Are we a threat in the world cup finals?

[TheMase]

Just say we beat Uraguay in the 2 matches, which we should.

Do you think we are a chance to go anywhere in the world cup?

Terry Venables has predicted Australia will make it and be the 'shock' team of the tournament.


What do you think?


I think if we make it, we are a serious threat.

 

[Portia]

We're only a threat if we get to play England, because we -will- beat them.

 

[topdon]

Are we a threat in the World Cup Finals?

1) We're not there yet, and;

2) If we do ... i doubt we'd get past the group stages of the tournament.

 

[Jars458]

There are some dodgy sides in there

If we get a weak seed - say ENGLAND

we could also play Turkey or Ireland or Slovenia or Tunisia

or better yet

ITALY

Realistically if we make it and then get to the second stage - that would be a huge achievement!

 

[Robbo1]

I think that if they do make it, which they should, they will cause a few upsets and make the rest of the world see that we can play soccer. We would be underdogs, but if we can match with France (World Champs) we can match it with anyone.

 

[dogboy23]

I think we should be aiming for the Quarter Finals

 

[topdon]

Mase ... clarify what you mean as a threat. Theat to Senegal, Maxico, Tunisia maybe ... but there is no way Australia could wipe the floor with the likes of France, Brazil, Italy, Germany et al.

The Socceroos aren't creative enough in the midfield and turn possession over far too easily. This was evident last Sunday night. There are gaping deficiencies there ... and if their not found out by Uraguay ... they'll certainly be found out in Korea.

Big odds for Australia to progress to the knockout stages.

 

[Robbo1]

If we played so bad on Sunday night, how come it was 1-1. Australia had plenty more opportunities but didn't take them. Once they take these opportunities, they could beat any one on any day. Plus, there should have been a penalty in the last minute when that aussie bloke got taken out in the box, which would have meant we would win the game.

 

[Mcchawk]

I think anythings possible with Viduka and Kewell up front. And this coming from a Liverpool man!! Seriously I think we've got nothing to lose as we're not seen as a soccer nation and because of this I think we'll go further than in 1974. Hopefully our group could consist of England and Italy, beat both and wouldn't their be some egg on a few faces!! The Aussie's when made underdogs are very hard to beat in any sport.

 

[Portia]

I hope we do go better than in 1974, because Johnny Warren is a complete tosser, and it would be good to be able to have him replaced with someone of better credentials.

 

[topdon]

Originally posted by Robbo1
If we played so bad on Sunday night, how come it was 1-1. Australia had plenty more opportunities but didn't take them.

I think you are severely underestimating France Robbo. They are a quality team ... and last Sunday was a friendly. Sides like this don't switch-on for meaningless friendlies. France are a very creative side with a lot of flair and they'll creat more opportunities than Australia could. With their quality ... they only need one opportunity and the ball is the back of the net. Australia on the other hand need to have a number of clear-cut chances.

IMHO the only world class players in the Socceroos are Harry Kewell (who could've played for England) and Mark Viduka. That's it! Compare that to teams that have say ... 9-10 on the pitch at one time. Big difference.

 

[BMD]

In a word - no.

You're pretty confident about beating Uruguay Mase, but I wouldn't be counting those chickens yet. Uruguay are a better team than Iran and we couldn't beat them 4 years ago....

 

[topdon]

Originally posted by BMD
In a word - no.

You're pretty confident about beating Uruguay Mase, but I wouldn't be counting those chickens yet. Uruguay are a better team than Iran and we couldn't beat them 4 years ago....

Exactly my thoughts BMD ... Uraguay aren't Iran. They have a great football history and will certainly be no pushover.

 

[TheMase]

Originally posted by BMD
In a word - no.

You're pretty confident about beating Uruguay Mase, but I wouldn't be counting those chickens yet. Uruguay are a better team than Iran and we couldn't beat them 4 years ago....

I think we have a lot more quality in our lineup now, then what we had then. Not to mention a lot more experience and class.

Topdon, I say threat, I mean like get close, get tot he finals stages.

I think, from what I saw of Australia on sunday, that they have a lot more in store.

Just remember.
That game was the FIRST time they have really all played with each other. So I think it was a pretty good effort in that respect, and they'll only get better.

 

[FIGJAM]

Agree with topdon. Our midfield is the biggest concern in that they struggle to win posession and their use leaves a bit to be desired.

I wan't Kewell to play a forward midfield role and not the second striker role that was bestowed on him on Sunday. We need to be attacking and Harry is a master of creating opportunities.

 

[dogboy23]

Originally posted by topdon


I think you are severely underestimating France Robbo. They are a quality team ... and last Sunday was a friendly. Sides like this don't switch-on for meaningless friendlies. France are a very creative side with a lot of flair and they'll creat more opportunities than Australia could. With their quality ... they only need one opportunity and the ball is the back of the net. Australia on the other hand need to have a number of clear-cut chances.

IMHO the only world class players in the Socceroos are Harry Kewell (who could've played for England) and Mark Viduka. That's it! Compare that to teams that have say ... 9-10 on the pitch at one time. Big difference.

I think Emerton and Schwartzer are world class.I wouldnt mind seeing Kewell pushed up and Agostino coming into the second striker as he has a habit of scoring in big games for Australia.I would also like to see Danny Tiatto squeazed into the lineup.

 

[GOALden Hawk]

What's all this talk that we should win the play off?

We are playing a side that's ranked 23 in FIFA World Rankings (even if they are usually rubbish), and just held Argentina to a 1-1 draw.

Most of their players are playing top flight football in Italy or Spain, 2 of the strongest leagues in the world. Recoba in particular should be considered one of the world's best midfielders.

But I defintely agree with dogboy, we have to play Kewell on the left and 2 strikers - if we don't get at least a 1-0 or 2-0 win on Tuesday we are stuffed.

 

[The Hitman]

Firstly, let's get there. I remember thinking this at 2-0 on a balmy evening at the MCG some four years ago. Don't assume.

Secondly, we have the ability to progress to the second round, or if we are lucky the quarter-finals.

Thirdly, we won't be a threat, but we could pose some problems to some good sides who are, and have an impact on the cup.

The Hitman

 

[CURVE]

I think we a one decent central mid fielder away from be real threat for the Quarter Finals at least. Our defense is our strong suit, but any team that has Viduka and Aloisi up front and Emerton and Kewell firing on the flanks has to be taken seriously. We are just missing one player who can direct traffic in the middle, although Okon does do a very good job, he isn't as creative as Zidane or Beckham, and I think that's our biggest weakness.

Our players are well known in Europe, and our performances at the Confederations Cup and against Scotland and France would have the opposition taking notice. The three weeks spent together now will go along way towards building team unity and cohersion. If we get past Uruguay, then should make the second stage at least.

Who knows if we stay injury free during the finals we could do a Croatia.

But we have to beat Uruguay first, and without Silva, that maybe a little easier.

 

[GOALden Hawk]

IF we make it...and I won't believe it until I actually see them on the pitch in Japan/Korea next year - we could make the 2nd phase.

It all depends on the group we draw. If we had something like Spain, Belgium and USA we would have to be a chance for 2nd spot.

Quite frankly, it's an argument I want to be having in 2 weeks time, not just a hypothetical now!

 

[sbagman]

I think K. Muscat's a threat.... to human bones.....

 

[Chris_23]

Originally posted by sbagman
I think K. Muscat's a threat.... to human bones.....

Realistically we're a chance to make it through to the second group stage. From there it would depend on who we played. We're a strong unit but we lack the class of the best teams.

 

[Fat Red]

Originally posted by GOALden Hawk
What's all this talk that we should win the play off?

We are playing a side that's ranked 23 in FIFA World Rankings (even if they are usually rubbish), and just held Argentina to a 1-1 draw.

Most of their players are playing top flight football in Italy or Spain, 2 of the strongest leagues in the world. Recoba in particular should be considered one of the world's best midfielders.

But I defintely agree with dogboy, we have to play Kewell on the left and 2 strikers - if we don't get at least a 1-0 or 2-0 win on Tuesday we are stuffed.

Most of their players are not first XI players at their European clubs though GH.

Recoba, Montero and Silva are the genuine stars I would have thought, the rest are good ordinary international players, as Jack Dyer would say.

I agree with Dogboy that Emerton and Schwarzer are world class, although not star class.

 

[topdon]

I dont believe that Brett Emerton is a world class player yet. He still has a lot to learn and has at least 20% improvement in him. He has potential ... which Leed, Liverpool et al have noticed ... but he is still developing into a class player. Certainly has the attributes to make it big though.

Schwartzer on the other hand is not. How could you rate him a 'world class' keeper? Bosnich at his best is better than any keeper going around ... the only deficiency in his game is his kicking. But as far as keeping goes ... he is up there with the best of them. Schwartzer tends to make too many errors in judgement ... not unlike Barthez ... albeit not so loony!

 

[OutKast]

Originally posted by GOALden Hawk
IF we make it...and I won't believe it until I actually see them on the pitch in Japan/Korea next year - we could make the 2nd phase.

It all depends on the group we draw. If we had something like Spain, Belgium and USA we would have to be a chance for 2nd spot.

Quite frankly, it's an argument I want to be having in 2 weeks time, not just a hypothetical now!

Agree with you on all points GOALden, I think it's clear from this thread who was at the MCG the night of November 27th 1997 and who wasn't. I'm not gonna argue how far we could go in the World Cup when in my mind we're still a long way from being there...i'm just refusing to get comfortable yet.