^+1. dukes WAS a good striker (and thanks mate for picking the home team rather than Hrvatska) but the AC was the middle of a downward slope. There's no chance that would he be at all useful to us in June, way too slow and old. Not even Ronaldinho or Riquelme or Beckham are going to the WC and they all play still!

The bloke's the size of a fridge these days, he couldn't play 30 minutes, let alone 90.

In fairness, it was his own arrogance and mediocre performances that cost the side and if he can't take public criticism for poor showings then he probably should have retired even earlier.

The best player ever to come out of Australia. Check his highlights on utube if in doubt.
Would have been good if his body and desire had held up for another year.
One year of A League would be a great way to go out, but I think Dukes will be spending his time in cakeshops instead. Well deserved. A living legend of the Australian game.

That's why I keep saying we should always concentrate on re-embracing the "true believers" - i.e. the various ethnic groups, who gave football its core base in Australia - rather than trying to pander to the needs of the "theatre watchers", who don't have a love for the game or appreciate the nuances and history of the game.

For me, the World Cup in 06 & 10 is purely icing on the cake - a time to celebrate - but, if Aloisi had missed that penalty, I'd have waited another 4 years ... hoping.

If Dukes didnt play in the Asian cup 2007, I dare say that he would be still playing. I think all that criticism they copped for getting knocked out probably made him think twice about playing again.

Gentlemen,
By the looks of the picture ... It might be time for that colonoscopy.
The sort of relief he is looking for can only come from that.
Unfortunately, Dukes does not have wings which are like a shield of steel.

Cheers

Adjusting to life without football was proving difficult.

"It's very difficult to just - stop - all of a sudden," he said.

All of a sudden? One year cruising in his yacht in the mediterranian and 6 months in Keilor is all of the sudden?

Its bizarre that he keeps everyone guessing. The mere fact that he has yet to say "yes" to playing says that "no", he doesn't have the desire.

Interesting comment on "our expectations of making the WC". What scares me is if we don't make a WC do the wheels fall off the domestic league?

We are a fickle bunch

He should stick with the Melbourne knights. He seems very loyal and can teach a thing or two in the vpl. He is getting on a bit and doesn't deserve the scrutiny from the media.

Why should viduka bother playing in the A-League and be subject to a barrage of criticism by d...heads like you batfink who spend most of your day hanging upside down getting high on eating fermented rotten fruit?

Viduka will be sorely missed in this World Cup. If he were playing, our chances would improve dramatically

off the top, i love Dukes. Aus football produces superstars very rarely and he was top notch. His umming and aahing over playing on or retiring got really tiresome. It does take the gloss off a career to a certain degree for me. Be definitive. Hang up the boots with dignity. I think it's been 12-18 months too late the "retiring" phase. Good luck to him tho

be gr8 to see viduka in the a-league

^^^ speaking from experience??? ..... tool

I wonder if he gets depression from not playing and become alcoholic or fat.

if he wanted to be at the world cup, he shoulda found a club. he is still in demand here in the a-league, i dunno what hes waiting for.

Dukes plz become a coach and so we can train stirkers like your self

Go on Dukes, just one season in the A-League...please

Yeah good, It's a shame hes retired but I'm glad he can at least realise the stupidity of the criticism of the Aussie team in Asia.


What do you think about the FourFourTwo article Viduka: World Cup Will Be Tough?
AUSTRALIAN legend Mark Viduka admits it will be difficult to watch from the sidelines when the Socceroos take the pitch in South Africa in less than a month’s time.

Have your say.