midfielder
Well-Known Member
Kev............Its a high stakes game ......I think we will do well draw is my guess and I also think China will make it.
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WC qualifier China vs Australia in Kunming
- Thread starter kevrenor
- Start date
kevrenor
Well-Known Member
100 World Cup matches for Australia
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
The Qantas Socceroos will play their 100th World Cup match tomorrow when they meet China in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China in a crucial 2010 World Cup qualifier starting at 5.00pm (AEDST).
In 99 World Cup matches to date (92 qualifying and 7 finals matches), Australia has won 53, drawn 25 and lost 21, with a goals for-and-against record of 275-90.
The 2010 World Cup campaign marks the 12th time that Australia has attempted to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, as well as Australias first qualification campaign as a member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
The World Cup qualifying campaign is a testing and competitive two year journey comprising almost all of the 208 member nations of FIFA, resulting in the top 32 teams participating in the World Cup finals in South Africa in two years time.
Australia and China have previously met at senior mens level on ten occasions with Australia having won eight of those matches.
In the other match in Australias group, Qatar will host Iraq with the match to kick-off at 2.30am Thursday AEDST.
Australia secured a 3-0 win over Qatar in their opening match last month in Melbourne, while group rivals Iraq and China played out a 1-1 draw in Dubai.
FOXTEL is the presenting partner of Australias World Cup journey, and the match can be seen live from 4.30pm (AEDST) on FOX Sports 2.
There will be a full live text commentary of the match here on www.footballaustralia.com.au for those unable to view the TV Broadcast on Fox Sports.
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
The Qantas Socceroos will play their 100th World Cup match tomorrow when they meet China in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China in a crucial 2010 World Cup qualifier starting at 5.00pm (AEDST).
In 99 World Cup matches to date (92 qualifying and 7 finals matches), Australia has won 53, drawn 25 and lost 21, with a goals for-and-against record of 275-90.
The 2010 World Cup campaign marks the 12th time that Australia has attempted to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, as well as Australias first qualification campaign as a member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
The World Cup qualifying campaign is a testing and competitive two year journey comprising almost all of the 208 member nations of FIFA, resulting in the top 32 teams participating in the World Cup finals in South Africa in two years time.
Australia and China have previously met at senior mens level on ten occasions with Australia having won eight of those matches.
In the other match in Australias group, Qatar will host Iraq with the match to kick-off at 2.30am Thursday AEDST.
Australia secured a 3-0 win over Qatar in their opening match last month in Melbourne, while group rivals Iraq and China played out a 1-1 draw in Dubai.
FOXTEL is the presenting partner of Australias World Cup journey, and the match can be seen live from 4.30pm (AEDST) on FOX Sports 2.
There will be a full live text commentary of the match here on www.footballaustralia.com.au for those unable to view the TV Broadcast on Fox Sports.
marinersman
Well-Known Member
The news just keeps getting worse. Now it looks like H will be missing and worse still, maybe Bridge as lone striker.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/football/verbeek-sick-as-a-parrot-as-kewell-keels-over-and-socceroos-faceuphill-task/2008/03/25/1206207105737.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
Verbeek sick as a parrot as Kewell keels over and Socceroos face uphill task
Michael Cockerill in Kunming
March 26, 2008
HARRY KEWELL is expected to miss Australia's World Cup qualifier against China today through injury.
It is the latest and most severe blow to the Socceroos in what has been an injury-ravaged preparation for a game that could have significant bearing on qualification for 2010 finals in South Africa. It is believed Kewell did not take full part in training yesterday, a session held behind closed doors, and that coach Pim Verbeek will not gamble on the out-of-favour Liverpool forward. Kewell had been struggling since the game against Singapore on Saturday.
The news of Kewell's latest injury problem followed a dramatic day yesterday in which Verbeek almost collapsed during a media conference. Verbeek was four minutes into a conference with Australian journalists when he said he had to stop "because I'm not feeling very well", before staggering as he was helped to a chair.
Verbeek had earlier skipped breakfast after complaining of a stomach bug, and team doctor Peter Bruckner later confirmed it was a gastric complaint, rather than the altitude, which had caused the distress. After a few hours' rest, Verbeek was able to go to the match venue, Tuodong Stadium, and is expected to take his place on the bench for the match. Verbeek will need all his wiles and experience following the spate of injuries, which he admits have forced him to adjust his selection plans.
With Kewell, Josh Kennedy and Scott McDonald sidelined, and with Bruce Djite picking up a hamstring strain at training late on Monday, Verbeek is likely to opt for new Sydney FC striker Mark Bridge as a lone frontman with Brett Holman and Mark Bresciano supporting from deep.
There's little doubt China - roared on by a partisan crowd - will try to knock the Socceroos off their stride. China's play has become increasingly physical under new coach Vladimir Petrovic, and Chinese journalists expect the home team - who have spent three weeks in camp acclimatising to Kunming's altitude of 1900 metres - to go as hard as they can.
That's no surprise to Verbeek, who said: "We expect them to be physical; that's the way they play, and we have to be ready for that. The pressure is on them, that's true, because if they don't win, they'll probably be out for the qualification."
In truth, the pressure has mounted on the Socceroos following a catalogue of injuries that have ripped the heart out of the attack. Djite's hamstring strain - likely to sideline the Adelaide United striker for at least a month - follows the loss of McDonald, Mile Sterjovski, Tim Cahill and Kennedy.
Asked whether he has any strikers left, Verbeek laughed: "I still have a few, but of course I agree this was not expected. You cannot be happy, that's true, but on the other hand we still have players who can do the job That's why we took enough players to come over here. It's a little bit tough, but we still think we can win the game - and that's why we go for it."
Pressed on whether the spate of withdrawals had changed his mindset, he replied: "Not really."
Verbeek's bravado is designed to keep the pressure on the Chinese team, who go into the game on the back of a sequence of poor results and injury problems of their own, which have ruled out strikers Dong Fangzhou and Shi Jun. Two other European-based players - winger Shao Jiayi and utility Sun Jihai - and striker Han Peng are all returning from injury and are expected to be on the bench. Gifted Shandong Luneng midfielder Zhou Haibin - who provides the workrate to support playmaker and captain Zheng Zhi - is also under an injury cloud.
For all that, China go into the game as slight favourites and, while he won't admit it, Verbeek will be happy to escape with a draw. That means Australia will take a far more defensive approach than they did in last month's World Cup opener, against Qatar.
■ The Socceroos' next game will be a friendly against Cameroon at ANZ Stadium on Friday, May 23.
POSSIBLE AUSTRALIAN TEAM (4-2-3-1): Mark Schwarzer; Luke Wilkshire, Lucas Neill, Michael Beauchamp, David Carney; Vince Grella, Carl Valeri; Jason Culina, Brett Holman, Mark Bresciano; Mark Bridge.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/football/verbeek-sick-as-a-parrot-as-kewell-keels-over-and-socceroos-faceuphill-task/2008/03/25/1206207105737.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
Verbeek sick as a parrot as Kewell keels over and Socceroos face uphill task
Michael Cockerill in Kunming
March 26, 2008
HARRY KEWELL is expected to miss Australia's World Cup qualifier against China today through injury.
It is the latest and most severe blow to the Socceroos in what has been an injury-ravaged preparation for a game that could have significant bearing on qualification for 2010 finals in South Africa. It is believed Kewell did not take full part in training yesterday, a session held behind closed doors, and that coach Pim Verbeek will not gamble on the out-of-favour Liverpool forward. Kewell had been struggling since the game against Singapore on Saturday.
The news of Kewell's latest injury problem followed a dramatic day yesterday in which Verbeek almost collapsed during a media conference. Verbeek was four minutes into a conference with Australian journalists when he said he had to stop "because I'm not feeling very well", before staggering as he was helped to a chair.
Verbeek had earlier skipped breakfast after complaining of a stomach bug, and team doctor Peter Bruckner later confirmed it was a gastric complaint, rather than the altitude, which had caused the distress. After a few hours' rest, Verbeek was able to go to the match venue, Tuodong Stadium, and is expected to take his place on the bench for the match. Verbeek will need all his wiles and experience following the spate of injuries, which he admits have forced him to adjust his selection plans.
With Kewell, Josh Kennedy and Scott McDonald sidelined, and with Bruce Djite picking up a hamstring strain at training late on Monday, Verbeek is likely to opt for new Sydney FC striker Mark Bridge as a lone frontman with Brett Holman and Mark Bresciano supporting from deep.
There's little doubt China - roared on by a partisan crowd - will try to knock the Socceroos off their stride. China's play has become increasingly physical under new coach Vladimir Petrovic, and Chinese journalists expect the home team - who have spent three weeks in camp acclimatising to Kunming's altitude of 1900 metres - to go as hard as they can.
That's no surprise to Verbeek, who said: "We expect them to be physical; that's the way they play, and we have to be ready for that. The pressure is on them, that's true, because if they don't win, they'll probably be out for the qualification."
In truth, the pressure has mounted on the Socceroos following a catalogue of injuries that have ripped the heart out of the attack. Djite's hamstring strain - likely to sideline the Adelaide United striker for at least a month - follows the loss of McDonald, Mile Sterjovski, Tim Cahill and Kennedy.
Asked whether he has any strikers left, Verbeek laughed: "I still have a few, but of course I agree this was not expected. You cannot be happy, that's true, but on the other hand we still have players who can do the job That's why we took enough players to come over here. It's a little bit tough, but we still think we can win the game - and that's why we go for it."
Pressed on whether the spate of withdrawals had changed his mindset, he replied: "Not really."
Verbeek's bravado is designed to keep the pressure on the Chinese team, who go into the game on the back of a sequence of poor results and injury problems of their own, which have ruled out strikers Dong Fangzhou and Shi Jun. Two other European-based players - winger Shao Jiayi and utility Sun Jihai - and striker Han Peng are all returning from injury and are expected to be on the bench. Gifted Shandong Luneng midfielder Zhou Haibin - who provides the workrate to support playmaker and captain Zheng Zhi - is also under an injury cloud.
For all that, China go into the game as slight favourites and, while he won't admit it, Verbeek will be happy to escape with a draw. That means Australia will take a far more defensive approach than they did in last month's World Cup opener, against Qatar.
■ The Socceroos' next game will be a friendly against Cameroon at ANZ Stadium on Friday, May 23.
POSSIBLE AUSTRALIAN TEAM (4-2-3-1): Mark Schwarzer; Luke Wilkshire, Lucas Neill, Michael Beauchamp, David Carney; Vince Grella, Carl Valeri; Jason Culina, Brett Holman, Mark Bresciano; Mark Bridge.
FFC Mariner
Well-Known Member
Possible mind games perhaps???
Pim has been taught by the master (St Guus) dont forget.
Pim has been taught by the master (St Guus) dont forget.
midfielder
Well-Known Member
Read some reports today that Harry is injuried and looks like not playing.
This was to be his I prove I am all right comeback...............well half a game,.............and not to many for Liverpool over the last few years.
David O'Leary at Leeds over played him in his early years IMO and it reminds of a league player by the name of Terry Parker but in the late 60's early 70"s. Terry had it all, and was playing for Balmain at 17 and I through he was as good as Fulton, but agian overplayed and his career lasted less than three years.
I feel quite sad that IMO the best football player of any code I have seen has in effect come to the end of his career and a player I have always loved to watch and who was so good I think did more to lift the profile of football in Australia than anyone in the dying years of the NSL.
Anyway for what its worth I hope I am wrong but if not .............thanks Harry for at least trying so hard to come back. :'(
This was to be his I prove I am all right comeback...............well half a game,.............and not to many for Liverpool over the last few years.
David O'Leary at Leeds over played him in his early years IMO and it reminds of a league player by the name of Terry Parker but in the late 60's early 70"s. Terry had it all, and was playing for Balmain at 17 and I through he was as good as Fulton, but agian overplayed and his career lasted less than three years.
I feel quite sad that IMO the best football player of any code I have seen has in effect come to the end of his career and a player I have always loved to watch and who was so good I think did more to lift the profile of football in Australia than anyone in the dying years of the NSL.
Anyway for what its worth I hope I am wrong but if not .............thanks Harry for at least trying so hard to come back. :'(
midfielder
Well-Known Member
a.v said:
SBS radio ....not sure of the call sign
kevrenor
Well-Known Member
marinersman said:
Another take on the media conference - Pim gives little away but he must be a worried man (and not by the bug):
http://spirit.webcity.com.au/AFN/2007-2008/Misc/Misc_NT10.htm
Australian Media Conference - Tuesday 25 March 2008
By Corinthian
Frustrated journos from China and Australia waited a long time for Pim and the boys to arrive at the Tuodong Stadium in Kunming on Tuesday evening and when they did come the players just took a look at the pitch for a walk on its surface, having trained privately at the Sports Complex where they are staying earlier in the day.
Asked why he trained there Pim simply said, 'Because it was better."
Later he revealed that the absence of a police escort and not wanting the players to sit on the bus for unnecessary hours had a lot to do with it.
It is common practice for team buses to be escorted to and from stadiums and from their hotels, as well, to training sessions.
"It's what usually happens," said the coach.
Pim Verbeek had been unwell earlier in the day when on a doorstop session with Australian reporters, but in the official press conference at the stadium in early evening he fielded some curly one from local and visiting media with good humour.
"I will have eleven players for the game," he said. "We brought 24 to Kunming and we came here to win," he went on
Given that Tim Cahill, Scott McDonald, Brett Emerton and Josh Kennedy did not travel and men like John Aloi$i and Joel Griffiths were not considered Verbeek obviously feels he has the 'cattle' to do the job.
Australia does have Mark Bresciano, Harry Kewell, Vince Grella and Lucas Neill are all there and so is Mark Schwarzer. China needs a win and their local writers think they can do it.
It is an old stadium and the game is kicking off at 2pm, Kunming time, when the weather is likely to be quite mild, maybe 22 degrees.
The newer Olympic Stadium holds only 10,000 hence the switch to this stadium that holds four times as many.
Official tickets sellers were out in force around the stadium and just outside it bearing the demeanor of touts yet officially sanctioned. True touts faced four years in goal for selling ripped off tickets, we were told.
"Altitude is not likely to be a problem for us," Pim went on. "We trained without any obvious difficulties."
The squad in Kunming is: Michael Beauchamp, Mark Bresciano, Mark Bridge, David Carney, Ante Covic (gk), Jason Culina, Bruce Djite (injured), Vince Grella, Adam Griffiths, Brett Holman, Mile Jedinak, Harry Kewell, Patrick Kisnorbo, Lucas Neill, Jade North, Mark Schwarzer (gk), Archie Thompson, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Carl Valeri, Luke Wilkshire
kevrenor
Well-Known Member
Shit, not a lot to work with ... 
The team I would put out then is:
Mark Schwarzer (gk)
Carl Valeri, Lucas Neill, Michael Beauchamp, David Carney,
Jason Culina, Mile Jedinak, Vince Grella, Mark Bresciano
Archie Thompson, Harry Kewell
Subs:
Ante Covic (rgk), Mark Bridge, Brett Holman, Luke Wilkshire, Jade North
Thinking is three defensive players (using Valeri on right - I seem to remember him playing fullback as a young player), with only Carney allowed forward. Midfield 2 defensive and hope Culina and Bresc can add something to any attack. Sacrifice Archie up front, hope like hell that Harry lasts, and try to get the midfielders up and shooting.
If Harry is out, then bring Bridge or Holman into his spot and grind out a draw farken!
If Vince fades - which he will - move Valeri up and bring in ... hard to say this ... North.
This is going to be excruciating stuff ...
The team I would put out then is:
Mark Schwarzer (gk)
Carl Valeri, Lucas Neill, Michael Beauchamp, David Carney,
Jason Culina, Mile Jedinak, Vince Grella, Mark Bresciano
Archie Thompson, Harry Kewell
Subs:
Ante Covic (rgk), Mark Bridge, Brett Holman, Luke Wilkshire, Jade North
Thinking is three defensive players (using Valeri on right - I seem to remember him playing fullback as a young player), with only Carney allowed forward. Midfield 2 defensive and hope Culina and Bresc can add something to any attack. Sacrifice Archie up front, hope like hell that Harry lasts, and try to get the midfielders up and shooting.
If Harry is out, then bring Bridge or Holman into his spot and grind out a draw farken!
If Vince fades - which he will - move Valeri up and bring in ... hard to say this ... North.
This is going to be excruciating stuff ...
midfielder
Well-Known Member
Kev
Thats not a bad side you put on the park could go very close to the actual.
If H is out .............and I pray he is not I would go for Bridge, also Jedi in over Wilkshire big call, I think the right one ....but will still be a big call.
Another change I would make if H is playing is play him wide left and have Archie up front, drop Jedi to the bench to replace one of the mids if they run out of steam
What an afternoon ahead.
Thats not a bad side you put on the park could go very close to the actual.
If H is out .............and I pray he is not I would go for Bridge, also Jedi in over Wilkshire big call, I think the right one ....but will still be a big call.
Another change I would make if H is playing is play him wide left and have Archie up front, drop Jedi to the bench to replace one of the mids if they run out of steam
What an afternoon ahead.
FFC Mariner
Well-Known Member
I'd go 442 with or without Kewell. Archie cant lead the line in a 433/451, he isnt really a target man.
He and Bridge didnt look all that flash on Saturday either.
0-0 and I'm happy TBH
He and Bridge didnt look all that flash on Saturday either.
0-0 and I'm happy TBH
kevrenor
Well-Known Member
dibo said:
Yes, that is what this route of qualifying gives us.
From according to the Sydney Daily Telegraph
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23433875-5001023,00.html
"By Tom Smithies in Kunming
March 26, 2008 12:00am
THE Socceroos' injuries woes continue, with Harry Kewell ruled out of tonight's crucial World Cup qualifier with China.
Kewell has been nursing a tight groin since coming off against Singapore on Saturday night and was unable to complete a closed training session in Kunming, China yesterday.
Socceroos coach Verbeek decided this morning the injury could not be risked in such a crucial game.
To compensate for a lack of strikers with Scott McDonald, Bruce Djite, Josh Kennedy and John Aloisi all ruled out through injury Verbeek will utilise a radical formation in tonight's match.
He has opted to play a 3-4-3 formation, with Lucas Neill anchoring the backline and Jade North and Michael Beauchamp alongside him.
Luke Wilkshire and David Carney occupy the wide midfield berths, with Vince Grella and Carl Valeri the holding midfielders.
Further forward a trio of Mark Bresciano, Jason Culina and Archie Thompson will attempt to act as a first line of defence while also getting forward to threaten the Chinese goal.
It's a gamble by the coach, though he will argue that he has been forced into what are drastically defensive measures by losing almost an entire first team through injury.
He will aim to contain China for long enough to irk the fickle home crowd in the hope they will turn on their own players, and the coach will now be well satisfied with a draw.
The turf at the Tuodong Stadium has just been relaid, so while the surface looks immaculate it may well cut up later in the game".
FFC Mariner
Well-Known Member
Aloisi injured??? Surely not that dodgy knee that cost Uncle Frank all that $$ ahahahahahahaha
formation could work alright, Bresch is a great player in any position and the 2 wide guys will drop back to put 6 in MF if required.
formation could work alright, Bresch is a great player in any position and the 2 wide guys will drop back to put 6 in MF if required.
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