Intent to build himself into our hearts by turning our socceroos into the best football team in the world, Gus must have decided that a few of us were getting a bit confident about our boys. So he decided to remind us that we were vunerable. He selected Kalac to be goalie against Croatia... What was he thinking? wasn't he watching against Urugay? Scwharzer is the man.
Our fears were realised when "The Spider" put on a anti-Goal Keeping clinic. Lucikly eventually late in the second half the Duke went down and had a word to him "You do know your allowed to use your hands don't you?" it was like a veil being lifted from his eyes. Finally Kalac at least started stopping a few, but the damage had been done.
I personally feel it may have been another master stroke by Gus. He talked during the week about going after the game, but in real terms the boys would have been thinking draw. But then he pulled a swifty on them and ran Kalac out their - all of a sudden they would have known that they had no decent back stop, they had to score goals or would miss the second round. History will show that his theory worked, God Bless Harry Kewel.
In other Socceroos reports - I am a little disapointed for old Emerton, he may not be the super star of the team, but I have played in enough sports sides to know that, that kind of super fit, super quick work horse is the back bone of a side. Just look at any Rugby flanker. Emo will be missed.
Moore's goals was sensational - love a good spot kick, but I have to say I want Aloisi on the pitch, but at the same time I like Kennedy on the pitch, maybe start with Aloisi and then bring Kennedy on for the last twenty minutes. And start with Breciano (no idea on the spelling) he is the best corner kicker we've got.
BUT most importantly don't start with Kalac.
Go you Socceroos, And thankyou Gus.
P.S. At the moment (a day before the round of sixteen) I am picking Spain and Argentina to win the thing.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Monday, June 19, 2006
The Lions Suck
No posts this week out of protest over the slightly pointless rugby tests we had to put up with.
Instead I went to see the Brisbane Lions play. Now I am as likely as the next man to get on a bandwagon- and like all good Brisbaneites will also get off the bandwagon very quickly, and as such I havne't actually watched any lions games this year- as they aren't winning.
I went to see them on saturday night (in a corporate box no less) and was very disapointed with their performance. Everyone keeps on saying that they are rebuilding and are young, but to my eyes they weren't great. The Bulldogs players were getting around unmarked all night- it should be the first rule of AFL if your defending get on your man - it doesn't matter how old you are.
On a higher note, my old school captain Chelsea was solid behind the goals - although I do ahve to wonder do you really need to wear footy boots if your a Goal Umpire?
In other news this week- I thought the Argentinians were great in the soccer, 6-0. They face the Netherlands in a couple of days which should be the best match of the cup. I was also impressed by Beckham, and Christian Ronaldo. The Aussies fought on bravely and were unlucky to lose.
Geoff Ogivily also won the US open - which is huge, I was watching all weekend (no sleep) and i didn't think it was much of a tournament. Truely great championships are run on courses that capture the imagination- after watching a few rounds you should know the course well. Know the money holes and know the hard holes - but this stupid winged foot was just rediculous. However, Ogivily is a champ and a solid Aussie. Two huge wins now this year - hopefully he can also win a British Open or a PGA and get a really solid spot in the history of golf.
Go you good thing.
Instead I went to see the Brisbane Lions play. Now I am as likely as the next man to get on a bandwagon- and like all good Brisbaneites will also get off the bandwagon very quickly, and as such I havne't actually watched any lions games this year- as they aren't winning.
I went to see them on saturday night (in a corporate box no less) and was very disapointed with their performance. Everyone keeps on saying that they are rebuilding and are young, but to my eyes they weren't great. The Bulldogs players were getting around unmarked all night- it should be the first rule of AFL if your defending get on your man - it doesn't matter how old you are.
On a higher note, my old school captain Chelsea was solid behind the goals - although I do ahve to wonder do you really need to wear footy boots if your a Goal Umpire?
In other news this week- I thought the Argentinians were great in the soccer, 6-0. They face the Netherlands in a couple of days which should be the best match of the cup. I was also impressed by Beckham, and Christian Ronaldo. The Aussies fought on bravely and were unlucky to lose.
Geoff Ogivily also won the US open - which is huge, I was watching all weekend (no sleep) and i didn't think it was much of a tournament. Truely great championships are run on courses that capture the imagination- after watching a few rounds you should know the course well. Know the money holes and know the hard holes - but this stupid winged foot was just rediculous. However, Ogivily is a champ and a solid Aussie. Two huge wins now this year - hopefully he can also win a British Open or a PGA and get a really solid spot in the history of golf.
Go you good thing.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Its Socceroo Time
So we're three nights into the world cup - and so far all I can really say is I am tired.
Germany vs Costa Rica was a very exciting game, but really even I can tell that if Germany doesnt learn to defend then they are no hopers. The other games I have watched, the England, Argentina, Portugal, and Dutch games and none have been particulary exciting. Sure the last 10 minutes of Argentina's game when were great after drogba scored - but come on lets score some goals you soccer fucks.
Hopefully the Socceroo's will do the job for us tonight, really a win here is what we need to keep the rest of the world cup exciting. If Australia gets three points here, and Brazil take the points against Croatia you have to assume that around 4 points would be close to getting us through to the next round.
Germany vs Costa Rica was a very exciting game, but really even I can tell that if Germany doesnt learn to defend then they are no hopers. The other games I have watched, the England, Argentina, Portugal, and Dutch games and none have been particulary exciting. Sure the last 10 minutes of Argentina's game when were great after drogba scored - but come on lets score some goals you soccer fucks.
Hopefully the Socceroo's will do the job for us tonight, really a win here is what we need to keep the rest of the world cup exciting. If Australia gets three points here, and Brazil take the points against Croatia you have to assume that around 4 points would be close to getting us through to the next round.
Silverstone GP
A yawn fest at Silverstone
unfortunatley for all the hype last night failed to live up to expectations. Alonso was simply too good, and Michael spent too much time behind Kimi to have any chance of pushing him at all.
Of the start the front three looked like they would give us one of the great races, running nose to tail. Then Ralf Schumacher had an off, taking out Aussie Mark (the poor bastard must have broken a mirror at some point) and bringing out the Saftey Car.
After the SC Kimi was right on Alonso again, but tried to make his move in sector one, when he should have wated to later in the lap... His move allowed Schumi to get close enough to have a go later in the lap and they went side to side heading into (i think) stowe) but Michael had to concede and the race as a racing contest was over.
Alonso proceded to drive away with it, with Michael sitting a second to a second and a half of Kimi.
Michael pitted on 19, Kimi on 20, and they returned to what they were doing before the pit stops. Alonso went 4-5 laps further and showed his dominance.
The second time around Michael once again pitted a lap before Kimi, but Ferrari where up to the challange and got him out in less then 7 seconds, Kimi stopped for 8.5 seconds and the positions where swapped.
They held station to the end.
Perhaps the most disapointing thing was that their wasn't a heap of action down the field either - normally you would expect some fairly cool passing moves at silverstone but no.
Is the championship over? only mechanical failures in the next couple of fly aways can really open this title back up (Michael can easily win the next two, he is traditionally good at these circuts).
unfortunatley for all the hype last night failed to live up to expectations. Alonso was simply too good, and Michael spent too much time behind Kimi to have any chance of pushing him at all.
Of the start the front three looked like they would give us one of the great races, running nose to tail. Then Ralf Schumacher had an off, taking out Aussie Mark (the poor bastard must have broken a mirror at some point) and bringing out the Saftey Car.
After the SC Kimi was right on Alonso again, but tried to make his move in sector one, when he should have wated to later in the lap... His move allowed Schumi to get close enough to have a go later in the lap and they went side to side heading into (i think) stowe) but Michael had to concede and the race as a racing contest was over.
Alonso proceded to drive away with it, with Michael sitting a second to a second and a half of Kimi.
Michael pitted on 19, Kimi on 20, and they returned to what they were doing before the pit stops. Alonso went 4-5 laps further and showed his dominance.
The second time around Michael once again pitted a lap before Kimi, but Ferrari where up to the challange and got him out in less then 7 seconds, Kimi stopped for 8.5 seconds and the positions where swapped.
They held station to the end.
Perhaps the most disapointing thing was that their wasn't a heap of action down the field either - normally you would expect some fairly cool passing moves at silverstone but no.
Is the championship over? only mechanical failures in the next couple of fly aways can really open this title back up (Michael can easily win the next two, he is traditionally good at these circuts).
International Rugby Review
Just a quick summary of the first weekend of Internationals. New Zealand squeezed out a victory over the Irish, the Wallabies smashed the English, the Boks did the Scotts, the Argies did the Welsh, - Basically it was a great weekend for Southern Hempishphere rugby- the problem, all the games were at home - could be a different story if all the games where in the UK (or more specifically France).
Didn't see the Argentina game, and only parts of the Boks game - but as normal Percy Montgomery scored the majority of points. Once Habana returns they might be a little more dynamic.
The Wallabies England first half was a great game of football - big forward clashes, and ugly backs play- just how I like it. Old Varndelle looks the goods, but came up with some rediculous plays to ruin moves that showed a lot of promise. Bernie Larkham kept Australia in the game by being the puppet master.
The second half Enlgand lost its impetus - the Wallabies tackled their little hearts out and then super Chris Latham finished the game off nicely. In the end I think the only thing we will remember from this game was Rodzilla's debut. Look out this week for Cordingley starting the test- could spell the end for one G Gregan.
Tbe Irish were damm good last weekend, and the Blacks were quite terrible. I can't understand the Luke Mcallister thing - don't New Zealanders want to win the World Cup? They have Gopperth in the wings - come on.
The biggest thing to take away from this game was Odriscol - OMG - he is still the best. I haven't seen him play since the world cup, but he was perfect on Saturday. every touch he made a break/something happen. Its a shame he isn't chiming into the Wallabies backline in a world cup winning team.
I think the Blacks will distroy the Irish this week - which is a pity, cause they were so solid last week.
Didn't see the Argentina game, and only parts of the Boks game - but as normal Percy Montgomery scored the majority of points. Once Habana returns they might be a little more dynamic.
The Wallabies England first half was a great game of football - big forward clashes, and ugly backs play- just how I like it. Old Varndelle looks the goods, but came up with some rediculous plays to ruin moves that showed a lot of promise. Bernie Larkham kept Australia in the game by being the puppet master.
The second half Enlgand lost its impetus - the Wallabies tackled their little hearts out and then super Chris Latham finished the game off nicely. In the end I think the only thing we will remember from this game was Rodzilla's debut. Look out this week for Cordingley starting the test- could spell the end for one G Gregan.
Tbe Irish were damm good last weekend, and the Blacks were quite terrible. I can't understand the Luke Mcallister thing - don't New Zealanders want to win the World Cup? They have Gopperth in the wings - come on.
The biggest thing to take away from this game was Odriscol - OMG - he is still the best. I haven't seen him play since the world cup, but he was perfect on Saturday. every touch he made a break/something happen. Its a shame he isn't chiming into the Wallabies backline in a world cup winning team.
I think the Blacks will distroy the Irish this week - which is a pity, cause they were so solid last week.
Rodzilla for PM
A try on debut? and standing at outside centre to score it? Could anyone have asked for any thing more.
Rod Blake had a spectacular begining to his test career tonight. Clearly the highlight of a fairly dour affair. The scrum was a contest, probably just a passing mark, but his work in attack, and surprisingly his work in defence (I had him with two tackles, AND three turnovers/penalties won for holding on) was fantastic.
The test as a whole was fairly boring - the Poms were good with the ball in the first half, and can take some things away from the game. But eventually the Australian defence and the brilliance of Latham was enough to squeeze England out of the game.
For Australia I liked the front row, and the whole forward pack in general (almost every ruck and mall was a contest, very physical) the running of Larkham - when he hits the line at full pace he is the best there is, and Latham.
For England I liked their back row, their half back and out centre, and there is something special about that Varndelle. If a few things had been a little less rushed the English could have scored two tries in the first half.
I didn't think Rogers played very well. For the Waratahs he works as a first five eigth cause he has a genuine ball distributor in Norton Knight outside him, tonight I thought his pass was a little suspect from left to right. He's a bit like Nathan Grey in that respect but doesn't have the size to run a crash ball when the ball is going to his weak side. I also think we need to do something about Gerrard - sure he is in the team becasue Knuckles wants a huge kicking game - but Super Clyde was awesome when he got on (so much pace) or Hewat would be a much better option as place kicker then Mortlock.
On the whole it was a good start on the road to the world cup. Of the top of my head there must be around 20 tests left before the worlds cup - so if Rodzilla, Friers, Holmes, Elsom, and Hewat can get 15+ tests under their belts by then we will be looking real good come September next year.
Has their been a better Wallabies debut in recent memory? I think not.
Rod Blake had a spectacular begining to his test career tonight. Clearly the highlight of a fairly dour affair. The scrum was a contest, probably just a passing mark, but his work in attack, and surprisingly his work in defence (I had him with two tackles, AND three turnovers/penalties won for holding on) was fantastic.
The test as a whole was fairly boring - the Poms were good with the ball in the first half, and can take some things away from the game. But eventually the Australian defence and the brilliance of Latham was enough to squeeze England out of the game.
For Australia I liked the front row, and the whole forward pack in general (almost every ruck and mall was a contest, very physical) the running of Larkham - when he hits the line at full pace he is the best there is, and Latham.
For England I liked their back row, their half back and out centre, and there is something special about that Varndelle. If a few things had been a little less rushed the English could have scored two tries in the first half.
I didn't think Rogers played very well. For the Waratahs he works as a first five eigth cause he has a genuine ball distributor in Norton Knight outside him, tonight I thought his pass was a little suspect from left to right. He's a bit like Nathan Grey in that respect but doesn't have the size to run a crash ball when the ball is going to his weak side. I also think we need to do something about Gerrard - sure he is in the team becasue Knuckles wants a huge kicking game - but Super Clyde was awesome when he got on (so much pace) or Hewat would be a much better option as place kicker then Mortlock.
On the whole it was a good start on the road to the world cup. Of the top of my head there must be around 20 tests left before the worlds cup - so if Rodzilla, Friers, Holmes, Elsom, and Hewat can get 15+ tests under their belts by then we will be looking real good come September next year.
Has their been a better Wallabies debut in recent memory? I think not.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
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