't count them out, i think they can go to Uruguay and get a good result, like a draw or a 1 - 0 loss, and come back to Australia infront of 90,000 passionate fans and win 2 - 0. It's not beyond them by any means

quagga

08-11-2005, 05:46

Hey 101st,

The game was supposed to be televised on SBS from 9:30 AM on Sunday the 13th (Coz of the date-line) - but I just heard that the game is going to probably rescheduled from 9PM to 7PM Montivideo time so it will probably be at around 7:30 AM on that Sunday.

I reckon Thompson should start - he has he pace that could get us something away and it will allow us to save Kewell's legs a little.

sasuke12

08-11-2005, 06:19

Recoba has been exceptionally well in Inter this year, he can make the difference...Uruguay's base squad isn't that bad, they have top players like Forlan, Chevanton, Recoba, Sorondo etc.. even Carini who played for Inter, Juve, Arsenal...This match will be hard to predict because of Recoba, you'll never know when will Recoba perform 100% or 0%

Forza Recoba

Cledon

08-11-2005, 07:12

All you people seem to have overlooked some KEY players in the uruguay squad. PABLO GARCIA - Real madrid-starting DM , Carlos Diogo -Real Madrid -with 5 consequetive starts as RB, and Diego Lugano - Sao Paolo - voted the best defender in Brasilian leagues, but yet no high enough bid from europe arrived.

I am sceptical towards Uruguays Forwards for this match... Forlan is injured, Zalayeta and Morales have not been getting minutes.. but then again. THEY ARE AGRESSIVE BALLBREAKING SOLDIERS WHO WILL SHOW COURAGE!! please note that Chengue Morales(Malaga) has been in jail TWICE!!!

ARRIBA URUGUAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i just hope theres a victory with at least two goals, so maybe i can get some sleep in between the 12th and the 16th.... i must admit Australia has got me very tense..

I love football... may the best team win

sasuke12

08-11-2005, 07:33

TochaMan!

08-11-2005, 11:14

Hey, stop overrating the uruguayans! You are making them look like as good or better then everyone :D If they were that good, they wouldnt be playing this playoff...
Both Real guys are just average players, Lugano is good but not great and the same can be said about Chevanton. So, calm down guys ;)

-=[101st]=-

08-11-2005, 23:19

yea, if Recoba fires, Uruguay will win by 3 goals, but if he doesn't (we all know that he is very hot and cold) then i'd almost give the advantage to the Aussies.

Remember, you can't really compare this Australia team to any Aussie team over the last 5 years. Farina brought negative tactics, selections based on names and poor tactics in general to the Australian team. Guus Hiddink has breathed new light into this team, so they are some what of an unkown in my eyes, so it's hard to compare. This first leg will decide the Qualifier, as Uruguay need 2 goals in the fist leg or they'll be in trouble in my opinion.

(it's been so long since i've been so active in a thread in the football section, kinda enjoying it hehe)

Highway Penguin

09-11-2005, 00:24

Forlan not playing :cool: Maybe Australia makes it and kicks Uruguay out, get some revenge for Colombia :)

I've heard rumors that he may play. :unsure:

Oh well.

200_pesos

09-11-2005, 02:37

I thought he wasn't playing because he was injured?...

Tingles

09-11-2005, 02:55

Come on guys Uruguay is going to win by a 3 goal margin, they beat Argentina ffs (isn't that saying everything). Australia plays countries like the Solomon Islands and Jamaica. Although I do hope Australia makes it just for the sake of football in this country, I can't seem the progressing further because of their 'safety first' mentality. Australia and Australian soccer does not have or build the technical abilities needed to play at the top level

Cledon

09-11-2005, 15:19

Thx tingles... you have a GOOD point there...
The southamerican qualifiers is not easy at all.... id say the worst teams such as Bolivia , Peru, Venezuela.. are as good as for example Norway, scottland, Belgium..

So.. its a tough qualifier with all teams being skillful. In europe its usually two or three ok teams and the rest are crap.

as for the strikers of Uruguay: Recoba wont be playing as one.. Fossati places him on the midfield, and puts the two tall black guys up front. Zalayeta and Morales. Chevanton had troubles with the coach, so he is out for this match.

NOTE: Gus Hiddink barely knows his players and has only had one game with them.. this i Hope will work against the Aussies.

WHAT A GAME IT WILL BE.. but football is so unpredictable.. the Aussis can score in the beginning or on some lucky fluke... and maybe uruguay gets 3 crossbar shots!!!

I will be extremely proud if Uruguay makes it!!!

one another thing worht thinking about.. THE FA of the Winning team GETS 6.1 Million EUROS!!!!! very important for developing... alright BY E BYE

TochaMan!

09-11-2005, 19:31

You uruguayans now have a great point. The south american qualifiers are probably the hardest qualifiers in the world right now (african qualifiers are only hard for the big nations because their players play in Europe and dont care about nationals)
But Uruguay, theorically at least, shouldnt have not finished FIFTH, behind Paraguay and Equador, when you rate all your players this high. The truth is your main players are not consistent or completely reliable, or because they are often injuried (Recoba) or because they never can retain their best form when it really matters (Forlan).

Nturtle

10-11-2005, 08:53

Welcome back 101st!

Mmmm...a lot of good points...but like all national teams now...it is less about indivudual performance but more about how the team gels together now.

I think the Aussies will do ok because of this, even if the big names are lesser know...or not known at all outside of Australia.

Yes...we warmed up against poor opposition, but every game has surprises. Hiddink will work with what he has got - look at South Korea - they did so well.

Hopefully that magic keeps coming and Oz get through - the Euros will really help develop the sport in Oz!!! Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie! Oi! Oi! Oi!

accessgranted

10-11-2005, 14:23

I think Australia might make it... just.

I'm hoping the Uruguay team make it though.

guest501

10-11-2005, 16:39

I give the edge to uruguay, if only because they will be impossible to beat at home and will likely go into the second leg needing only a tie
the only hope the aussies have is that forlan isn't fit..and that may shock the south americans just enough for them to get a tie on saturday
I'm rooting for uruguay..recoba and forlan will be nice to see in germany
let's see what happens

pogoss

10-11-2005, 21:06

uruguay just lost 3 - 1 to mexico . australia may have a chance but not with that ashaming play they showed at the confederation cup .

-=[101st]=-

10-11-2005, 22:41

they're a differnt team from then, they played a back 3 against Jamaica. Even against a shitty team, that's a MASSIVE step in the right direction.

Against Uruguay they're expected to play a 4-5-1 formation similar to Man United, with Viduka the lone striker and Kewell and some young guy (can't remember his name, but he played well against Jamaica) trolling the sidelines and coming in to help Viduka. I expect them not to commit too many forward except on a break. They'll be going over there with the attitude "keeping Uruguay scoreless is an advantage to us". Which is the right attitude to play in this situation i think.

Uruguay on paper are the strongest team, so the Aussies dont need to go and attack them and risk conceeding goals in the first leg. They have the brains now to make a world cup, and let's remember what Hiddink did with South Korea in 2002

200_pesos

10-11-2005, 23:24

Pogoss, Uruguay did not have a single first team player in the game against Mexico, while Mexico's side was at full strength. The Mexicans made it seem bigger than it was ;)

-=[101st]=-

11-11-2005, 01:56

found this on smh.com.au (website of sydney's main paper)

Uruguayan team to face Australia in Saturday's leg of World Cup play-off: Fabian Carini (Cagliari), Carlos Diogo (Real Madrid), Diego Lopez (Cagliari), Paolo Montero (San Lorenzo), Dario Rodriguez (Schalke 04), Alvaro Recoba (Inter Milan), Diego Perez (Monaco), Pablo Garcia (Real Madrid), Marcelo Zalayeta (Juventus), Dario Silva (Portsmouth), Richard Morales (Malaga)

nikos24

11-11-2005, 06:47

I hate to mention this, but i think Uruguay will take this one. They have a great team and are dangerous on counter attack and set pieces. Mind you though, the Aussies are a strong team aswell. Especially with Hiddink behind them. But still, i feel Uruguay will take this one. If Australia though get a good result at Montevideo, only then, will this playoff be unceratain of the eventual winner. Good luck to both anyway..

-=[101st]=-

12-11-2005, 03:53

This game is one SBS here in Aus right?

AgentZero

12-11-2005, 05:17

i just hope australia will go through..in dedication to mr Football Johnny Warren....
we have a very versatile midfield...and thats our key to victory

-=[101st]=-

12-11-2005, 06:37

i just hope australia will go through..in dedication to mr Football Johnny Warren....

I agree 100% sunday is the 1 year anniversary of his death, it would be fitting

sasuke12

12-11-2005, 23:24

1-0 to uruguay =)

pogoss

13-11-2005, 04:34

that's not enough but if they play seriously in australia it will be ok for them . I personnaly don't have any link with both countries but I'd like australia to get the tiket 'cause last time they were badly recieved in uruguay (dunno how it went this time) .

-=[101st]=-

14-11-2005, 00:42

overall a good result for Australia imo. They conceeded from a lame free kick, which should have been dealt with and other times you'd think that they would conceed they didn't.

They need to drop kewell imo, he played crap, only thing he did well was earn the free kicks. Viduka was a star, unlucky not to score.

They can still do it

sasuke12

15-11-2005, 23:35

=-']overall a good result for Australia imo. They conceeded from a lame free kick, which should have been dealt with and other times you'd think that they would conceed they didn't.

They need to drop kewell imo, he played crap, only thing he did well was earn the free kicks. Viduka was a star, unlucky not to score.

They can still do it

lol, lame free kick? that free kick is recoba's trade mark

-=[101st]=-

15-11-2005, 23:39

What i meant by lame was, that goal would never have happened if australia marked their men, they let [can't rememember his name] get a free header on the back post. Should never have happened..

Zygalski

15-11-2005, 23:47

Will be close.
Could go down to penalties.

Nturtle

16-11-2005, 06:19

=-']This game is one SBS here in Aus right?

Mate - check out this website - it IS on SBS but also streaming live to everybody!

http://www.smh.com.au/news/football/live-webcast-thats-kewell/2005/11/16/1132016842217.html

Go Aussies!

2-0 will do it!

Tingles

16-11-2005, 07:30

no chance i think it'll end up being 1 - 1 in australia...and i dont think we have the capability of scoring 3...ohh well too bad

-=[101st]=-

16-11-2005, 10:03

1 - 0 to the Aussies.

Kewell should have buried that ball in the goal!

/edit OHH MY GAWD!!

makes me feel so good even as a non Australian.

Joel

16-11-2005, 12:02

Australia through to the World Cup Finals after beating Uruguay 4-2 on penalties.

Well Done Aussies!

AgentZero

16-11-2005, 12:02

WE FUCKIN DID IT....34 years too long

Stella Artois

16-11-2005, 12:13

Zyg made the right prediction... ;o

Well done Australia, let's just hope England get you in the groups and give you yet another thrashing. :)

Zygalski

16-11-2005, 12:17

Congrats to the Aussies. Uruguay kinda deserved it after some comments made by Recoba (I think it was him). It'll be just like when Jamaica went to the world cup! I dread Harry Kewell playing well in the finals :D

Australia don't have to play South American teams in future playoffs right?

AgentZero

16-11-2005, 12:18

anotehr thrashing ay?.....i can seem to remember one of my fondest memory in footbal,other than Eng 1-3 Aus.......:cool:

thats somehwta correct zyg...we go trhought he asian qualifying round now....but if we get in a play off position you never know...good old uruguay might pop up again.

Stella Artois

16-11-2005, 12:20

Australia don't have to play South American teams in future playoffs right?

Correct, as they are now going to be playing in the Asian Qualifying group, they’ll be given the chance to qualify automatically.

80'z Man

16-11-2005, 12:29

As with the Ashe's in the summer and the Rugby World Cup it will give ING-ER-LAND yet another chance to give the boy's down under another seeing to!!!

Stragen

16-11-2005, 12:33

I think you might be flogging a dead horse on the Ashes front, but I guess after the better half of two decades of consistent pain I can understand. But frankly, I care not.

Australia's going to Germany. About time, too.

AgentZero

16-11-2005, 12:34

bah...never
well win again....against ye lot

Stragen

16-11-2005, 12:38

?? Was that directed to me? If so, what exactly are you saying?

Zygalski

16-11-2005, 12:40

Am I reading this right - did Australia make two substitutions after only 6 minutes?? Why?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=190062&cc=5739

80'z Man

16-11-2005, 12:42

What has this done for Guus Hiddink? The man's a genius!!!

Stella Artois

16-11-2005, 12:44

Well, before I came to college, I'd heard that Kewell had come on for Popovic, so i'd assume he was injured. The other substitution I have no idea about.

Australia coach Hiddink made a tactical change on 32 minutes when he brought on Liverpool's Harry Kewell for Tony Popovic in a bold attacking move.

From SkySports.com

Stragen

16-11-2005, 12:47

Am I reading this right - did Australia make two substitutions after only 6 minutes?? Why?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=190062&cc=5739

2 subs after 6 minutes? Nah, that's wrong. I think... that is, if my memory is correct. There was an early substitution where Kewell came on for Popovic, then there were substitutions in the second half where Aloisi came on for Bresciano, and Emerton was really really cramping up so he was replaced by Skoko.

So uh...no, there weren't 2 subs after six minutes.

Edit: That does seem to be what that page indicates though, huh? Typo mayhaps?

Stella Artois

16-11-2005, 12:48

2 subs after 6 minutes? Nah, that's wrong. I think... that is, if my memory is correct. There was an early substitution where Kewell came on for Popovic, then there were substitutions in the second half where Aloisi came on for Bresciano, and Emerton was really really cramping up so he was replaced by Skoko.

So uh...no, there weren't 2 subs after six minutes.

Why did Bresciano come off? From what i've read, he was your most dangerous player?

nikos24

16-11-2005, 12:52

Australia have done it! they are in the World cup. congratulations to the Aussies! I am happy to hear about this since i feel close to the Aussies, well done guys. That was a very nervous penalty shootout. 1-0 after Bresciano put them in the lead after 35 minutes, tied on aggregrate and then went to the penalties. 4-2 they won on it.

Australia, Well done! You are finally in the World Cup, something you truly deserve.

As for Uruguay, real sad that Recoba wont be in, along with Forlan, Zalayeta etc.

Once again, congratulations Australia. Delgihted! :D :D :D :D :D
This could be the tournament of surprises.. hehe.

Zygalski

16-11-2005, 12:55

Edit: That does seem to be what that page indicates though, huh? Typo mayhaps?Probably. More likely to be 60 minutes instead of 6. Or something.

The Aussies world ranking is 60. I assume they are likely to be the 3rd or 4th seeds in their WC group?

Stella Artois

16-11-2005, 12:58

If Sepp Blatter's comments are anything to go by (concerning England and their seeding issue) then I would assume that Australia will almost definitely be 4th seeds.

They haven't participated in the last two World Cups so that will count against them.

Stragen

16-11-2005, 12:59

Yeah, that's right. They won't be highly seeded in their group. Unless they're VERY lucky.

As to Bresciano and his coming off, he was dangerous. But what can I say besides Guus Hiddink is an absolute genius? I mean, it surprised me, but Aloisi played brilliantly (and what's more, he's from where I live).

It was a gamble, but he showed with the Kewell substitution (and with the build up in the past couple of months) that he really knows what he's doing, not to mention with South Korea, Holland, and PSV. Wow. I'm so excited I'm rambling.

Edit: In reply to the last two world cups thing, we haven't been there since 1974. This is HUGE for us.

Edit 2: I played an Australia vs Uraguay game of PES at "Queens land park", so maybe it's time to play Australia in the "International Cup", eh?

Zygalski

16-11-2005, 14:14

I played an Australia vs Uraguay game of PES at "Queens land park", so maybe it's time to play Australia in the "International Cup", eh?Nice one. I'll try that too. We'll have to stick them in a group with Germany, France or Italy though :)

zer0_faith

16-11-2005, 14:18

WOW! JUST WOW! Best $200 I have ever spent! The atmosphere, the football, the victory! It was amazing!

A really well deserved victory for Australia! Generally dictated play throughout the match, although there are still some sloppy mistakes and silly decisions about passes, but not nearly as many as in the first leg in montevideo. There were some decent chances created, but Uruguay definantly had more clear cut chances, all involving Recoba, 3 brilliantly delivered corners presented some open headers and this an area that Australia really needs to work on. Recoba's one on one chance early in the match nearly had me pissing myself. I was so relieved when he was taken off early in the second half, I really could not believe it, he was not playing particularly well, however, he is an important player for the quality of his set-pieces alone and it was probably not a great move to take him off.

Hopefully Harry Kewell will never start another Australia game on the bench ever again. Surely Hiddink sees the potential quality and influence that he brings to the side. He really had an immediate impact once he came on, torturing the Uruguayan right-back by running at him with really excellent skill and putting in good balls to the centre. He really is an exceptional player when he plays well and I think he showed that in this match.

Apart from that... Viduka was disappointing although he did hold the ball up well on occassion. Emerton was rubbish, he really dribbles the ball too much for a player without that much skill and he shot when he should of passed and vice-versa. Bresciano's Serie A play really comes through as he is more composed on the ball than many of the other players. Popovic taken off for Kewell early was a great move, I really dislike popovic he's a dirty player and I think he was lucky not to have given away a couple of penalties in Montevideo for stupid decisions to grab onto player off of set pieces.

SCHWARZER IS AWESOME! I am definantly going to give him a penalty saving star in Winning Eleven :D!

ps. I have some sort of generic inside the stadium shots that I could put up if anyone wants.

pps. COME ON ENGLAND AND AUSTRALIA!!!! I'll be very torn apart if the meet in the world cup. :S

7henrik777

16-11-2005, 14:34

Huge, very pleased. C'mon Australia. I think Povovic done his job well, elbowed recoba in the head, got a yellow card, then got replaced by Kewell. Job well done in my book ;)

Nturtle

16-11-2005, 14:44

Probably. More likely to be 60 minutes instead of 6. Or something.

The Aussies world ranking is 60. I assume they are likely to be the 3rd or 4th seeds in their WC group?

I thought they were 50th Zyg...but I'll take your word for it!

GREAT GREAT result - stuff that down your nexk Recoba! "Divine Right" indeed!

It was a dirty game though...so hopefully Australia will do better against better opponents.

Good on the lads - at least Soccer will NOT be forgotten lo quickly this time in Oz!

Well done Socceroos! :cool:

Zygalski

16-11-2005, 14:47

ps. I have some sort of generic inside the stadium shots that I could put up if anyone wants.
Go for it - www.imageshack.us

Huge, very pleased. C'mon Australia. I think Povovic done his job well, elbowed recoba in the head, got a yellow card, then got replaced by Kewell. Job well done in my book ;)
haha :D

Ballymoor

16-11-2005, 16:15

Im glad they have made it, i seen them play in that tournament in the summer. They did great against Germany, great fight they put up too.

Heard Harry Kewell had a stunner of a game, hope he finally does it for liverpool this season. He owes Rafa one :)

Ballymoor

16-11-2005, 16:19

AgentZero

16-11-2005, 21:02

it was a good game that proved Guus Hiddink is a brilliant tactician
1. Replaced Popovic because the left flank was getting no action with the ball and the attack was predominantly right minded...so after popovic gained a dangerous yellow card he was replaced (some say because guus didnt want a 10-man aussie team as the game was pretty heated between the 2 sides)

2. Bresciano for Aloisi seemed really a weird choice as stella said before he was one of our more dangerous players but....with tiring Uruguayan defenders and kewell and Emo able to whip in a lot of crosses it would be ideal to bring on a second out and out striker to win those balls + Cahill was dropping back and picking up the runners in defence so it would have not been a good move defensive-wise to replace cahill instead of the always attacking Marko Bresciano\

Stragen

16-11-2005, 22:02

This event has just made me so happy :D. I do hope after this that Harry will start performing for Liverpool again, first because if he's playing first-team football in England and Europe it can't b bad for Australia, but also because I've awlays liked Rafael Benitez.

Slaterrr

16-11-2005, 22:03

haha good that Australia won tough, they deserved it!

shadow0_0

17-11-2005, 03:26

Hopefully Harry Kewell will never start another Australia game on the bench ever again. Surely Hiddink sees the potential quality and influence that he brings to the side. He really had an immediate impact once he came on, torturing the Uruguayan right-back by running at him with really excellent skill and putting in good balls to the centre. He really is an exceptional player when he plays well and I think he showed that in this match.

I think the reason was Kewell was still not fully fit. He was good in the first half in the first leg but you could see he was tired towards the end.
I actually he came on too early (probably because of the yellow card on Popovic) because he sort of faeded in the second half. It was great he found something extra in the extra :)

Apart from that... Viduka was disappointing although he did hold the ball up well on occassion.

I actually felt his play has improved since becoming the captain, but I sort of knew he will stuff the penatly up :)

SCHWARZER IS AWESOME! I am definantly going to give him a penalty saving star in Winning Eleven :D!

Could not agree more :)