Australia's Asian Cup Checklist
Friday, 06 July 07, 01:48 AM · Comments(1)
Something different to the previews out there, because there are lots of them.
1. Win the thing
Obvious really.
2. Beat Iran
Tempted to put this at number one, but at the end of the day winning the cup is more important than settling this old rivarly. There will be plenty of chances in world cup qualifying to avenge 1998. Nothing will erase the hurt, but let's face it, had Australia qualified for France then the NSL would probably still be alive and none of the nation's domestic football overhaul would have happened.
How do we want to beat Iran? Nothing cruel, a straight up and down beating would be nice. No Iranians out injured or sent off, just their best team, and our team beating them.
3. Defend
Where the hell is Spiranovic? For some reason he's been cut loose to go and do pre-season with Nurnburg. Beauchamp is a stop-gap solution, and while he's always done the right thing by the national team, he isn't the long-term answer at centre back. I'll make the call now - every goal Australia concedes at this championship will be "soft". It's just a matter of concentration and limitation.
4. Arnie back to number two
From day one I've said that if Australia is going to hit a hurdle qualifying for 2010, it's going to be in the first stage. Four teams in a group, only top spot goes on to the next stage. Maybe the AFC will change the qualifying format but at this stage there's nothing to suggest they will.
Names have been thrown around for Arnie's replacement; Van Gaal, Advocaat, Hiddink - at this stage either of the latter two would be preferable. Arnie is the players' best mate, the sort of relationship a squad should enjoy with an assistant coach - not the top man.
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AusTeo
Melbourne, AU
This is the regular column for the Melbourne Victory of Australia. The Victory is currently defending the A-League title and will play Asian Champions League at the end of the domestic campaign. There will also be the odd comment about the fortunes of the Australian national team.
1 Comments · Add yours
I agree with Arnie being better suited as a No. 2, but I wonder if he'll be willing to go back to that role after being in the top job. And please, for the love of god, no Dick Advocaat. The guy's an
idiot. Since Aussie Guus isn't coming back (as much as I'd like him to), I think it'd have to be van Gaal. As long as it's not Terry Venables, really.