By Decentric 2 - 29 Apr 2024 10:43 PM
I've had a really good look compiling stats and had a long, hard look at replays.
I've also had a good look at the five full previous games - Saudi A, Iraq, Qatar, South K and Egypt, but not to the the same extent as the three tournament games against Jordan, Indonesia and Qatar.
Haven't quite finished, but Aus dominated Jordan, Indonesia and Qatar, in all of possession, territory, balls played into the pen box and shots at goal.
In the five practice games, Aus had a fair bit of goof fortune when shooting. In the three tournament games in Qatar, Aus hit the post 3-4 times. There were so many times when the shots should have been been converted. The opposing teams didn't shoot that well against us either from only about a third of the shots Aus had, but one was converted.
In terms of form a few players struggled by their own standards. Many performed well.
Farrell - was really poor by his own lofty standards, compared to playing for CCM and in his U23 previous game against Saudi Arable. Not sure whether he is exhausted from a long season, or carrying an injury?
The Kuols and Toure just couldn't score. In previous Olyroo games they've been clinical.
Brook went close a lot, is in good club form and was clinical in previous Olyroo games. Milanovic has also been in good club form, but whereas Brook usually induced some really good saves from the keeper, Milanovic was off target. His worst was an open goal. Brook was very good - apart from not scoring.
Football wise I think most of the best team that took the pitch in the tournament, will replace current senior Socceroos. Most have superior skill sets. Apart from Souttar as CB and the Goodwin connection, the U 23s who were there, and the U 23 UEFA players not released by clubs, have superior skills to the senior Socceroos.
I'm going to add a lot of data in another thread re the U23s.
It is a shame they are going to be remembered as a failed generation, because from their previous form, I expected them to qualify easily.
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