DanTheFoxBhoy Posted 16 July 2007 Posted 16 July 2007 THE heat is off after a late burst from the big names enabled Australia to survive a nervy night in the rain against Thailand to go through to the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup.The 4-0 win in front of a capacity crowd at the Rajamangala Stadium — coupled with a scoreless draw between Oman and Iraq in the other group match — secured the vital second spot in the group for the Socceroos, and now they travel to Hanoi for Saturday's sudden-death match against Japan. But while the result was pleasing, the scoreline was flattering. Skipper Mark Viduka scored twice, and substitute Harry Kewell added another goal in the final 10 minutes as the Thais eventually ran out of legs. Michael Beauchamp's early goal had given the Socceroos the perfect start, but from then on, the home team battered a makeshift Australian defence. But somehow, the Socceroos held firm, and then under-fire coach Graham Arnold went to his bench. The contributions of Tim Cahill and Kewell against a tiring opposition proved decisive, and little wonder Arnold was jumping for joy at the end. Nonetheless, a patchy performance still raised plenty of questions, and Arnold will know substantial improvement is still needed if the revival is not to be short-lived. Few would dispute that after surviving sustained pressure for much of the match, the Socceroos rode their luck. Arnold, though, deserves to gain great satisfaction that his bold gambles at the selection table paid off. Beauchamp was one of four changes to the starting side, and the big defender rewarded his coach with his first goal for his country, and the most important of his career. Sydney FC teammates David Carney and Mark Milligan also dug deep after being promoted off the bench to contribute significantly to a display that was much more about strength than style. And after weathering relentless Thai pressure for most of the game, Viduka's two late goals — both at the end of crosses from substitute Cahill — finally enabled a tense Australian bench to relax. The Socceroos got the all-important opening goal after 20 minutes — the first time they had taken the lead in the tournament. The unlikely source was Beauchamp, stretching his head to a Luke Wilkshire free kick, and getting just enough on the ball to skip it past keeper Kosin Hathairattanakool. Beauchamp sprinted to the sideline, and just had time to raise a salute towards his family in the stands before being swamped by jubilant teammates. Talk about an overwhelming sense of relief. But for Australia, there was no time, or reason, to relax. Beauchamp's goal might have given it a cushion, and Viduka could have provided an early lead but his angled shot was pushed away by Hathairattanakool. Yet far from being demoralised by Australia's positive start, the home side eased their way into the game. Time and again, Thailand got in behind Australia's back line, but the last pass just failed to find its mark. Chasing shadows, the Socceroos became frustrated — even more so as Korean referee Jong Chul Kwon began to whistle them out of the game. http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/socce...4559718989.html Frankly I don't know how they did it - the game was utter crap, a header from an unlikely source followed by a second half siege where we were desperately trying to defend a 1-0 lead. If Thailand could finish we would have been in strife. Only some class finishes from substitutes during the last 10 minutes, and Thailand seemingly 'giving up' put the game in the bag. I expect a thorough raping from Japan - but at least now we go out with some credibility.
Nick Posted 16 July 2007 Posted 16 July 2007 http://www.theage.com.au/news/soccer/socce...4559718989.html Frankly I don't know how they did it - the game was utter crap, a header from an unlikely source followed by a second half siege where we were desperately trying to defend a 1-0 lead. If Thailand could finish we would have been in strife. Only some class finishes from substitutes during the last 10 minutes, and Thailand seemingly 'giving up' put the game in the bag. I expect a thorough raping from Japan - but at least now we go out with some credibility. I have never found a rapist lacking in thoroughness, though now I know they are around and not living in Japan, I shall find them. thanks for the "heads up"............( bad pun? ) N.
lildave3 Posted 17 July 2007 Posted 17 July 2007 I have never found a rapist lacking in thoroughness, though now I know they are around and not living in Japan, I shall find them.thanks for the "heads up"............( bad pun? ) N. Don't talk to me about rapists. I've not long come out of a very intriguing conversation involving a rapist, a scarecrow and a field.
Nick Posted 17 July 2007 Posted 17 July 2007 Don't talk to me about rapists. I've not long come out of a very intriguing conversation involving a rapist, a scarecrow and a field. I hope the rapist is ok, scarecrows can be quite menacing. Don't trust loners, that's what I say.
Tevez Posted 17 July 2007 Posted 17 July 2007 I really don't know how Austrailia aint pissing this tournament.
DanTheFoxBhoy Posted 17 July 2007 Author Posted 17 July 2007 Don't talk to me about rapists. I've not long come out of a very intriguing conversation involving a rapist, a scarecrow and a field. Scarecrows aren't really in a position where they can give consent, so it's technically rape. I really don't know how Austrailia aint pissing this tournament. Overachieved in the World Cup? Graham Arnold is a retard?
Manwell Pablo Posted 17 July 2007 Posted 17 July 2007 Scarecrows aren't really in a position where they can give consent, so it's technically rape.Overachieved in the World Cup? Graham Arnold is a retard? Indeed, a retard that should be shot for the sake of Australian football.
Head Honcho Posted 17 July 2007 Posted 17 July 2007 Scarecrows aren't really in a position where they can give consent, so it's technically rape.Overachieved in the World Cup? Graham Arnold is a retard? Bloody hell the paper rounds in Oz must be something else just noticed he's only 43!
DanTheFoxBhoy Posted 17 July 2007 Author Posted 17 July 2007 Bloody hell the paper rounds in Oz must be something else just noticed he's only 43! The good papers anyway... the lobotomising ones are too busy talking up league and 'real footy' to give 'sokka' a good run... Ethnics and flarezzz bro, you don't want tha sokka! The Herald Sun is a piece of crap of the highest order, what is it about the word 'Sun' that makes a paper gutter trash? We need to sign Kosin Hathairattanakool. Is that the Thai goalie? He didn't have much work to do
Alexikokopops Posted 18 July 2007 Posted 18 July 2007 Skipper Mark Viduka scored twice, and substitute Harry Kewell added another goal in the final 10 minutes as the Thais eventually ran out of legs Disabled teams shouldn't be allowed to play in the Asian cup, it's political correctness gone mad!!
SydneyFC Posted 20 July 2007 Posted 20 July 2007 Graham Arnold and that clown Kosmina definately need to be shot or handed over to Saudi Arabia for beheading. We've played atrociously and embarrassingly throughout this tournament and if we're not careful Japan will rape us. We really should be walloping teams like Iraq and Oman.
lildave3 Posted 20 July 2007 Posted 20 July 2007 Graham Arnold and that clown Kosmina definately need to be shot or handed over to Saudi Arabia for beheading. We've played atrociously and embarrassingly throughout this tournament and if we're not careful Japan will rape us. We really should be walloping teams like Iraq and Oman. When do you play Japan?
DanTheFoxBhoy Posted 21 July 2007 Author Posted 21 July 2007 Japan won 4-3 on penalties Could have had the game in the bag, leading 1-0 on 70 mins, then a shit clearance from Milligan gave them the equaliser. Then Australia down to 10 men after stupid call by ref - apparently knocking a player with your hand when you're going in for a header is a redcardable offence http://www.sackarnold.com
dandannieldanok Posted 21 July 2007 Posted 21 July 2007 Japan won 4-3 on penaltiesCould have had the game in the bag, leading 1-0 on 70 mins, then a shit clearance from Milligan gave them the equaliser. Then Australia down to 10 men after stupid call by ref - apparently knocking a player with your hand when you're going in for a header is a redcardable offence http://www.sackarnold.com Feel sorry for you, honestly, I have a soft spot for the Aussies after the Italian disgrace against you at the World Cup.
SydneyFC Posted 22 July 2007 Posted 22 July 2007 That was a bollocks red card that Grella was awarded.
DanTheFoxBhoy Posted 22 July 2007 Author Posted 22 July 2007 Beginning of the end for Arnold: http://theworldgame.com.au/home/index.php?...t&cid=92190
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