Soccer - Do you think?

AWD Chaser · 23-06-2006, 07:06 AM

Well, do you?

MethodX · 23-06-2006, 07:08 AM

Porbably will

Hiddink is just an awesome coach.

G6ET8U · 23-06-2006, 07:12 AM

We have a great chance that is for sure!! As a team we certainly attack enough to be able to score goals...

The Italian game is going to be massive.

What a great day for Australian football...

Well done boys!!!

Jack

ED Classic · 23-06-2006, 07:21 AM

You dont know what you will get with Italy. Obviously 110% from Australia but Italy are a big big step above Croatia and most other teams when they are on full song. If Australia can score they can win! If the Italians get one its very hard once they defend as its their specialty, remember appart from an own Goal No one from the last 3 Games {Ghana, USA, Czech} has scored against Italy and they are all pretty strong teams.

pennybrain · 23-06-2006, 07:22 AM

The Italians drew with America.
I don't rate america all that much.
I reckon the Aussies have a chance!

ED Classic · 23-06-2006, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pennybrain

The Italians drew with America.
I don't rate america all that much.
I reckon the Aussies have a chance!

That was a dirty game with 3 Reds, a dodgy ref and an own Goal. I wouldnt use that as a yard stick. Having said that if we can beat them any way its a win

HOON69 · 23-06-2006, 07:35 AM

replace the keeper we have a chance ;)
kalac was def the weakest part of the team today but overall he did well,but that other goalie is def needing to be the goalie for the italy game ;)

rodderz · 23-06-2006, 07:39 AM

I think the aussies just have to improve some of the sloppy passes every now and then, a few crept in during Brazil and Croatia which resulted in turnovers. Apart from that their attack seems to be very good anbd they create a lot of opportunities.The italians definately have the style and skill, the aussies will have to use all their determination to get through

Some good umpires would help too!

Casper · 23-06-2006, 07:39 AM

Thread title changed to remove OBVIOUS spoiler..

niko · 23-06-2006, 07:43 AM

you don't think, you WATCH

mark180227 · 23-06-2006, 07:49 AM

italy....pfft. we will win the thing! come on aussies!

What do you guys think about Mark Viduka? He hasnt really done much, he has been quite dissapointing imo. Maybe lacking confidence or something but he has to improve for the italy match.

niko · 23-06-2006, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark180227

italy....pfft. we will win the thing! come on aussies!

What do you guys think about Mark Viduka? He hasnt really done much, he has been quite dissapointing imo. Maybe lacking confidence or something but he has to improve for the italy match.

he has been playing great, and deserves a goal, to say he hasnt been playing good is not the attitude you should be looking for here... he is attracting lots of defenders, most likely having orders from coaches to lock him down

mark180227 · 23-06-2006, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by niko

he has been playing great, and deserves a goal, to say he hasnt been playing good is not the attitude you should be looking for here... he is attracting lots of defenders, most likely having orders from coaches to lock him down

im always in full support for the duke...he is a top football player but just some of the time he goes forward he tends to use a bit too much foot work instead of just getting the ball into the square. I'm not an expert its just my opinion.

Racecraft · 23-06-2006, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark180227

im always in full support for the duke...he is a top football player but just some of the time he goes forward he tends to use a bit too much foot work instead of just getting the ball into the square. I'm not an expert its just my opinion.

the problem being that we dont have another man closer to the goal than him 90% of the time... whipping a ball into the box would be easy pickings for the goalie.. What he does with his size,strength and abililty to hold the ball is the way he plays for Boro and Guus utilises it well... I pray he gets another 4 in the old onion bag like he did vs Liverpool a few seasons back...

HTCURRY · 23-06-2006, 07:49 AM

it has to be said...

but Guus nearly became a Goose!

He put Kalac into the team, because of his supposed strength with crosses, but aside from the obvious howler...the man never looked comfortable today.

I dont think Austrlia will beat Italy...but to tell you the truth...I dont really care. It was an accomplishment just to make it, and now to move into the final 16 is unreal.

I know some feel Dukes has had a poor WC, but the guy does all the ugly and unglamorous work for us in the offensive half of the field. The number of through balls he holds up and disperses to those coming from behind is crucial to Australias attack. His linkup play in World class. Without doubt he needs a goal or two, but ask his team mates, they all know how valuable he is in the Australian set up

MethodX · 23-06-2006, 07:51 AM

Viduka even if he isnt scoring draws a lot of defenders as we saw this morning.
Freeing up other Aussie scorers.

niko · 23-06-2006, 07:52 AM

lol method, thinking exactly the same thing!

Redrum · 23-06-2006, 07:53 AM

If the referees actually do their job right for once.............

:

Racecraft · 23-06-2006, 07:53 AM

Missing Brett Emerton is a blow :(

niko · 23-06-2006, 08:02 AM

just because he hasnt scored a goal, doesn't mean he's not playing good though, he's seen as a big threat and as method and I already mentioned he is freeing up play for the others...

rodderz · 23-06-2006, 08:18 AM

He's a bit like a Tony Lockett, Wayne carey or a James Hird, where they draw a few defenders to them because of the threat they pose

pennybrain · 23-06-2006, 08:49 AM

The duke is great. He is so strong and thats why the other teams are putting so many defenders on him.

Homer1 · 23-06-2006, 08:51 AM

I think whether we can beat Italy or not depends on what kind of day the Italians have. We have seen that they can be brilliant like in thier first match, but they can also be very undisciplined like in the match against the US, which can be thier big downfall. Also if we can cop a break with the referees, with a bit of luck we can be 1/4 finalists.

MISTA FIESTA · 23-06-2006, 08:54 AM

I beleive Italy will win the game, but it will definiely be very competitive for both sides. Viduka has played his heart out just has been unlucky in getting a goal, but he will get his moment of glory soon.

If Australia beat Italy, The whole world will stand up and take notice as aussies never give up at battle it out to the end.

GO TEAM GO.

When is the date for this game?

S3SR · 23-06-2006, 08:56 AM

both teams that i go for.....so cant decide but i voted italy
go my half bloods

f6speedster · 23-06-2006, 09:06 AM

Its going to be hard this one.....I was born in Australia and I am an Australian and Italian citizen.....my head goes with Italy.....my heart goes for the Aussies.

G6ET8U · 23-06-2006, 09:16 AM

I believe the next game is Tuedsay morning (monday night) at 12.30am...

I will certainly be watching that one.

Jack

Homer1 · 23-06-2006, 10:22 AM

Damn...will be in NZ at the time of the Italy game....anyone know a good pub in Queenstown where I can watch the match??

Perana · 23-06-2006, 10:35 AM

I dont think we have a chance unfortunatly... Australia have played very well but like brazil, italy are in another league compared to us...

Spotty · 23-06-2006, 12:10 PM

As an AFL follower who before the world cup knew sfa about soccer I'm slowly becoming a convert after having someone explain some of the strategies of the game while watching the brazil match. I haven't seen much of italy but what I do sense is that in a world cup the unpredictability factor seems really high. I feel if the aussies are fitter, more agressive, all our players go into the match without carryying any injuries then we must be a great chance. Mental strength and sticking to the team game plan will also be a key.

View Poll Results: Do you think we will beat Italy?
Yes	55	42.64%
Don't Know	29	22.48%
No	45	34.88%
Voters: 129. You may not vote on this poll