Matthew Hall
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Shockeroos: You have to suffer for success
This wreck of an Asian Cup was a slow train coming.
It's easy in retrospect to say "I told you so" but in the words of the late Johnny Warren, I told you so.
Football, on and off the pitch, is full of smoke and mirrors. Bangkok's humidity, however, makes things very clear to see.
Australia, we're not as good as we think we are.
Lucas Neill's bold pre-tournament prediction that the Socceroos would win the Asian Cup is now as laughable as some of Australia's comedic defending.
I used to joke to English friends about our 3-1 win over the Poms in London in 2002.
We didn't win that game 1-0, 2-1, or 2-0. We caned England 3-1.
That joke is now, sadly for me, buried. We beat England in a friendly. Iraq has whipped us in a competition match, in a tournament to decide the best football nation in the region.
World Cup euphoria blurred a lot of people's vision and hearing.
First, Australia was just one missed penalty away from not qualifying for the World Cup.
Johan Neeskens reply to a loaded question during the World Cup about Lucas Neill's potential became classic Chinese Whispers where the next thing we knew the defender was all but a Barcelona superstar.
Reality: Lucas Neill now plays for West Ham.
After controversially losing to Italy at the World Cup, some people in a parallel universe bizarrely suggested Australia could have made the World Cup Final.
Reality: in Germany, Australia only won one game, was fortunate to draw against Croatia and lost two matches. That's only one win (against an Asian team) better than the 1974 team's performance.
More reality: Preparation for the Asian Cup was third, maybe even fourth, rate for many reasons.
- The failure to appoint a permanent coach for this tournament and beyond created paranoia and insecurity within team management before the Asian Cup began.
- The failure to play more than one half-baked friendly against Singapore, and the idea to use Oman and Iraq as "warm up" games has been cruelly exposed.
I could go on but I'm sure you all have your own thoughts about what has gone wrong.
In late May, I asked Mark Schwarzer if he thought Asian Cup preparation was up to scratch.
He gave a hum and a hah before replying: "We won't know until the tournament starts."
Well, we now know.
It's easy to say Graham Arnold isn't up to the task handed him.
It's easy to say that the players have performed so far below expectation that it's comical.
It's easy to say all of that because it's likely true.
Dunga, Brazil's coach, said last week that "You must suffer to have success."
He was fending off criticism of his team after a shaky Copa America campaign.
That tournament 's final will be played on Sunday night between Brazil and Argentina. The weather in Venezuela, the otherwise hospitable host, has been hot, humid, and wet, wet, wet. It has also provided sublime games, exhilarating performances, and some of the best goals you will ever see.
Dunga, though, has a point.
Maybe,this loss to Iraq, a team with a shattered homeland, is the greatest thing to happen to Australian football.
The honeymoon is now well and truly over.
The bandwagon has spun out and flipped over.
We get to learn some humility.
We earn a very public lesson and a big dressing down.
The players' so-called superstar reputations now mean nothing.
We need a coach in command, not just "in charge".
Expect a siege mentality to come from the Australian camp over the next few days.
The traveling supporters however maybe said it best by booing the team at the end of the match.
Football is now a serious sport in Australia with passionate and demanding fans.
The Socceroos can expect to be hailed as heroes when the occasion deserves it.
They represent our own hopes, dreams, and ambitions.
But when things go wrong - very wrong - the truth has to be told.
Nothing comes free of charge and nothing should be served up on a silver platter.
A little suffering might do us all a lot of good.
On a related note, from UK newspaper The Guardian earlier this week:
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"With Harry [Kewell], I've played with him for a long time and it makes it easier because he knows where I run, how I come off defenders, and I know what he's going to do once he passes it" - Mark Viduka on July 7. 2007.
"I'd love to play up there with Johnny [Aloisi]. I've known him for a long time, since we were at the Australian Institute of Sport together, and it would take a lot of pressure off me" - Mark Viduka on July 9.
MAKE UP YOUR MIND!!!
COMMENTS
A lot of people are saying 'we aren't as good as we thought we were' which is true since a lot of people really did overestimate us... But we aren't so bad that we should be -outplayed- by countries like Oman and Iraq. Asia was never going to be easy, there are not countries like the Solomon Islands where we will win 30 - 0, every game will be just 1 or 2 points and it will be tough going (which is great). But we -shouldn't- get -outplayed- to such an extent, we aren't -that- bad.
With a real coach, we might have beaten Oman maybe 1 - 0 or 2 - 1, and Iraq who are actually quite good, we may have only just pulled off a win or even a tie, but i'd be extremely surprised if we had not only lost, but been embarrassed in the process as we have seen under Graham Arnold.
- by Joh on July 14, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Matthew you do raise some interesting points however there was a section that concerned me. "Reality: in Germany, Australia only won one game, was fortunate to draw against Croatia and lost two matches. That's only one win (against an Asian team) better than the 1974 team's performance". Fortunate to draw against Croatia? I believe it was the opponent that was extremely fortunate. I thought we showed a lot of heart to overcome the scoreline and a very poor referee (who as you can recall issued 3 yellow cards to the same player). And who did we lose to? Brazil who were the reigning champions and Italy who become eventual champions. And what won the nation over? Our ability to impose our game against these footballing heavyweights.
- by David Jacimovic on July 14, 2007 at 10:40 AM
100% on the mark. The only addition I would make is that against China in we looked and played like a real football team, at least for the first 30 minutes before taking the foot of the pedal. Whatever Arnie said or did in preparing for that game needs to be repeated for Monday. After all if 'not making the final' equates to failure for Arnie what exactly does 'not winning a game' mean?
- by guru72 on July 14, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Shockeroos indeed; its wrong to blame the coach and staff entirely - you get what you pay for, and weve got that - a low rent Target franchise in the new Westfield. They are probably doing the best they can and clearly its not good enough for all spectators/fans and players alike.
The rott must stop - first up 'goals against' - you just cant conseed 3 goals EVER! Get ugly at the back, get dirty, get among em!
As the Guus era showed, with structure - we can compete going forward. A late goal anytime is a good goal and in a tight game will probably be a win well celebrated victory; just look at Brasil, Argentina & Italy - one/nil's enough in any game; (if you dont conceed 3 goals that is).
For Arnold and Co. - the only vindication is to win the Asian Cup from here - anything else is curtians.
- by We (dont) Do the Business on July 14, 2007 at 10:56 AM
What is it with you Aussies? The first comment trashes the 'English' game!? It wasn't an impediment at the last World Cup, was it? You were stuffed by Iraq because of arrogance and self-deception in the facing a country that had REAL passion, not media hype.
- by Pommy Dave on July 14, 2007 at 10:57 AM
The preparation for the asian cup, ie the qualifiers, was at best sketchy. The loss to Uruguay in June.... was unexceptable. Its time for football federation australia to get rid of Arnold, he is the mould of australian soccer, if he had any dignity he would resign. As for the socceroos themselves, shape up boys, you were the talk of the land, now you are a joke.
- by daniel on July 14, 2007 at 11:14 AM
I told u so. The socceroos were dreaming that they were robbed in the World Cup. If Arnold was coaching last year, the Italians wouldv've scored 20 against us. Bring in the A League players. At least they play with heart and not with their wallets and lets hope that Houllier or any Dutch coach can solve this mess. Maybe Lippi can coach us. He's available!
Lippi? Not such a bad idea. - MH
- by Italo-Aussie on July 14, 2007 at 11:14 AM
Reality: in Germany, Australia only won one game, was fortunate to draw against Croatia and lost two matches. That's only one win (against an Asian team) better than the 1974 team's performance.
Even the victory against Japan was a close run thing, which could of gone either way; remember Cahill's foul after his first goal in Japan's penalty box?
The main problem is the English style of football that the socceroos degenerate into once they go behind or are tired or whatever. They did it under Farina(What a terrible coach), they at times did it under Hiddink. The players just revert back to the premier league were most of them play in. A coach with a strong personality is needed to take the players in a new direction, hopefully a Latin American coach, but i doubt it.
- by atlas on July 14, 2007 at 11:20 AM
I know it's easy to put all the blame on Arnold but the buck stops with the coach. It may have been the players attitude thats the problem but thats up to Arnie to address. If they don't want to be there, then he should play someone that did. The problem with Arnie is that he is too scared to drop any big name stars. The team virtually picks itself now just like in the Frank Farina days.
I can't believe that Sterjovski is the only player who got the blame for the poor performance against Oman. For example, Kisnorbo should never be in the team. Matt's x-factor Brett Holman was a no factor and pretty much a bystander.
The Socceroos are an old aging team and played like that in the last 2 games. Thanks god Craig Moore and Skoko decided to miss the comp. That would have raised the average age by a couple more years.
Once again, where are our young rising stars??? Even if we got eliminated from this competition at the group stage while playing our youngsters, at least we can say they gained experience for the next World Cup campaign.
Yeah, so much for the X-Factor. They all let me down! - MH
- by Ben Smith on July 14, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Arnold and Neill's comments pre-tournament came across as cocky, which made me feel uncomfortable. Australia had never taken part in this tournament before so we really had no idea what to expect.
No other team coach came out saying they expected to win the tournament, or words to that effect. When you do this, you are setting yourself up for a fall.
It would have been better to reserve judgement on the competition, and adapt your style and tactics to effectively counter the opposition whilst the game is in progress. Guus Hiddink did just that, but there is no reason why an Australian coach can't do it too. A lesson for Arnie, but maybe one learned after the horse has bolted.
Glad to see the Dukes get a goal in cup play. But equally I am looking forward to his heir apparent Josh Kennedy doing the same in our next big tournament.
- by Mark Fisher on July 14, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Well Said. Lets hope that this team finally realises that they need to rally together and put on a 1st class performance against Thailand. Its not that we dont have the players, maybe Arnie is correct in saying that some players dont want to be there. Why would they. Most of these players are getting between $50-100G's a week in front of full stadiums for there clubs in Europe. Lets hope that Australia is like Italy and just scrape through to the next round and go on and win it, like the Italians did in the world cup.
We need to win and go further in this Asian Cup. League and AFL followers are probably loving every minute of this as they can see that soccer in Australia is again going backwoods.
- by JOHN on July 14, 2007 at 11:53 AM
Agree with everything you say Matthew and, as you say, there's also more.
- by Felicity on July 14, 2007 at 12:13 PM
we (aussies) have been playing so badly, its pisses me off so much
we lost against a war corrupted country, we gotta get a another coach, a european. We held off Italy for 90min n we lost to iraq 3-1.
if we play lyk this against italy
we would have been arsed.
I totally agree u mate n btw our defence needs a kick up de arse
- by adeybabe on July 14, 2007 at 12:41 PM
what a stupid comment by goalkeepersunion after reading a great article.
there wouldn't be an Australia without the english, you plonker. you wouldn't have wanted to be colonised by the Dutch as there was no way you should shake off their yoke without a war, you plonker. you wouldn't be allowed to say what you think and believe as the present day Dutch don't believe in that concept, watch their docile acceptance of the EU's restraints on freedom of speech, you plonker.
England invented all the games and pasttimes we play, basically. So, before you rubbish them, just realise that without them you are zero.
Rule Britannia! Oh, hang on... I've got Fozzie on the other line... - MH
- by Youssef Mourra on July 14, 2007 at 12:43 PM
We've been rubbish with a capital R.
We underestimated the opposition
We abandoned our high energy high pressure game, under the misapprehension we'd become Argentina overnight
We had a 2 bit preparation
We have a coach who didn't cut in in the NSL
Amazing thing is we've still got a shot. If we stop whining about diving and the heat and stick to playing football, we may yet come good. Provided we also drop that muppet Kisnorbo
- by GregP on July 14, 2007 at 01:15 PM
All this bleating about coaches, footballing styles and nationality is ludicrous. Getting a Brazilian coach doesn't mean we'll end up playing like Brazil.
Gus Hiddink didn't get us playing the way he did because he was Dutch it was because he was an excellent man manager and had shrewd football brain.
That's the sort of coach we need, who cares whether the person is Australian, English, Italian, Dutch or whatever? As long as they have the tactical nous and man management skills they will be able unlock whatever the innate skills and qualities of Aussie footballers are.
Germany hasn't won all its trophies by trying to be Brazil or Italy, it just plays to its own strengths.
And as Matthew's great article points out, we currently have a fairly ordinary squad and its satisfactory performance in Germany 06 has been extrapolated to hilarious lengths. Some players are out of form and fitness (Cahill, Bresciano) others are at the end of their international careers (Viduka Schwarzer) others are simply too green or don't have the right calibre.
You can't expect some sort of supercoach to carry this squad on his back to a major trophy.
Let's get some new blood through, give a coach a bit of support and job security and cheer the Socceroos through to better times.
- by crunch on July 14, 2007 at 01:43 PM
As I ring around the pubs only to find the best option I have to see the game with my 15 year old son is on a screen in a pub lounge with the sound turned down, all I can think is why isn't the FFA spending some of that pay TV money on hiring a descent coach? Are we too proud as Aussies to admit we need a coach with international experience to be competetive at an international level?
- by steve Berry on July 14, 2007 at 02:35 PM
Come on Boys.......Wake up and give it your best against THailand......
Arnie, Make a our dreams come true...
- by Doug T on July 14, 2007 at 04:50 PM
Arnold coached along side Hiddink and the idea was to have him keep the same mechanisms in place which proved successful in the World cup. This mentality is fine in the short term, but has gone on too long. Hiddink made team selection unpredictable forcing players to prove themselves each game. Frank Lowey has adopted this mentality with the coaching staff. We should have signed Arnold permanently by now or have another coach. Arnold may not be up to the task, but it's hardly his job to recognise it. Frankly we have once again been let down by our own football association, more interested in playing mind games than doing what's in the best interests of a code that will struggle without pride in the national team.
I could go on about what Arnold should have done tactically, but that would be presumptious with the benefit of hindsight. I will say this though, substituting a defender for an attacking option is surely not the only way to try to get back into a game. Why are the same "defenders" who leak goals retained in the starting line up. Just a thought, if we go one down, why not sub a midfielder for a fresh pair of legs at the back? Emerton and Wilkshire can move forward if we must rely on numbers rather than skill at the death. We keep hearing defence starts at the front, surely then attack starts from the back.
- by Peter on July 14, 2007 at 05:05 PM
I would like say that as a passionate Football lover and as an Australian, what i saw against both Iraq and Oman was, to put it mildly, to be expected. It frustrates me to watch my national team when they play an important match against decent opposition. I look at our attack in action and the word to describe it is toothless. In contrast, Iraq and Oman both ATTACKED our defence, good technique, close control, speed, and players hungry for goals and who dont fluff their opportunities, because at this level you dont have many. The weather was for me irrelevant, bad referee decisions were irrelevant if you score goals and control the play, those factors dont matter, after all the Iraqi and Omani players both played in the same conditions as well. This idea about putting 'pressure' on the opposing sides defense is silly, an organised, well drilled defense at this level doesnt buckle under pressure, against Italy in the World Cup we didn't look like scoring against the their defense, we were all hoping to get to the next round by penalities! Can i just say that if our strategy is to play 0-0 draws, and let pot luck penalty shoot outs get us to the next stages of tournaments, then we are not worthy to be considered potential asian cup winners.
Some of the comments here talk about styles of Play Dutch, english, french,this is rubbish. good attacking football doesnt matter where it comes from, you think long ball is english, but its just the strategy of teams lacking in skill, which isnt the case for Australia, we produce alot of gifted players, who play in some of the toughest leagues around, our side shouldnt play like we are wimbledon. (sorry to wimbledon fans) Attacking football is what we , what i want from my Socceroos, if Australia started to play the ball like oman did in the first half i would have been a happy man.
If you think 3-1 was bad , think what an attack from these 'styles' of players would have done to us,
British players such as Giggs, Scholes, Lampard, Rooney, Cole
Dutch Players such as Van Persie, Van Basten, Bergkamp, Seedorf and Davids.
French Players such as Zidane, Papin, Cantona, Henry, Viera, Deschamp.
It doesnt matter where these players come from, they get to play at the top level because they have attacking vision, ball skills, speed, composure on the ball, and an urge to hurt the opposition, quickly and at any opportunity.
Australia, you will need to look dangerous when you attack against Thailand, otherwise you need to order your flights home ahead of schedule. if are to make it we need to score like a Sailor who hasnt been on shore leave for 6 months.
- by Paul on July 14, 2007 at 08:00 PM
MH you've written a provocative article but it's obviously far too one sided. For a start bagging our performance in Germany. We had a blatantly biased ref v Brazil and most agreed a draw would have been a far result. Dodgy refereeing decisions cost us against Croatia and Italy. We probably would have beaten Ukraine who were poor. What's wrong with planning to win a tournament (WC or Asian Cup) - better than planning on the alternative. Our style of play in the WC was quality. We held the ball longer and played a more attractive style of football than England and many other big name nations. Lucas Neil had an offer on the table from Liverpool but HE passed it up. There were more reports of discussions with Barcelona. We've not performed thus far in Asia, but I fancy we'll scrape through and win it and you'll be eating your words.
Never bagged our perfomances at the WC but we WERE lucky against Croatia because of the awful refereeing - it could have easily ended differently. We couldn't get a shot on target against a 10 man Italian side. And Lucas Neill was never ever going to Barcelona. Excepy maybe on holiday. - MH
- by Lethargio on July 14, 2007 at 09:35 PM
The Socceroos they try the best,and i beleave they will go all they way,they will beat Thailand.I remmber France they were strulling from the 1st round and they come back and they did wll to Fanil.Go Go Go Secceroos,best of luck,we are with you all the way Good luck
- by Lazhar Hamadi on July 15, 2007 at 12:21 AM
The Socceroos they try the best,and i beleave they will go all they way,they will beat Thailand.I remmber France they were strulling from the 1st round and they come back and they did wll to Fanil.Go Go Go Secceroos,best of luck,we are with you all the way Good luck
- by Lazhar Hamadi on July 15, 2007 at 12:23 AM
To be honest soccer is still a half-hearted sport in Australia I was in a pub watching the Iraq game in competition with a Friday night Rugby League and three times as many people turned towards the Rugby as did watch the Iraq game, and the Soccer game had the sound turned right down.
Also is there really a depth in the Socceroos? absolutely not. Of course there are the EPL players, but the majority are making up the numbers in moderate to not well known teams, I include the A-League in this. However this doesn't make them the worst or second worst team in Group A,this is down to a coach who has no idea how to play to the conditions, not prepared his players correctly or has not motivated his players.
On the positive side I think this should be the tournament where the rest of the world should take Asian football seriously.
- by dave on July 15, 2007 at 01:08 AM
After Singapore exposed our defensive shortcomings, for Arnold to persist with Patrick Kisnorbo and Luke Wilkshire for the first game against Oman was a highly questionable approach. To then select the pair again against Iraq is unforgivable.
I couldn't help but cringe the other noght when I saw the ball hit Kisnorbo on the back while he was running in the opposite direction.
Since about the 35th minute mark against Oman the team has been calling out for Nick Carle.
Bud Abbott and Lou Costello would be proud of the Arnold and Kosmina show.
Hopeless.
- by Paul on July 15, 2007 at 02:49 AM
This is a typical garbage column from a sports writer AFTER the event. If we had won our first 2 Asia Cup games you would have been writing a story with a very different perspective on our past efforts and our style and ability. The coach and players are accountable for their actions but writers just churn out unaccountable rubbish. David J was more accurate in his portrayal of our performance in the World Cup. We are a very good team underperforming in a tough comp under testing conditions at an unfortunate time of the year. The only thing I will agree with is we are not quite as good as some people think - but certainly not as bad as your drivel suggests.
- by Pablo on July 15, 2007 at 02:58 AM
The manager is a joke, WTF is Graham Arnold doing being in charge of a national team? I mean the guy played for illustrious nobodies such as Roda JC and NAC Breda for gods sake.
I watch the likes of Viduka, Cahill and Harry 'sick note' Kewell play every week in the EPL and it's plainly ovbious that Arnold has coached the talent out of these guys!
He's blaming the players, conditions everyhting, clearly the guy is out of his depth. I had hoped we had learnt our lessons after the Farina debacle!
Clearly we will have to endure more embarassment before the governing body stumps up the cash for a half decent manager.
Sack Arnold now and be done with it!
- by AJ_Fulham on July 15, 2007 at 04:10 AM
And on another note, can we stop calling ourselves the Socceroos? it's embarassing!
- by AJ_Fulham on July 15, 2007 at 04:22 AM
I suppose we have to cop it sweet. All the more reason we need a strong international coach who can ensure discipline and structure. However, I disagree with much of the sentiment here and think this is an exciting time for the game. I am a child of the 70s and remember when Australia was not the hegemonic cricketing power it is today - I remember how elated I got when we used to beat England and the West Indies. I also remember the excitement of us just missing out on a win - having a go, not winning was critical in many ways. It meant something. Not so much anymore. I think where we have gone wrong in not just football, but all sports, is the general lack of respect Aussies have for their opponents - especially in Asia (and not just sport), and the arrogance that we will win as a divine sporting right or that if we lost its because our opponents were not better than us, but that we were crap. Of course, in many ways it is a reciprocal agreement - they don't think much of us either, or when they do its about Koalas and beaches, Sheriff Bush and Deputy Howard.
I think if our teams respect their opponents and fight with attitude of "have a go" then things would be much more different.
So go on ya mug, have a go!
- by Tyrone S. Pitsis on July 15, 2007 at 08:57 AM
A disappointing loss to Iraq followed by all the football-haters crawling out of the woodwork. No surprise to see News Ltd only now splash it on the front page of their papers. No analysis or insight into the game - just gossip about "feuds" etc and the implication that the code has lost all the gains made over the last few years. They wish.
But Matt tell us what the deal is with your colleague Will Swanton again sinking the slipper with this rubbish: "(re Australia)will sports-minded kids aspire to becoming one of them? Not in this lifetime"
Talk about an overreaction. Is he auditioning for a job at News Ltd?
- by zorro on July 15, 2007 at 10:50 AM
Can't they tell when someone looks and acts like an Arnold isn't really suitable to be a leader/manager?
Look at Chris Anderson in league and that guy Danaher who coached Melbourne in AFL... they all mirror each other's character and demeanure. All three have an ever present tone of a whinge whenever they open their mouth or sound like they have mild depression. So it's all good to bitch and moan and whinge when analysing the game from the outside, which is probably the reason they get the gig to begin with, but the whining must stop at some point and actual management accumen and competence must begin thenceforth. They act like they are 4 yr olds who have been denied candy in the supermarket.
The point is, when a coach is as dower and pessimistic looking as Arnold; and to back it up the way he talked after the Iraq game- one can see he cannot handle the pressure and lacks maturity, ultimately, in trying to stand above it and pull the strings, the way a good coach/CEO/manager does, then you know he aint the right man.
Who picks these coaches? I expected better from Frank Lowe. But, I suspect, being the decent Jew that he is, on top of being an FFA novice, he has put a lot of trust in the admininstration who have obviously recommended Graham Arnold. Who picks these coaches?
You cannot shift blame and show any signs of weakness, the more power you have. You must present a front which is solid. Must show you're in charge and you run the show. Not cry and moan when you dont get what you think you asked for.
Even Viduka, with all his sublime ability, he is not captian material. Look at Liverpool, only Gerrard is someone who is a leader in the team. The rest of them, even in Houllier days and including Benitez, are too soft. All the ability wont get you any where unless you have a united team with a clear-cut leader at its apex.
- by Amir on July 15, 2007 at 12:19 PM
Mr Pablo - I don't know about you but I would expect a 'writer' to describe the events that took place in any game. If we had won I would have expected an article to reflect that. In this case we actually got humiliated off the park and I think the article reflects that outcome.
The "shockeroos" need to remember that although this is the asian cup some of these countries consider football as the main sport in their countries and they come out and play with dedication and passion, something we lack.
This brings back memories of '97 when Australia once again started to speak a little too loud about their chances, underestimated their opponents and went home with their tails between their legs. I never forget Fozzie(you genuis) trying to nutmeg Iranian players with pure arragonce when they were 2-0 up. We all know what happened on that day. A number of comments were again made in an arrogant fashion about Australia's chances in the asian up......... all I can say is COP THAT....
- by Sam on July 15, 2007 at 12:41 PM
Yes, terrible performance but good on Iraq. Australia will get over this loss but the Iraqis have something that will be remembered for a log longer. Hopefully something good will come out of this for their war-torn country.
Further, people who blame the heat are giving a very poor excuse. They could've prepared in Darwin if they really wanted to. Too complacent, too many "super" stars thinking they are better than they really are. Plus players from Japan and others are coming from an even colder place than Australia.
- by Sven on July 15, 2007 at 01:20 PM
agreed with most said except your analysis of World Cup efforts...did you watch the Croatia game?! ...we killed them and were unlucky with Kalac and not to get two more penalties and Aloisi's goal at game's end. Losing to Brazil and unluckily to Italy was no disgrace.
The irony now is that our 'weaker' opponents are playing as well against us we did against bigger name teams in the WC.
Lucas Neill and a few other of those boys need to pull their heads in...they overestimated their own abilities and arrogantly underestimated their opponents.
Shame Neeskens didn't carry on Guus's legacy as opposed to GA joke
I was in Kaiserslautern and was as shocked as the rest of us when Simunic rugby-tackled Viduka to the ground. We were by FAR the better team but thankfully Allah was on our side that night. So despite everything else against us, the right result came through. We deserved to win, but you know what? We might not have. - MH
- by eski on July 15, 2007 at 01:34 PM
Even if we end up winning the Asian Cup I think that we would have to be kidding ourselves if we think that Arnie can take us to 2010. We many of our senior players likely to retire, there is a need for a new coach to develop the youngsters.
- by Soccerwho on July 15, 2007 at 02:25 PM
Wow.. Those Iraqis are winning the war/insurgency and the football. How do they do it?
Allah: 3 - JC: 1
Very simple. It's nothing to do with religion. It's about football. Thank you for your contribution. - MH.
- by Daniel on July 15, 2007 at 03:02 PM
Having paid good money to travel all the way through to the finals,the Iraq performance was totally unacceptable at most levels of the game(sunday comp included).What was even more alarming though,is we have got players in the squad who Graham Arnold has clearly identified as just don't want to be here...Excuse me ,they don't want to wear the 'green and gold?'Think we know who they are as well after Friday night.Over paid,under achieving prima-donna's would be an understatement!If we need to bite the bullet and send out a clear message,name them and shame them,then send them home!What we do need to see on Monday night is a starting eleven who want to die for the jersey.Win or lose,at least we can bring some sort of dignity back into the game.That truley was one of the worse games of football iv'e ever had to endure!Get me another 'Changi'!!!
- by Jed Robinson on July 15, 2007 at 03:13 PM
One wonders if Guus H would have produced this result. There are coaches and there are coaches... Some can handle the egos of players, some can't... Guus' status imposed itself on the players and ensured no s***. One doubts the same can be said of Arnold. Sad but true, one suspects.
- by johnb on July 15, 2007 at 03:49 PM
I think Australia as well as our socceroos need to get over the world cup. There is no chance Australia would have beaten Italy, or Germany... watch Germ vs ITA game and you will see two of the finest and technical teams at their greatest... Australia had no chance but should keep persevering... not crying over their losses!
Australia played welll but Australia has still not developed the class and skill that other european teams have spent decades mastering.
We make terrible decisions. World cup proved our lack of experience. Go back and watch the ITA vs AUs game.... Lucas Neils ridiculous tackle was a silly mistake that lead to the Italian Grosso's back leg mildly tripping him over in the penalty box. what a stupid move from neil to make a questionable tackle for the ball in the penalty box.
Wake up Australia and do us proud... stop crying over your losses and making excuses... the ball is round and anything can happen... start taking responsibility for your game...
lets have a team that we can be ever more proud of!!
- by Vanessa on July 15, 2007 at 04:07 PM
MH to pull you up on a coulpe of pints:
1) When a player does as well as Neill did in the WC (not one mistake until going to the ground in front Grosso)
2) Chippy had 2 shots on target v Italy, and no-one gets many chances against them
3) Not sure what you were doing in Kaiserslautern on the Croatian game night, I was in Stuttgart at the game.
The football haters don't need your support - ordinary article.
- by Lethargio on July 15, 2007 at 04:57 PM
Graham Arnold had a poor coaching record with Northern Spirit ... one marked by a lack of team structure and a great amount of moaning. His next appointment was as Frank Farina's assistant. How naive were the boys at FFA to expect that, if Graham and Frank couldn't fix the defensive problems with the team, that Graham could do it on his own???
I couldn't believe the way the Socceroos played in the first game. Then I couldn't believe that the same team fronted up for the game against Iraq. There was no movement off the ball to create space. We were consistently beaten to the ball by players who were prepared to run while we stood and waited.
I couldn't believe the arrogance of Neil and Grella in the second game. They continually fouled players (Grella in particular) and then baited the referee. They looked like they wanted to be off the field not on it. A remarkable display of arrogance and stupidity.
I have been there every time Australia has failed in its bid for the World Cup. I was in Iran when we blew it and, like everyone else I was devastated by the result but I have never been ashamed of the team.
This time I feel betrayed by players who just didn't seem to give a shit and a coaching staff devoid of ideas.
I Arnold and Kosmina had any dignity they would have resigned straight after the loss to Iraq.
I now work in the Middle East and I can tell you that the Arab television commentators laughed, they actually laughed at the end of the game. What a humiliation!
Matty Hall, your comments are 100% spot on.
- by Errol on July 15, 2007 at 06:05 PM
At least we don't take dives and ruin the reputation of the game by cheating like just about every European and South American team...
- by Alisdair Park on July 15, 2007 at 06:28 PM
"Reality: in Germany, Australia only won one game, was fortunate to draw against Croatia and lost two matches. That's only one win (against an Asian team) better than the 1974 team's performance."
I agree with pretty much everything you've said here, mate, but now that we're all together I have a bone to pick...Me and a good friend have watched those final moments of the Croatia game over and over and still cannot find a good reason why the final Australian goal was disallowed (Which would've made it 3-2)...True, the match turned to shambles and there was the 3 yellow card issue, but if anyone can enlighten us, please go ahead (Be it history or not).
The way they are playing, the Socceroos don't deserve to be in this competition. That said, Thailand are actually a joy to watch. Looking forward to the game.
- by Rich on July 15, 2007 at 06:43 PM
Its been ALL downhill since Guus left the coaching role.
I had to laugh to see "tweedle dum" arnold and "tweedle dee" kosmina sitting on the bench. Between them they've got nothing to offer except failure. (Hey kosy, Newcastle united wooden spoon) Arnold (who looks like he should play in the special olympics) cannot coach a team who have more skills then himself. NO AMOUNT OF HARD WORK CAN OVERCOME INCOMPTENCE AND A LOW IQ.
Die on your sword Arnold you IMPOSTER and give your old jerseys to the poor in ASIA. You dont deserve them.
The Truth.......
- by hawkeye on July 15, 2007 at 07:35 PM
Typical Australian reaction . Jump on the band wagon, full of praise , when our champions are performing well, and kick em in the guts when they are down.
We should not forget that this bunch of guys delivered one of the greatest sporting results this country has ever experianced when we qualified for Germany 06.
We all should be concerned about our past 2 encounters but it is not over til the fat lady sings and I am confident that we will be there come final time because starting from 10.30 Monday night these guys are going to play with pride for there nation. They will come back because they have something that no-one else has got ,
THEY ARE AUSTRALIAN
- by D CEFAI on July 15, 2007 at 07:39 PM
We have a new look team with the relic of past Socceroos teams as coach so how do expect contemporary strategy? We lacked a game plan in all the games including the first half against Singapore. I was there and we were lucky not to be 0-2 down after 45mins.
Arnold is from the past, cannot mould the team,can't make them gel, strategy lacking, and this has all been firmly confirmed in the last 3 outings.
Get real if we want to play on the world stage. Get a contemporary world class coach and settle him with a 4 year contract. Iran, Japanand, Korea and the Saudis are waiting to to show us up as a motley collection of big names struggling to play as a cohesive unit. Arnie, take a break mate.
- by Aussieinsingapore on July 15, 2007 at 07:39 PM
The socceroos will pull them self out of this ! I bought the socceroos jersey after seeing their performance at the world cup , I wanna be able to wear it with pride again !!
- by Eric on July 15, 2007 at 08:05 PM
Just when I thought the scar healed from previous world cup failed attempts, the Asian cup performance has opened another gaping wound. I’m tired of the disappointment.
- by Pez on July 15, 2007 at 08:41 PM
i dont have much to say, but im definite the soceroos underestimated the asian cup teams. they werent prepared enough. Their loss against Irag was embarssing for them! a country like Iraq which has been torn to pieces and totally demolished. theyve definetly done an outsanding job. I am very proud of the iraqis for their determintaion and practice, even though their country has been ripped apart.
i think the Australians and people around the world have to wake up to themselves.
- by Sal on July 15, 2007 at 08:51 PM
I coach an under 12 team that play with more consistency and heart than the 'roos did against Iraq. piss-poor performance.
- by Tony on July 15, 2007 at 10:35 PM
we've paid the penalty, irrepsective of the last group match result, for a combination of complacency, belief in our own delusion that we were better than 'Asia', not appointing an internationally recognised coach and generally buggering about when it should have been nose to the grindstone stuff since the World Cup.
Whose to blame? All the set up from players to coach to support staff to FFA. We've gone from up and coming with real prospect to a laughing stock in less time than it takes Guus to count his roubles
- by dave on July 16, 2007 at 12:53 AM
should arnold be taking them to the asian cup? NO should lowy and all the big wigs have not been so tight fisted when choosing a QUALITY foreign coach NO. our back line is a shambles and all the highly paid superstar arn't worth the sorbent extra soft they wipe their backsides on.
A changing of the guard is nessasary
- by scott jansma on July 16, 2007 at 02:44 AM
THE LAST TWO GAMES I SAW THE SOCCEROOS PLAY WERE SHOCKING. EVERYBODY WAS SAYING OHH IT'S DISSAPOINTING BUT THEY WILL WIN THE FINAL. MAN THATS INSANE TALK WHO CAN SAY THAT AUSTRALIA HAVE ALWAYS BEEN BAD I MEAN THEIR PERFORMANCE IN THE WORLD CUP WAS SHOCKING. IF CROATIA WON, THEY WOULD HAVE BEAT ITALY AND HAD A CHANCE TO WIN THE FINAL. AUSTRALIA NEEDS A NEW COACH, BETTER TRAINING AND MORE AGGRESSION.
Stop shouting! We can hear you. The Caps Lock button os the one on the left - next to 'A'!!! - MH
- by adam on July 16, 2007 at 06:01 PM
I TOLD YOU SO
HOWSTHAT
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE
OH. OH. OH
- by DOMINIC CEFAI on July 17, 2007 at 12:41 AM
What a great act of kindness and confidence - to let the war ravaged Iraq have a moment of victoriuos joy by pretending to play.
- by Robbo on July 17, 2007 at 01:11 PM
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Spot on mate...Thank god someone has the balls to say it!
At times i wish we were colonised by the dutch so maybe we would inherit their style of play....Instead, we have this english style (GARBAGE) that is a joke to watch.
note: The definition of insanity is repeating an action and expecting a different outcome everytime. (Thats for you Mr Arnold)