How do people still rate wilkshire at the back? goddamn the mans a fantastic right midfielder but be under no illusions he cannot defend as well as he once could. Emerton has to go down there I think.

serbia lead up to the world cup has been less than thrilliang esp now that spain totally kicked the polish arse the other day.

I still think the the most experienced socceroos players will hit the field against the germans. here's hoping emo is fit. I really want to see him there.

Not so worried about cahill or kewell. has anyone seen or heard much of emerton?

Holman might run around like a headless chicken but he can also be lazy too - unpredictable indeed. But it'll be good to see him run around some more and hopefully create some opportunities too maybe get a goal or two, do a 2006 cahill!

I'd love to see wilkshire and chippers push up more if needed. they both have a good knack at crosses.

don't see any problem with culina and i realy hope grella is on his game come germany, our defence is counting on you too !

The great thing is our 1st team won't be suffering from any deer in headlight moments. Germany is a tough task but thats the world cup for you. 4 years guys. remember this is it!! :)

I know i've been waiting.. ahhhhhh.. love it!

Edited by Bryan: 10/6/2010 01:11:26 AM

yeah i agree with Jargernaut...it'll be pretty much our most expd line up possible. We need the guys who have done this all before..A good solid 45..should carm the nerves then i can see someone like vidosic or ruka maybe coming on to add some pace and unpredictability..

our line up v Germany will be exactly the same as it was for the two friendlies in South Africa. And i believe it should be that way too, against Germany we need to start with our most experienced players if Kewell and Emerton are fit then I believe they will probably start from the bench and will be injected into the match if and when Pim thinks he can swing it in our favour. Lets be honest guys, changing our line up and formation drastically is not a good idea at the World Cup, the team has to play in a confident and familiar manner.

One thing emerges from these threads is that most of you have absolutely no idea about picking an Australian team.

I was watching the Australia - Netherlands game on Fox this morning. Mini-Vinnie put in a couple of shocking tackles that Grella would wince at. Is he really the answer?

I would love to see a formation like this instead of 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1:

Kennedy--------------Ruka------
----------Cahill---------------
Kewell------------------Emerton
----------Valeri---------------
Chip----Neil----Champ----Wilk
----------Swarchz--------------

Edit: And if we're desperate for a goal than you could take Valeri off and change the formation so that Holman/Culina can come one and play alongside Cahill thus changing it from 4-1-2-1-2 to 4-2-2-2.

Edited by Jets_Fan: 9/6/2010 03:14:44 PM

One of the things I learnt is that Bresc is playing like a dogs breakfast. Can't find room for Holman? Drop Bresc to the bench mate and put Holman on - it's not like we really play with true width anyway.

Jedinak should never start in front of Valeri. Valeri is a class above Jedinak and has looked the goods everytime he has made an appearance for the Socceroos. Stop picking Grella on reputation and pick Valeri on form.

Line up

Schwarzer
Wilkshire----Beauchamp-----Neil------Chippers
Culina--------Valeri
Emerton----------Cahill----------Vidociz
Kewell

Bench: Federichi, Moore, Grella, Bresciano, Kennedy

If he's fit I'd still put Kewell on the left and start Kennedy. I'm not sure if we really want our lone striker to be coming on after such a long spell out of the game. There's no way he'd be effective in that role straight up.
Even if Kennedy is marked out of the game he will at least have to attract a few markers leaving one of Emmo/Cahill/Kewell free.
And yes, please please please Emerton be fit. He changes the dynamic of the team so much.

Edited by FourTwoThreeOne: 9/6/2010 02:07:13 PM

Lot of interesting stuff in this, Matt. I agree with most of it.

Personally I'd play Valeri and Jedinak in the holding roles with Culina on the right. Emerton just hasn't had enough football lately.

Cahill as a striker and Holman in behind is a very interesting idea, but I doubt it'll happen.

I'd add one more positive: Chipperfield looks very sharp and dangerous on the left. He could be very important for us.


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