Socceroos - Spanish Inquisition (Analysis)

I didn't Expect the Spanish Inquisition

Yes I farken started this piece with a farken Monty Python quote. Fear, surprise, ruthless efficiency and a nice red uniform (make that two farken Monty Pyton quotes) is exactly how the La Farken Furiuos Roja took care of the Socceroos in Curtiba.

Matty Ryan opened his legs and let the Spanish  Matador Juan Mata score the third goal plunging his sword into a tiring bull that was the Socceroos campaign as the Aussies ended their World Cup in Brazil with a 3-0 loss without a point and without any real fight left in them.

That's two farken Spanish stereotypes in the two opening paragraphs as well as the who what where and how. I might golf clap myself but just like the Socceroos players I'm too cansado (tired).

In the end the Socceroos two chief weapons (still ripping off Monty Pyton I know) suspended Tim Cahil and half injured Mark Bresciano nullified any chance the Socceroos had of getting anything out of the Spain game. 

After the Aussies performed well above expectations against Chile and Holland fans worst fears materialised in the last group game. Against the country that loves pronouncing every "C" with a heavy "TH" and every second word with a lisp, it was too much to expect anything but a convincing defeat from the Spanish who were just too classy and skillful.

Even though they beat the Socceroos convincingly Spain were playing in second gear and they are out of the World Cup this early because they kept on playing Heavy Metal (possession based ticki tacka football) when the rest of the world had moved on to listening to Grunge (vertical passing, counter attacking football).

At least it wasn't a Pim Verbeek thrashing that happened four years ago in South Africa against Ze Germans, or  a Holger Osieck double six nil thrashing. There was no bravery or Anzac type spirit in this performance where the team played above themselves, unfortunately  it was what everyone expected. 

The Socceroos ended this concert with their worst song, it was a dodgy final third and it's probably my worst music and movie analogy.

You can't blame me though! I hate writing these pieces after the Socceroos lose. I don't know about you but when my team of choice loses I rarely read the match report or opinion pieces . So I don't know why you are even bothering to read this. Are you some sadist who enjoys basking in a loss are you vultures picking at the carcass of defeat?

Hey calm down don't be a Debbie Downer, we got four more years to wait till the next World Cup and the planning starts now! Plus don't forget the Asian Cup in January we expect to win  it easily now after how the Socceroos performed in Brazil. Left foot volleys from Tim Cahill here we come! Right? 

Positives

• I just got one. We don't have to listen to Craig Foster coach the team from the stands anymore. I liked it when there was some drama in the game and the Socceroos were in the fight but this game the assistant coach commentary was too much.

Random Player Analysis

• Mile Jedinak is so laid back in interviews and press conferences he sometimes gets mistaken for a chair. The Jak was guilty of horrible passing and moments of suspect defending and to top it off he got in the way of a Matt McKay volley against Spain. One of the few Socceroos chances on goal in the whole match. Do you agree with Eamonn Flanngan suggestion that he's the worst Croatian we've ever had?
• Matty Ryan. Alexis Sanchez, Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben, Fernando Torres, Juan Mata, Nutmegs, Flaps and heading the ball 30 meters out from the Goal-line. Poor Matty Ryan had a World Cup to forget and because he is young and potentially has the skills to pay the bills he hasn't been crucified by the media. Mitch Langerack wasn't afforded so much forgiveness I would have loved to have seen him in action against Spain but it wasn't to be.

Bullshit Stories

• Tim Cahill is leaving New York Red Bulls  and sacrificing  his salary of three million plus to take a pay cut for two million and get booed while playing for Sydney FC. Just like Sepp Blatter is going to take away the World Cup from Qatar and give it to Australia, it's bullshit farken!
• Mathew Leckie had a great tournament don't get me wrong but he is far from the finished product, and a few dollars short at being valued at 10 million big ones. Besides the chest shot I don't think he had a shot on target the whole World Cup. To paraphrase Paul Keaitng he is all Ice and no Berg.(that doesn't make sense but remember, you're not even supposed to be reading this)

Facts That Aren't Cool Dude

• Brazil 2014 was Australia's worst World Cup performance in the History of the Universe!
• Australia conceded the most goals in their World Cup History! 
• The Socceroos didn't get a point in Brazil 2014 making this the worst World Cup in the History of Australian football universe!
• NOT getting to the next round means we still can't call them "Our Socceroos". Unless you get out of the group stage it's still "The Socceroos". Sorry but thems the rules
• Dodgy defence was the Socceroos downfall this time, not dodgy penalty decisions or dodgy send offs or dodgy handballs. They did it to themselves.
• Now that Australia's World Cup Odyssey has come to an end I'm sad. The A-League doesn't start till October. what will I write about now? Make up transfer stories like everyone else? An unnamed source suggest that Mathew Leckie is not moving to Barcelona!
• Dead rubbers at the World Cup suck worse than friendlies.

Cheers for reading my thoughts and grievances over the last couple of months.It doesn't get any better for a football writer than writing about the World Cup. I might write a weekly piece till the end of the World Cup just to keep the writing juices flowing.

Cheers
Con Stamocostas

Socceroos - Holland Psycho(Analysis) World Cup 2014 Brazil

The Socceroos Greatest Ever Loss

So the Socceroos couldn't beat the Dutch. Who cares if we lost 3-2 and are now out of contention to move into the next round. Last night's game had enough excitement and drama to last forever in Australian football history.  I may be sounding like an annoying Pollyana but just being in front for a full four minutes against the Orange Botherers is enough to satisfy my football thirst.  Although the Aussies lost I feel good. Almost as good as when the Socceroos beat Japan. It doesn't quite have the euphoria as when the Socceroos drew against Croatia to go into the round of 16 in Germany 2006.

But it's still a special feeling being witness to the Socceroos greatest ever goal, and greatest ever chance of causing one of the greatest ever upsets against one of the greatest Kreas (Van Persie shoulda been sent off for that foul on Jedinak) and possible World Cup contending teams.


What's the difference between the Socceroos and a tea bag? The tea bag spends longer in the cup.

What does a Dutch Footballer do after they win the World Cup? Turn off the PlayStation.

You know you are truly part of a World Cup when you are the punchline for one of it's jokes. And being the butt of a joke is part of the fun of being part of the World's biggest sporting event. As a long suffering football fan in Australia doesn't it feel good to belong to a historic World Cup moment like last night? (even though it did end in heartbreak farken!)

Seeing Tim Cahill's score an Ubermanch goal makes the loss not so bad. Syphilis ridden German Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche had this concept of a human that had other-worldliness qualities.That's what Tim Cahill's Uber goal is for me.

The bar has now been set for every Australian youngster that wants to play for the Socceroos to aim for the same height as Uber Timmy Cahill. The German word Uber means above or beyond. That goal was above or beyond every player or fans wildest dreams.  I wasn't even finished groaning at Arjen Robben's opening goal for Holland when I had to do an about face so I could start cheering, laughing, smiling, exhalting, rejoicing and even a bit of guffawing.

Is Tim Cahill the greatest Socceroo ever? It's not a question anymore it's now a statement.

The Mozz

So which one of you was it? C'mon now be honest. When the Socceroos took the lead through Mile Jedinak's penalty to go up 2-1 in the second half who said out loud "we're gonna win this!" and I know some of you even went further and said "we're gonna win this one easily".

I know this because one of them was sitting next to me. Nice one my brother Phillip. After the Dutch scored the demoralsing third goal I blamed Phillip for the loss. "You stirred up the football gods. You don't say things like that before the game is over, you stirred up the Mozz" I cried!

For those of you that don't know what the Mozz is get Tony Wilson's book Australia United. It's a funny and engaging chronicle of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. In Tony Wilson's own words this is what the Mozz means.

"What the Mozz does is inhabit the etherof the entire universe, wafting around, waiting for the faintest murmur of expressed opinion. The Mozz will then act, swooping down, striking hard, possessing any relevant animal vegetabe or mineral, and transforming the result to the opposite - usually one that is profoundly shit." End of explanation.

And so as Tim Cahill was in hurtling towards the Dutch goal at 2-1 just affter the Jak penalty and with the option of Matt Mckay on his right and another Socceroo on his left the Mozz took hold of Tim Cahill's pass and made it go to long nullifying any attacking opportunity the Socceroos had.

Not soon after Phillip yelled "we're gonna win this one easily"  The Mozz allowed Dutch Winger Memphis to stroll past right back Ryan McGowan allowing him to cut inside, Mathew Leckie tried in vain to get possession back but Memphis got a lucky bounce with the help of the Mozz of course and got the ball back  and passed it to Sneijder who returned the pass back to Memphis who then set up Robin Van Persie for the equalising goal. The Mozz didn't compose Matty Ryan and the ball flew over his head with no hands in the way. The Mozz also made Jason Davidson keep Van Persie onside for his second positioning error in this World Cup.

Later in the game when the Socceroos had another opportunity to score The Mozz  unfortunately made Tommy Oar become too in awe (thanks Wayne Snowdon) of the occasion and he took the wrong option. Finding himself in the Dutch box Oar was in a fantastic position to shoot but instead he fired in a cross that was too hard and the Mozz made Mathew Leckie chest a tame attempt at goal.

The Mozz then  made Tim Cahill get a hamstring injury so Australia lost it's best chance of scoring more goals.

The Mozz is also responsible for making Matty Ryan flap at shot by that man Memphis again that led to the third Dutch goal when Ryan shoulda coulda saved it

But let's get serious it wasn't the Mozz and it wasn't the football gods it was just the cruel mistress that is football that caused the Socceroos to lose. Time to to take a step from the blame game and acknowledge the effort of the Socceroos players and staff in serving up two wonderful World Cup games. The pressure that all involved would have been under and the memories and moments that will never be forgotten makes the critic in me want to have a rest for a while because what the fuck do I know about playing at a World Cup?

Shut Up Pim Verbeek

I really feel like it's time to rejoice at the performance and be optimistic about the future of Australian football. Australia's World Cup group has seen Spain already knocked out. The best team of the better part of the last decade have copped seven goals and scored just one. Australia has a better record than the current World Champs with three goals scored and six against. What if we had a proper defence? None of the Socceroos have the pedigree and recent history the Spanish do.Only Tim Chill and Mark Bresciano have played in World Cups before. 

Before the game and no-one thought that the Socceroos would score any goals! (Pim Verbeek). 

Many thought the A-League was an inferior competition (Pim Verbeek).

How many current and former players A-League were on the pitch Pim?  Eight if i can remember.

The Dutch just like the Chileans before them got the fright of their lives and a real challenge from the Socceroos. No-one besides the players and coaching staff and the most optimistic fan thought the Aussies had any chance of matching our Group B opponents let alone be in a position to draw in the first game and come so close to winning in the second game. 

Sure getting so close and in the end being so far from the desired result is harsh but like Winston Churchill said "Never Despair!, We got the Asian Cup coming up, what's Uber Timmy Cahill going to do next?"

Socceroos vs Holland (Orange Botherers) Preview World Cup 2014 Brazil

"There are two things I can't stand in this world. People who are intolerant of other peoples football cultures ( Scott Chipperfield) and the Dutch! (Being in the Socceroos World Cup Group)"

The above quote is me paraphrasing the hilarious Movie Austin Powers: Goldmember. It's the only Hollywood movie where the Dutch culture is ridiculed and made fun of. During the film all the lazy stereotypes of the Wogs with Clogs are used as comedy fodder through superfreaky Goldmember (Mike Myers) as he teams up with Dr Evil (Mike Myers) to kidnap Austin Powers Father (Micheal Cain).

Why I bring this up is because the Socceroos are playing Holland and it's probably unlikely the Australians can beat them on the pitch so why not try beating them with humor and mockery.

The Game Plan vs  the Wogs with Clogs

Okay lets get serious and less nervous  Socceroos. You guys have never lost to the Netherlands in an international game. Yes yes yes they may have only been friendlies but it still something. Yes, yes yes most of you current Aussies in the squad has never faced the Dutch but it's a positive and we need all the positives we can get. 

Another positive is that the Australians and the Orange Botherers share a commonality.  Both nations go by three different names. Netherlands, Holland and the Dutch. Australia, The Socceroos, and The Aussies. That irrelevant tidbit makes you less nervous right? Tommy Oar and Jason Davidson I'm talking to you send in those crosses boys!

At the moment it seems like the the only game plan on the clipboard that Ante Milicic is holding and furiously writing notes is "Surely the Dutch can't play as well as they did against the Spanish" and "Surely the Socceroos can't start as badly as they did against Chile."

One thing top teams have in their tactical arsenal is their ability to have a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C. Because the Socceroos have a young and inexperienced team the hope is that they execute Plan A to the best of their ability. For some moments against Chile they were able to that. They held the ball for longer and through Mathew Leckie they were able to exploit the space down the flanks. More of this please!

The stereotypes of the Dutch in football has always been one of total football which basically means totally give the ball to Johan Cruyff. But Johan Cruyff and his mates are another country, a faded T-Shirt, a FIFA DVD on sale now. 

The modern way of playing football  for the Dutch is a mixture of thuggery and arrogance combined  with moments of sublime skill. The Netherlands are not proponents of Total Football but a mixture of possession based, counter attacking at speed wrapped in a Dutch waffle of agricultural football.

This is where the Aussies come in. Mile Jedinak and Mark Milligan (or whover replaces him after being injured) have to show some of their "Kreas" tendencies and not let the likes of De Guzman and De Jong Deboss them or Dekick them around.

Bullies don't like being stood up to and this is where the Aussies can match the Wogs with Clogs. 

Ange Postecoglu talks about being fearless and taking risks but as I banged on about in my last blog Adam Taggart needs to come on the field at some point. Tim Cahill busted a gut for 90 mins. His 34 year old body is going to need a partner. Head Farken misses his Brother Shoot Farken!   Power in numbers and all that Jazz man. This morning in a media scrum Ange said he wasn't happy with his subs (he made them) so perhaps some changes are afoot. Perhaps he read my blog and took note. Of course he did(n't).

The Dutch Whisperer

Australia has it's own Goldmember  in their ranks in Hann Berger. The Berger is at the World Cup in a special advisory role  (double agent?) to the Socceroos. 

The Hann Bergler had a controversial tenure as Australia's Technical director. Some say the direction the Australian game took by following the Dutch 4 3 3 system didn't provide the necessary results or rewards that were promised. Particularly in the way our young players were coached and the dismantling of the Australian Institute of Sport system that produced so many quality Socceroos in the past.  Going Dutch seemed a failure and it showed in some of the poor results Australia's youth teams accumulated at  various Youth World Cups. 

 "Hey everyone I'm from Holland isn't that weird?"

There was also some controversy about the way Berger mandated small sided games and the no winners or losers approach with games ending  result-less. Around the country many local football clubs and associations were reluctant to take on the "trophies for everyone" approach of playing games. Not everyone agreed with The  Hot Dog! "Everyone one was a Wiener!" mentality. 

I can see Hann Berger in his role as The Dutch whisperer leaning into some of the Socceroos players ears and quietly saying "Watch out for Van Persie, Sneijder and Robben they are very very good"

Expectations Lowered

Beofore the Chile game I thought the Socceroos could get away with at least a point against L Roja and when Timmy scored I started to believe in a win. So for this game against the Dutch i'm lowering my expectations. Unless you are blind with with Brazilian party juice it's hard to expect a positive result out of this game. A positive performance from the Socceroos that includes a betters start would be great. A goal would be fantastic and avoiding a thrashing would be a relief.

 It's not that I don't believe it's just that I will feel  better and more elated when the Socceroos cause a surprise and knock those Orange Botherers off their Clogs! Even if it's only through some strong "Hi I'm a Socceroo" fouls (Yes I said it!) 

Socceroos - Chile Preview World Cup 2014 Brazil

Opening Match (Smashed?) 

According to the 2011 Census there are 24,900 Chileans who live in Australia. Most of these Chilitos reside in Bossley Park and Fairfield in Western Sydney NSW. A lot of them would be Western Sydney Wanderers supporters and only a small percentage I suspect would be supporting the Socceroos. Ahh the duality of being an ephnic football supporter. I'm sure these Chilitos (i just love that nickname) are all licking their Arolla De Chanco flavoured lips at the prospect of getting three points against the Socceroos.

I have a Chilean friend with a very Chilean name called Bruno. He told me a story once about how his father used to be a bodyguard for a Chilean politician around the 1960's or 1970's. One day this Chilean politician had an assassination attempt made on his life. Bruno's father the bodyguard ran away with no intention at all of protecting the politician. "Fuck this guy i'm not giving him my life" was the way Bruno told the story of hisfFather's mindset as he ducked and ran for cover as the bullets flew past.

What does this story have to do with the Socceroos opening World Cup match (smashed?) against La Roja? Nothing really just an entertaining side bar to help stretch out this preview because to be honest I'm not a Chilean football expert and neither is Bruno he hates Soccer!

Chile Fact File

What I do know about Chile thanks to the Official Australian FIFA World Cup Media Guide is that Chile's highest World Cup placing was in 1962 were they finished third. I say that because for this edition of the Cup some experts have Chile as one of the favourites. Ouch! How many favourites for the World Cup can you have in one group? 

I know Chile qualified third in their South American World Cup Qualifying group. I know that their record against the Socceroos is four games played, with three wins to Chile and one draw. That draw was at the 1974 World Cup against a team of no name part timers. Could it be an Omen for this game? Probably not but a draw would be a positive result so i'll take it as an Omen.

Looking at their squad list I know that Chile has World Clarsh players in their team. Defender Mauricio Isla (47 caps) plays for Juventus, Winger Alexis Sanches (67 caps, 22 goals) could possibly tear the Socceroos back line a new one. Valencia forward Eduardo Vargas (30 caps, 14 goals) is no slouch either. His dial is always on the highlights real when Chile plays. Arturo Vidal (54 caps, 8 goals) has been in the news in recent days because the Juventus playmaker is injured and could miss the game. But as Mile Jedinak has been saying he is only one player.

Will the Socceroos cause an upset?

Most Socceroos fans in Brazil didn't put a 10k debt on their credit card to see the Green and Gold get smashed. Even though Josh Kennedy (Jesus) didn't make it to Brazil  fans back home and in Brazil are praying for some type of miracle.. Is there a Messiah for the Socceroos who can walk on water and can turn graft and grit into goals? Can Tim Cahill do it again? Can Bresh find some space for a killer pass, through ball or sumptuous cross? Can Tommy Oar turn potential into Socceroos provider?

Historically a win or a draw in the first game compared to a loss increases the chances of a team qualifying for the next stage. The Socceroos are eschewing their opponents favouritism by talking up their low expectations and underdog status as well as their team spirit. However low expectations and underdog status didn't help the Socceroos cause against Germany four years ago.

What the Socceroos do have in their favour is the element of surprise. Chile will probably be focusing on their own game. While the Socceroos coaching staff would be putting in the hours analyzing the Chilitos players and their playing patterns like a Tiger Mom instructing their child to study harder!

C'mon just start the game already!

There is nothing more to really say. I'm all previewed out and probably so are you. After narrowly missing out on the group stage four years ago in South Africa and having to go through Holger Oscieck's harrowing tenure. We are now just hours away from Ange Postecoglu's youth and attack policy. The Socceroos players, fans and coaching staff stand on the precipice ( Andy Harper ©) of World Cup elimination or World Cup distinction.

Will the Socceroos Fall or Rise? 

All that's left is C'mon the Socceroos and Super Timmy Cahill Australia needs you to Head Farken!

Socceroos - Croatia 2014 World Cup Warm Up Analysis

Well doesn't that feel better? After the Socceroos dull and lackadaisical performance against South Africa the Australians proved once again that when faced with a much superior opponent and higher ranked team this time Croatia they were able to put in a competitive performance. 

That Kangarouthes were able to match it with the Croat's who had Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic  in midfield (one plays for a little team called Real Madrid the other for Inter Milan)  and that they only suffered a narrow loss is heart warming looking ahead to the Socceroos opening game against Chile.

A lucky deflection saw Croatian goal botherer Jelavic in mountains of space and wacked it like a kid playing Hungry Hungry Hippos.

Positives

• The Socceroos didn't get thrashed, smashed on the scoreboard or in general play. The Aussies were competitive and were able to control parts of the game without being caught out in defence too often (except for the goal)

• The back four was solid in defence with GoalKeeper Matt Ryan only employed on a few occasions.

• Matt Spiranovic didn''t get injured yeah! Alex Wilkinson had his best game in a Socceroos shirt. Spiranovic is quality. Easily the Aussies best player in defence. He is able to settle the team with his ability on the ball and his excellent judgement when playing out of defence. Alex Wilkinson is definitely the if in doubt kick it out type player but I don't mind that, one ball playing Libero in defence is enough.

• Jason "outstanding season" Davidson also had his best game in a Socceroos shirt. The left back looked the most self assured since he started playing for the green and gold and when he bombed down the left hand side he showed a sense of fearlessness that permeated through the whole team. 

• Now to the midfield. Mile Jedinak played almost 3/4 of the game and showed that when he is on the pitch makes he the Socceroos stronger. Along with Mathew Spiranovic The all important spine of the team is much more healthier. 

• Tommy Oar had a stint at Centre Attacking Midfield and will probably spend more time there until Mark Bresciano  fitness improves. Having Oar in the centre nullifies the Socceroos most potent weapon: Crossing to Tim Cahill, but at least the Australians weren't as one dimensional as they were against South Africa.

• I reckon Mark Breciano's cameo was the biggest positive of all for the Socceroos. Part Time Socceroos antagonist Fairfax journalist Mike Cockerill has put down the gauntlet to Bresh. Saying it's time the former Parma and Palermo midfield maestro to step up his performances after two disappointing previous World Cups. 

• Fearlessness it seems is the buzzword describing the Socceroos performance against Croatia. Most Pundits and Commentators are saying that the Socceroos are building for the future. But the FUTURE IS NOW! If the Socceroos can take the positives from their last performance and somehow jam a positive result (I mean fluke a win) against Chile in the opening game it's game on a baby!  

Negatives

No negatives besides not being able to create many clear cut chances and score goals which is a worry. Chile play three at the back so if the Socceroos can keep it tight I don't see why they can't cause the La Roja some problems. After all everyone is in equal position before the first game aren't they?

Leopold Method Strikes Again

Read this excellent piece on the tactics being used by Ange Postecoglu and how the Socceroos are implementing them. It's on the Leopold Method. website and is written by the excellent Kate Cohen who along with Tony Tannous is one of the best analysts of tactics in Australian football today.

Below are some snippets from her article that stuck in my mind. You should mos def read the whole thing.

For the full Kate Cohen's article go to the link here

Socceroos and the forward Pass

"One of the key elements to the attacking brand of football Australia is now attempting to play is clearly demonstrated in the frequency and way in which the Socceroos look to play forward passes"

Louis Van Gaal, who will be in the opposite dugout to Postecoglou when Australia faces the Netherlands is another who believes a vertical, or forward, pass is often the less risky option.

“The vertical pass is not a risk because you always have people behind the ball,” Van Gaal said. “So, the vertical is the pass without risk, [but] the width pass is always risky.”

Andy Harper is Wrong

James Holland, all fingers pointing towards him,” Andy Harper said. “It was ill-disciplined possession from James Holland, he was too aggressive with his pass. It was a low percentage pass that was picked off, it opened up the field and South Africa swept up field and finished the business.”

A similar message, criticising Australia’s willingness to play forward occurred in the game against Croatia – “those straight balls in the midfield are just being asked to be intercepted, the ball needs to go out to the fullbacks,” Harper said.

But, if this is something that Postecoglou demands from his players, how can a player be criticised for following instructions?

The 2014 Socceroos Brazil Squad and A Football Story

Over the years here @ A Football Story I have brought you some interviews with young Australian players some known and some unknown. Three of the players I interviewed made Ange Postecoglu’s final 23 World Cup squad for Brazil.. They are attackers Mathew Leckie and Tommy Oar and defensive youngster Bailey Wright.

Mathew Leckie

I interviewed current Socceroo Mathew Leckie in 2011 and it was featured in Soccer International a magazine I grew up with and one that sadly no longer can be found on the newsagents stand due to the rise and march of technology.

The interview with the Frankfurt winger was published on this blog in March 2011 when he was still playing with Adelaide United. 

Mathew Leckie is now a key attacker for the Socceroos. Ignored under Holger Oscieck he has flourished under Ange Postecoglu and all Socceroos fans hope and some even expect him to be a danger to the opposition when he plays at the World Cup in Brazil. 

Expect Mathew Leckie to be in Ange Postecoglu’s starting line up for the first game against Chile. His speed determination and ability to get on the end of balls in dangerous position will be a key factor for the Socceroos in attack. Like the rest of the Socceroos fraternity we all hope Mathew can cause a surprise or two in Brazil.

Here is a link if you are interested here

Tommy Oar

I interviewed Tommy Oar in the middle of 2011 and it first appeared on the Green and Gold Army website after he scored a screamer of a goal for the Young Socceroos at the Youth World Cup. By then the Utrecht attacker was already a fully fledged Socceroo and completed his first season in Holland. 

In his first season at FC Utrecht the former Brisbane Roar winger played against Liverpool and played a fair few games for his Dutch side making him a rare Aussie Abroad success story. His star has been rising with each season and he is now a crucial member of AP’s side, a big difference from the sporadic appearances he made for Holger Oscieck often coming off the bench.  A modest footballer he can be used on the wing or as was shown against Croatia in the pre- World Cup warm up friendly in the central attacking midfield position a role he often takes up in Holland.

Of all the players in the Socceroos starting line up Oar will have huge expectations on him. Here is a response to the question I asked Tommy how he managed to deal with each step in his career so far:

"I was fortunate to be given the opportunities to get me into the position I am now. I think no matter which level you are playing, the basic principles stay the same. You just have to worry about your own game and the reasons why you got there in the first place”

 

The next step for the Gold Coast youngster will be the biggest stage in football: The World Cup. Can Tommy step up to another level yet again and make a name for himself? I think he can, and so do a lot of Socceroos fans.

Here is a link to the interview here

Bailey Wright

To many people in Australia when Bailey Wright’s name was announced by Ange Postecoglu for the 2014 World Cup squad many ardent and studious supporters had never heard of the Preston North End defender before. 

No one expected him to make the final 23 man squad for Brazil either. But there he is mostly as a back up for the defence. The versatile defender will be there just in case injuries or suspension hit the Socceroos back four and he can play as a center back or fullback.

I started to notice the Melbourne born 6 1/2 youngster due to Damian Davies Aussies Abroad monthly reports where he was getting rave reviews for his performances for Preston North End. The interview I did with Bailey first appeared on the Australian 442 website around April 2012. 

One very interesting point about the Dandenong Thunder  junior was that after not having much luck in Australia getting a contract he almost quit the game.

“I was fortunate enough to have been offered a two year scholarship with Preston. The reason the trials came about was because I didn’t see much of a future for myself in football in Australia and had talked to my family about quitting football and taking up a trade or to go and work with my Dad which at the time I was already doing. 

My Dad said to me would you like to give England one last chance before you threw it away?, so I did and now the rest is history, so I owe a lot to my Dad for giving me the chance to come over.”

After almost quitting the game altogother the Socceroos defensive back up is living every footballer’s dream attending and possibly playing at a World Cup.

I really enjoyed interviewing Mr Wright as it was a quite different process from most of the interviews I have done over the years. Normally the process of interviewing players is through a media officer or the player’s agent. But with the 21 year old I contacted him on Facebook and spoke to him personally. 

The Melbourne youngster is one of the youngest players in the Socceroos squad and I found him to be an open and honest person. He is a hard working determined footballer and even if he doesn't get to play in Brazil the experience of just being there and training with the squad will provide him invaluable experience that will pay off for Bailey and the Socceroos in the future. Will Bailey play a part for the Socceroos in Brazil? Let’s see what happens in Brazil said the Monk.

Here is a link here

Socceroos Paralysis (Analysis) vs. South Africa

So the Socceroos performance against the Bafana Bafana was Disappointing Disappointing! With not too long to go till the World Cup and with more injuries than a King Cross hospital ward on a Friday night at this moment the Socceroos are a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an Enigma (Go the Winston Churchill quotes!)

The Riddle

What do you call Australia’s only hope of scoring goals at the World Cup and at the same time Australia’s potential downfall because it will lead to a style of play that is easy to defend and predictable to the point of embarrassing?  

Tim Cahill is probably not a riddle but maybe a paradox or perhaps an irony. The irony is that Tim Cahill is probably the Socceroos best chance of scoring goals.  The more the team centers themselves around Super TImmy the more easier the opposition will be able to neutralize the Socceroos attack as it's easy to defend crosses. 

I’m not sure what the correct literary device to use is in this instance but the Socceroos created more crosses against South Africa than the production design team used for that scene in the Film Spartacus. 

The Mystery

Which Ange Postecoglu will we see at the World Cup? The Brisbane Roar Ange Postecoglu where the team was patient with their passing, the one where they refused to cross except for when it was stupid not to. 

Will it be the Ange Postecoglu which made everyone in Australia who followed the local game give standing golf claps in adoration at the quality of play? Will it be the Ange that even the Duck (Craig Foster) and the Poet (Les Murray) ate their words and gushed inside their foreign made underpants due to the exciting nature of the tactical and technical mastery that was on display?

Or will it be the Melbourne Victory Ange Postecoglu getting thrashed one week and playing just OK the next?

The Enigma

Where our Holiness Gus Hiddink was quoted by his Protégé Graham Arnold as saying “international football is not won or lost in the first 20 mins” AP it seems is spouting the opposite.

“If we try and score three goals in the first twenty minutes and try and hold on for the next 70 minutes we might not get smashed” 

It’s difficult to understand why Ange Postecoglu is into the crossing thing at the moment. He did so well with Brisbane Roar with the patient possession game. Why play like David Moyes Everton? Why play like Holger Osieck and Pim Verbeek?

Yes, yes, yes I know some first team players are injured and not fit and James Holland looks stoned and permanently has a look of wanting to punch someone. And Yes, yes, yes the Socceroos always do better against higher quality opposition and then blow it at the end and sometimes cause big upsets. 

Yes, yes, yes we also know that against easier opposition and games we are expected to win easily the Socceroos usually play within themselves and the result and performance can be historically disappointing.

As a friend wisely quipped after the game:

“If the Socceroos play like this again, Chile will crucify them on their own cross”

Short reflections:

• Did you see Luke Wilkshire put on his Socceroos shirt right before  he came on for Ivan Franjić? He looks like you and me not the fit Luke Wilkshire of yore.

• Jason "outstanding season" Davidson is/will be a liability

To be Embarrassed or NOT to be Embarrassed THAT is the QUESTION

Leading up to the Socceroos friendly send off as they head of to the World Cup in Brazil I got some Questions that have been swirling in my head.

When Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglu announced his Socceroos squad I paid close attention to his accompanying comments at the press conference:

"We'll have the whole nation watching in the middle of the night. I'm not going to tell them to get up and not feel great about it”

"And then our responsibility as I said is to excite them when they watch. To give them maybe that glimpse of a future and who knows maybe take them on a little bit of a wild ride through here when the unexpected happens."

Reading between the lines the main objective for the World Cup in Brazil is for the Socceroos not to be embarrassing Australia.  Consecutive six nil thrashings against France and Brazil meant that things had to change.

As the team goes through the rigmarole of press conferences, media and sponsor appearances and even some training I asked myself:

 Is this the worst Socceroos squad on paper I’ve seen since I’ve been following the team since 1988? On paper probably yes. Experience wise probably yes.

Will the Socceroos get smashed? In the cold hard light of day probably yes. But in Australia we don’t get many cold hard days our days are warm easy and laidback. In Brazil against Chile, Netherlands and Spain it could be miserable embarrassing and frustrating.

While the messages coming out from the Socceroos PR machine are positive are fans, pundits. Players and coaches deluded into thinking the team have any chance of not being embarrassed? It’s not so bad to lie to yourself sometimes. Unfortunately the scoreboard doesn’t lie. So most fans are being realistic and lots of Joe and Jane Public are saying: “we’re gonna get thrashed!”

 “The Socceroos defence looks like a mad women’s breakfast”

Many questions surround the final 23 man squad and then even more questions abound in who will take the field against LA Roja nickname for Chile means “the Red One who will thrash the Socceroos”

For years the Socceroos had mainstays in defence Alex Tobin and Milan Ivanovic, Lucas Neill and Craig Moore, Now the question of who will be in this Socceroos defence is still a ponderous one. Even the Ubermunch Ange Postecoglu doesn’t know. Curtis Good’s hip flexor just doesn’t want to heal, Trent Sainsbury fell on a sprinkler and his knee refused to get better in time for the World Cup. Mathew Spiranivich knee’s and hamstrings are one awkward lunge away from a lay off and that leaves Alex Wilkinson who tried to dribble to himself against Ecuador and it cost the Socceroos a goal. That’s why AP gets paid the big bux. As my Maths teacher Mr Sayburn used to say “The Socceroos defense looks like a mad women’s breakfast.” (He actually would say your Maths homework looks like a mad women's breakfast"

The midfield isn’t looking so stable at the moment either. Can Mile Jedinak bring that EPL form to the Socceroos? Jedinak got himself injured in the last game of the EPL. His groin refused to dive into anymore tackles. The Jak won’t get the time and space that the EPL defenders afforded him during his first season in Europe and expect him to be well covered by opposition defences at the World Cup.

“At what point do we accept that Marc Bresciano Is a Vampire?”

Another Question is: Can Marc Bresciano still bring it? After missing all those months suspended after someone at his club filled out the wrong form. FIFA and Centrelink must have a similar bureaucracy fill in the the wrong form and they take away your payments and penalise you for months.

And another question? At what point do we accept that Marc Bresciano is a Vampire? Look at 2006, 2010 and 2014 Bresh. Someone’s cabinet or safe is missing quite a large batch of their Elixir of Youth, Perhaps he is an Alchemist or some Druid in disguise because Bresh hasn't aged since the 2006 World Cup. He looks the same as he did when he scored against Uruguay and did the statue pose. C’mon Bresh score @ the World Cup & do the Statue!   

Pic Above is Marc Bresciano a Vampire like Pharell appears to be?

SHOOT FARKEN

Should I ask a question about the attack? Sure I will. By the time the defense and midfield are run ragged at some point the Socceroos will have to attack.

Such is the fashion these days of  world football that not playing with Strikers and flooding the team with midfielders is now the norm., The Shoot Farken school of thought is slowly been erased and just like universal health care and free education Strikers will be gazed upon in moments of nostalgia.

 Super Timmy Cahill another candidate for a Vampire as he too hasn’t aged and neither has his ability to leap higher than most tall defenders could be the Socceroos only Striker along with Josh Kennedy. Adam Taggart won’t probably make it in this World Cup squad (I’d like to see him go though I’m in the SHOOT FARKEN minority) Set pieces and Tommy Oar crossing for his life could be the Socceroos best chances.

Any more Questions? NO? Good. Let’s play!

SOCCEROOS WORLD CUP 2014 BRAZIL PRELIMINARY SQUAD ANALYSIS

With Ange Postecoglu announcing his 30 man preliminary World Cup Squad today I’d thought I’d try and play guess the squad. But after writing down the list of players I thought who would make the 30 man squad it didn't seem like much of a guess at all.  The player pool is small. Realistically there are about 20-30 players that are good enough to make the squad. Not enough players are getting regular game time in Europe while the ones that are playing regularly are not really playing at a high enough level or forgive the ageist remark some players  are just too old.  

The squads chosen for the Costa Rica and Ecuador game showed pretty much what Ange Postecolgu was thinking and the recent retirements of the often so called golden generation  means that it’s not going to be a squad full of surprises. Or was it? Reports around Australian media suggest a fair bunch of A-League players will be picked. But with they make the final cut? I don't think so.  In terms of picking the younger players  I would've liked to have see the Wunderkind from Perth Daniel De Silva, and midfielder Jackson Irvine and a couple of A League youngsters taken along for experience if they aren't included in the final 23. But it wasn't to be.

Just a quick word on the squad. As expected Uber Coach to be Ange chose the squad most Socceroos botherers  expected. 

The Defence

The Socceroos defence. Inexperienced  and with only ONE player (Luke Wilkshire) with previous World Cup experience. And forgive me for being incorrect but I'm sure there isn't even World Cup qualifying experience in there either. Soon to be Real Madrid Number One (according to Graham Arnold anyway) Matt Ryan is going to be having daydreams about saving goals and nightmares about his inexperienced defence, but lets not dwell on the worry at least Lucas Neill is not the focus anymore. Curtis Good is still injured and there is no reserve Left Back. I would use Mark Milligan in defense with Mathew Spiranovic and make sure the other left sided players and right side players help with parking the bus when needed.

The Midfield

Mile Jedinak getting injured is a worry but perhaps Ange is playing mind games with the opposition and the Jak is just having a rest after a season of tackling and crunching tackles with Crystal Place because in terms of star players Mile is our new Harry Kewell. Without the goals and creativity but with the injuries leading up to the World Cup and is the closest thing the Socceroos have a Star player (besides Super Timmy of course). Tom Rogic had it lost it? Mmmmm can only do about 30 mins tops I reckon. NO speed no stamina but can dribble and is not shy about going forward.Tommy Oar more crosses and through balls yes please. 

The Attack

Will be tracking back and Timmy Cahill and Josh Keneddy will be hop hop hopping at those crosses.Robbie Kruse is a big loss. Sure Mathew Leckie and Ben Halloran are quick and powerful going forward. But will the Socceroos have enough ball for them to show what they can do? 

The Roundup

The ball is round anything can happen, as Mr Cruyff used to say football is an easy game except when you play against Spain, Holland and Chile in your World Cup Group. (I know he never said that) All the talk and analysis will mean nothing. Can we fast forward till the Chile game already please? The Dutch can be their own downfall They might do a Les Blues and crack up. Spain might have too many siesta's and miss the Bus to the game thus forfeiting the three points to the Socceroos  Chile might think they are playing Austria instead and told to make sure the guy with the mustache doesn't score.

GOALKEEPERS

Mark BIRIGHITTI (Newcastle Jets FC, AUSTRALIA)

Eugene GALEKOVIC (Adelaide United FC, AUSTRALIA)

Mitchell LANGERAK (B.V. Borussia 09 Dortmund, GERMANY)

Mat RYAN (Club Brugge KV, BELGIUM)

DEFENDERS

Jason DAVIDSON (SC Heracles Almelo, NETHERLANDS)

Ivan FRANJIC (Brisbane Roar FC, AUSTRALIA)

Curtis GOOD (Newcastle United, ENGLAND)

Ryan McGOWAN (Shandong Luneng Taishan FC, CHINA)

Matthew SPIRANOVIC (Western Sydney Wanderers FC, AUSTRALIA)

Alex WILKINSON (Jeonbuk Hyundai FC, KOREA REPUBLIC)

Luke WILKSHIRE (FK Dinamo Moscow, RUSSIA)

Bailey WRIGHT (Preston North End FC, ENGLAND)

MIDFIELDERS

Oliver BOZANIC (FC Luzern, SWITZERLAND)

Mark BRESCIANO (Al Gharafa, QATAR)

Joshua BRILLANTE (Newcastle Jets FC, AUSTRALIA)

James HOLLAND (FK Austria Vienna, AUSTRIA)

Mile JEDINAK (Crystal Palace FC, ENGLAND)

Massimo LUONGO (Swindon Town FC, ENGLAND)

Matthew McKAY (Brisbane ROAR FC, AUSTRALIA)

Mark MILLIGAN (Melbourne Victory FC, AUSTRALIA)

Tommy OAR (FC Utrecht, NETHERLANDS)

Tommy ROGIC (Melbourne Victory FC, AUSTRALIA)

Adam SAROTA (FC Utrecht, NETHERLANDS)

James TROISI (Melbourne Victory FC, AUSTRALIA)

Dario VIDOSIC (FC Sion, SWITZERLAND)

FORWARDS

Tim CAHILL (New York Red Bulls, USA)

Ben HALLORAN (Fortuna Dusseldorf, GERMANY)

Josh KENNEDY (Nagoya Grampus 8, JAPAN)

Matthew LECKIE (FSV Frankfurt 1899, GERMANY)

Adam TAGGART (Newcastle Jets FC, AUSTRALIA)

Here is an interview I did with Bailey Wright for 442 website a couple of years back: http://afootballstory.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/generation-next-bailey-wright-interview.html

I'm Back Baby! Half Glass Fempty

Hi Everyone,

It's been a while since i posted a blog post that I have written personally. I recently had a medical scare and with new perception in life I thought I would come back to my passion. Writing about football. I won't go into the details because I'm a private person and some mystery in life is good but i implore all of you not to do what  I didn't do and that is fail to get a proper check up from your doctor in 10 years. Got my dunce cap screwed on tight at the moment. Anyway this blog is not called "My Story" it's called  A Football Story (crap name for a blog but I'm Australian and the when it comes to naming things we go for the obvious (with thanks to comedian Steve Hughes for that insight)

Goodnight and Good Luck Luca$ Neill inc and Brett LoLman    

So to ease myself into things i want talk about the Socceroos and the excitement of the World Cup. World Cup squads will be announced next month and so far we know that Ange "It's all cool Bro" Postecogluhas been on the blower to both Brett Holman and Lucas Neill. And it wasn't the good type of phone cal it was the one where he probably used the positive negative positive sandwich technique where sandwiched in the middle was the message sorry boys you have been great servants for the Socceroos in the past but there is no room for you at Brazil World Cup in the present goodnight and good luck n the future. I almost feel sorry for Lucash. He tried his hardest to make it but age caught up with him .Doncaster Rovers is not going to prepare you for the attacking blitz of The Spanish, Chilean and Dutch menace. It would have been a horrific end to Lucas's career and at least he has gone out a winner against Costa Rica rather than being used  as an escapegoat ( with thanks to Tony Tannous) for the Socceroos poor defense yet again

In Ange We Must Trust 

Ange Postecoglu has to hope and pray that no other key players get injured. The Socceroos have already lost a triumvirate( love that word)  Ryhs Williams, Robbie Kruse, and Mark Schwarzer  Schwarzer showed recently that he still has the skills to pay the bills when Chelsea played Liverpool in the EPL recently. He could have advised in Ange we must trust about the benefits of parking two buses. The way Schwarzer led the team from the back in slowing the play down when Chelsea frustrated Liverpool while not a tactic I agree with and one that doesn't always works as Chelsea found out I think if used at certain times (not from the firts minute like Chelsea)  it could help the Socceroos slow the game down and give players time to rest and hold their positions. Australian football is famous for a Gunge-ho mentality ( remember the final five minutes against Italy in 2006 when Marc Bresciano ended up at right back defending Grosso?  and the first game the Socceroos played against Germany in 2010 where the team attacked and played with a high a line in defense. Running around like a headless chock is not the answer lets slow it down.

Half Glass Fempty

That is how I'm viewing the Socceroos chances of progressing out of the Group of Death and into the next round.. Half Glass Fempty meaning I'm not that optimistic but the way that Postecoglu prepares his teams and scouts the opposition makes me think that the Socceroos at the least will be competitive and not be the whipping boys that everyone in the real football world expects.  I really have great optimism that the Socceroos will may indeed shock some teams, pundits and fans with how the team approaches each challenge they are faced with. 

Cliches Time

Football isn't played on paper. If it was the Socceroos are screwed. What Australia has in their favour is that most of the make up of the Socceroos squad will be unknowns. I can only think of Marc Bresciano Mile Jedinak and Tim Cahil as the Socceroos biggest names.  If you think about the make up of what  the squad could be names like Curtis Good, Jason Davidson,   Tommy Oar, Tom Rogic  and Mathew Leckie  aren't  really well known outside of Socceroos fans.

Miracles do Happen,

So considering these points well only one point really and that is most of the Socceroos will be unknown to their Group B opponents.  This could cause the opposition to not take them as seriously. I think if the football gods are smiling on Australia and ball bounces and the wind blows favourably towards the Socceroos anything can happen. The ball is round lets play!

Blogger of the Year Award

Hi Folks I've been included in the shortlist for blogger of the year. Here is where you can vote for me and your other favorite bloggers  Here is the link.  vote for me here

Thanks to  Blogger of the Year Award in partnership with Football Fans Down Under (FFDU) for including me in the shortlist for their Blogger of the Year award..I haven't really done so much in terms of blogging this year so I feel humbled that I've been included in the nominations it's a real good list of quality bloggers. I thankyou for your support.

Cheers

Con Stamocostas