Strengths and weaknesses were clear
MICHAEL LYNCH AND MICHAEL COCKERILL
June 25, 2010
THE HEROES
BRETT HOLMAN
Much-maligned attacking midfielder came of age during this World Cup. Came off the bench against Germany and tried to provide a spark; started against Ghana and scored Australia's goal; was again thrown on late against Serbia and scored a stunning long-range strike that gave the Socceroos hope they could qualify for the second phase. Holman is now an essential part of Australia's rebuilding program.
CARL VALERI
Another who stepped into the breach, he has surely cemented his spot in the centre of the team's midfield. Dubbed ''mini-Vinnie'', Italian-based Valeri is younger, more mobile and fitter than the man who was his mentor and whom he replaced. Hard-working and blessed with a phenomenal engine, he covers ground, tackles, covers well and passes crisply and with economy. A must to hold down a central midfield spot in the future.
LUCAS NEILL
A captain who led from the front, he remained calm and stoic in the face of adversity, especially after losing to Germany. Still has a role in the national team, at least in the medium term.
THE VILLAINS
HARRY KEWELL
Desperately short of match fitness and it showed. Couldn't play warm-up games, couldn't even warm up against Germany, burred up about media scrutiny, then promptly got sent off against Ghana. The Cup was a personal disaster.
MARK BRESCIANO
Physically shot, didn't contribute much in warm-up games, and apart from his free kick against Ghana which led to Holman's goal, rarely provided a spark.
CRAIG MOORE
Gave what he had, but was no longer enough. Lacking in match fitness going in and it proved costly for a player whose recovery has been his greatest asset. The game against Germany was one he will hope to forget.
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