I don't know if it's just me but this whole campaign right from when we actually qualified has just felt weird, like something is missing.

I can't put my finger exactly on what but everything about this, the team just don't seem to have that aussie spirit or something.

anyone feel the same?

I think we got lucky too often and everyone got complacent thinking that it was good performances. We've been outplayed by some abysmal teams in the grand scheme of things, but have always managed to take points.
The danger signs were there from the 1-0 win against Bahrain in Manama where we were absolutely destroyed by the Bahraini's movement, but their poor finishing coupled with Schwarzers brilliance kept it goal-less until Bresciano pounced on a monumnetal defensive error in the 93rd minute.
Too many have reasoned that we got the points, which was all that mattered. Well now we're playing teams that won't be so wasteful in front of goals, and it was shown today just how far of the pace we've allowed ourselves to drop.
Pim has always stuck to his guns on selection and formation, even when we were playing poorly. He had the results to back him up, but the performances weren't improving along the way and have come into a WC with a one-dimensional plan that ground out results against footballing minnows.

It's definitely nothing like 2006. For some reason there's just not as much excitement about, and for some reason everyone seems to expect us to not only get to the WC but to get through the group stages too. We are still a football fledgling nation, and in my opinion getting through to the round of 16 last time was a bit of a fluke (though we did play better then than now).

Oh and Kewell....

FOR FUCKS SAKE PIM, if he's fit, PLAY HIM, if he's not, FUCKING TELL US!!!

The team is too old and slow and the younger blokes weren't ready or didn't take their chances eg Spiranovic. I live in hope for the next WC campaign. And we need to use the Asian Cup next year to get ready for the next round of WC qualifiers - it will be crucial to take a young squad to this tournament.

=d> this

i've said it before, we don't have to play defensive football to get results (especially against the weaker asian teams)

we have the cattle to dominate these teams 3 or 4 nil every game it's just our coach was too defensive and inflexible all campaign and come world cup didn't have a (good) plan B.

i've already written off this world cup, a waste of some of the greatest players Australia has ever produced. And no longer will I get my hopes up and think we can make the round of 16 because tbh just being there should be enough (for now).

i do feel the same. i felt the same from the start. our attitude was about grinding out results and being happy with draws as well.

.....Mark viduka......

+1 because we don't have someone as similar to him up front and at times, no one ;)

At least he knew when to retire...


Edited by Bryan: 14/6/2010 03:34:11 PM

We have just hung on to the idea that the team of 2006 are the saviors of Australian football and are flawless. We didn't place enough emphasis on bringing through the next generation. Players like Spiranovic, Beauchamp, Kilkenny, Kisnorbo and Bosnar should all have been playing regularly for the Roos over the last few years.

I think Pim got spooked by the poor Asian cup result and didn't want to chance his reputation on not qualifying. The Australian public wouldn't have criticised him if the stars of 2006 hadn't qualified but would have blamed him if he chanced his hand on untested players. As a result we have reached this point because of Pim's gutlessness and selfish desire to put his own career and reputation ahead of the long-term interests of the country he is coaching.

The Oman ACQ game was the eye opener for me. We were very lucky to get points from it.
That game made me realize that we could be in serious trouble.

this has already been covered to death thoughout the qualification process....

Most of the top 15 knew Pim would pick them. Complacency on players behalf and the coach perhaps? It was very different 5 years ago, these guys were all fighting and had something to prove, they were hungrier. Guus didn't pick you just on reputation.

The past couple years there just hasn't been the changing of the guard in positions needed (i.e. Moore, Grella). Guys like Sasa Org, Bosnar should've been given a shot to prove themselves at the back. They actually play 1st team week in week out. Fringe 1st teamers like Carney, Valeri (maybe Carle?) and others could have been put in front the Moore's and the like (who weren't in form or playing) and then these guys told to step up and prove they are still up for it.

I just hope these guys realize now they can't just show up and scrape a win. Might be OK in Asia, not in a WC. I still think they can win the next 2 games. . . (hope).