World Cup Preview - Group B - Australia
Absurd FIFA Ranking - 59th
Coach: Angelos "Ange" Postecoglou
Game Schedule:
June 13 – Australia vs. Chile (Culaba, 6:00 p.m. EST, ESPN2)
June 18 – Australia vs. Netherlands (Porto Alegre, 12 p.m., ESPN)
June 23 – Australia vs. Spain (Curitiba, 12:00 p.m., ESPN2)
Prospects: Like the U.S., Australia are starting to become World Cup perennials, but that doesn't mean that they're any closer to making any real impact on the tournament. Since the replacement of Holger Osieck with successful Aussie club manager Postecoglou, the Socceroos have undergone a rebuilding phase. Gone are the stalwarts from the 2010 World Cup campaign, including goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and the central defensive pairing of Lucas Neill and Brett Emerton. That said, the Aussies, as always, will rely on a gritty, hardworking character. This will be their key to survival in a very tough group.
Key Player: Defensive midfielder Mile Jedinak was key to Crystal Palace's late renaissance in the Premiership under Tony Pulis. He'll have to be at his very best to stymie the attacking forces of Spain and the Netherlands.
Mile Jedinak will be key to this, and he was absolutely crucial in Crystal Palace’s late season renaissance under Tony Pulis.
Read more at http://worldsoccertalk.com/australia-world-cup-2014-team-preview/#DO5dBKrb3MtCI2Yq.99
Read more at http://worldsoccertalk.com/australia-world-cup-2014-team-preview/#DO5dBKrb3MtCI2Yq.99
Mile Jedinak will be key to this, and he was absolutely crucial in Crystal Palace’s late season renaissance under Tony Pulis.
Read more at http://worldsoccertalk.com/australia-world-cup-2014-team-preview/#DO5dBKrb3MtCI2Yq.99
Read more at http://worldsoccertalk.com/australia-world-cup-2014-team-preview/#DO5dBKrb3MtCI2Yq.99
Youngster to watch: With Schwarzer's retirement, 22 year old Club Brugge keeper Mathew Ryan is now Australia's #1 choice in goal. If he doesn't get completely shelled in Brasil 2014, he may get a big money move after the summer.
Who Will Get the Goals: Everton's Tim Cahill has been converted from an attacking midfielder to the Socceroos only out and out striker in Postecoglou's new system. Always deadly in the air, Cahill will likely to get his head on any set pieces the Socceroos earn.
Who Will Get the Cards: Take your pick of the back four - mine is Western Sydney Wanderers center back Matthew Spiranovic - all of them are well out of their depth at this level.
Funniest Name in the Squad - Midfielder Tommy Oar; he might be the object of some cheap rowing jokes.
Prediction: A glorious flame-out; bottom of Group B.
posted by The Blue Devil @ 4:47 PM
1 Comments:
Definitely bottom of the group for the soceroos. Who will get the goals? Possibly nobody, OG , or someone from a set piece. The cards. I wouldn't bet against Jedinak , who is not shy of putting his foot in and under Pulis has been converted to a ball wining middie.
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