World Cup Squad Analysis

Btw even though I'm obviously on Craig Foster's personal email list of great australian coaches, his predictions for what Hiddink was gonna play for the Jamaica game were way off the mark.

I reckon he (hiddink) rates Neill as a defender, hence putting him in the middle. If noone recovers, thats where neill will play for the big one.

Next Archie Thompson will probably start for the home leg. He's our most direct striker by a long way, and couldn't have failed to impress with his 3 goals in 3 games.

Harry will be saved for the home leg. The more I think about it it's such a good idea. When you (Vj) first told me about the plan to save players I was thinnking of several key players, but if it's only a few impact players it makes great sense. Emmerton won't be one of those. Hiddink wants him for his work rate, and that will be most important in the away leg.

You're right (vj) Thwaite did really well, but I'm not sure if he will be preferred over Grella for the big one's. Could be though, since Bresciano and Grella have only had small look ins under the Hiddink tenure. Other maybe's include Cahill who I think will have to recover club form to play a big part.

Culina is obviously Gus' go to man and will play him where ever he wants whenever he wants. Now that Culina is at PSV with him they'll be able to form a perfect understanding in the lead up and Culina will perform. He was great leading Australia's attack from center midfield against the Solomon's and was equally proficient on the wing against Jamaica swinging in crosses and setting up Duke's goal.

The line between Schwarzer and Kalac will be paper thin now. Whoever is fit and in form will play. Now that Kalac is second string at Milan, if he makes the breakthrough he will get the nod. But chances are Schwarzer will be the one playing regularly and hence get the nod.

Vidmar has done well in the games so far. But youre right (vj) when it comes to lack of speed. He's not fast by any stretch of the imagination, but he does his best and probably knows he is there as a squad player.

Aloisi made a fine finish and showed good touch. That will help get him back on Gus' strikers list. Although he was spectacular at Confed Cup that was before Gus' tenure and he failed to make an impact against the lowly Solomons whereas Archie took his chance with both hands. I don't think Griffiths will get a look in, maybe make the squad but thats all. Same with Wilkshire although both acquitted themselves well, but not well enough to get above the established seniors.

Chipperfield has been a stalwart of the last 3 matches and will play high left wing or left mid. His form has been good and his speed, crosses and willingness to have an outrageous ping at a volley outside the box is of consistent high standard. His willingness to get back in defence will make him an important player in Sth America.

Is that everyone? Lets have a look on paper.

Away Leg
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Viduka - Aloisi
Chipperfield - Emmerton - Grella - Skoko - Culina
Popovic - Neill - Milocevic
Schwarzer

*Key Subs*
Kalac
Thwaite
Moore
Thompson

Home Leg
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Culina - Viduka - Thompson
Chipperfield - Bresciano - Cahill - Emmerton
Popovic - Neill - Milocevic
Schwarzer

*Key Subs*
Kalac
Harry
Moore
Skoko
Aloisi