Monday, June 19, 2006
History Stuffs Australia
Well, that title is a bit harsh, but I think we all knew in our heart of hearts that Brasil would turn us over. Having said that, though, it was only moments of individual class that made the difference, but tactically the Socceroos had the South Americans round their little finger for long periods.
The first half in particular was absolutely magnificent from the Aussies. Tactically superb, they stifled the Brasilian flair to the point where the world champions were visibly at a loss for openings to exploit. The Socceroos simply gave them no options. It was a lesson in tactical planning and it came off to a tee. I don't recall ever seeing a side so well organised and disciplined, covering space and breaking forward when the opportunity arose. Right from the off, the Aussies did not press the Brasilian back line, allowing them to pack the midfield and deny the Brasilians any space. It was almost as though the pitch had shrunk to about two thirds its normal size, and that's exactly the way to successfully curb an attack. When the Aussies had the ball, the pitch seemed to open up, allowing the play to flow.
As if we needed it, that 45 minutes was confirmation of Guus Hiddink's tactical genius. Critics will suggest that Brasil were not at their best, but they would have had to be at their best to get past the Socceroo fortifications. It was very, very impressive.
The initial period of the second half was always going to be the real test, and would dictate the rest of the game. The Brasilians came out with a new plan, and the Aussies were always going to have to respond to it. Unfortunately, the South Americans stepped up a notch, and the Aussies found it difficult to maintain their performance. The game opened up, and this would always suit Brasil. Sure enough, a couple of small defensive errors (Neill allowing Ronaldo the space to receive the ball cleanly, the other defenders being drawn to Ronaldo and away from Adriano, and Chipperfield letting Adriano turn onto his favoured left foot) led to a goal. The class of Brasil showed through here, as many sides would not have the talent to exploit such a small chance.
From then on, the Aussies were on the back foot. They had to score, and pushed forward. Hiddink brought off a key defender, Moore, for a more attacking lineup. He knew that goal difference was irrelevant given the draw between Croatia and Japan, so it was worth risking conceding a second.
It could have easily been a draw, with Kewell, Viduka, and Bresciano all coming close. Dida's save from Bresciano's spectacular volley was top drawer, although it may not have gone straight in. But Australia were caught short and Brasil found themselves with four players on three. The oddly-named Fred punted it in, and it was all over.
Player Ratings
Schwarzer 6 - Could do little about the goals, but commanded his area and took an excellent one-handed catch from a shot (that would have been disallowed anyway, but shows his skill - this guy could palm a bowling ball).
Chipperfield 6 - Made a few errors and tried to milk it too much going forward.
Neill 9 - Outstanding. Man of the match.
Moore 8 - Excellent. Back to his best.
Popovic 7 - Unlucky to be injured. Was having a good game till then.
Emerton 8 - One of his best games. Kept possession well and tackled well. Disciplined.
Grella 7 - Partly at fault for the last goal, but that didn't spoil a great performance.
Culina 7 - Good. Poor set pieces though.
Cahill 8 - Very lively and only subbed for his yellow card.
Sterjovski 7 - Generally very good but occasionally gave the ball away.
Viduka 7 - Held the ball up well.
Bresciano 7 - Great volley and good creativity.
Kewell 7 - Wasteful, but gave us time to press forward.
Aloisi 6 - Quiet.
I have to say that the whole was much greater than the sum of its parts. Overall I'd give the performance an 8, as a team.
whubris said...I would like to add that the ref was bloody dismal. Did anyone see their free kick that went over the goal line untouched by anyone, and the ref called a corner? What the fuck?
About half their fouls were either nothing, or actually should have gone our way. Disgraceful.
Good on ya for giving the ref a serve, Harry.
norven munky said...The free kick was rising pretty sharply up over the wall and it was hard to tell from the SBS footage whether it did brush the wall on the way over...they didn't seem to show it in slo-mo to tell for sure.
Likewise there was a corner where Harry was appealing for handball, the commentators mentioned it but there was no replay at all ...
I thought we were good in both halves albeit in the 2nd half we lacked the finish we needed from the host of chances we created. Certainly this performance was was infinitely better than the game against the japs.
Popovich will be sorely missed against the croats.
Let's talk golf...Scotsman and yank choke to hand Aussie 1st US open in 25 years...
whubris said...agreed both.
My missus said the other day, "The bloody crows are shitting on our car." I said "Yeah but we'll nail 'em on Friday"
beggers said...Thanks for the report whubris. As usual we are in agreement. Aus boys definitely worth a point in this game. We had our chances but it wasn't meant to be. Ref was dusty as, but he didn't miss the chances just discussed. At least our fate is in our own hands. Looks like Harry could be in trouble for his outburst.
whubris said...Not sure if Harry is all that valuable to the team at the moment. At any rate, even if he does get a yellow, he's unlikely to pick up another one against Croatia. I'm just glad he gave the ref some what-for.
