Green and Gold

Time of Mourning

When the freekick connected and hit the back of the net, Australia's hopes of reaching the World Cup were shattered.  The third goal only put it beyond doubt.

Did Australia deserve to play in the World Cup? Yes, they are a decent side, comprising of many world class players.  But they didn't deserve to play in the World Cup.  At least not by the standards they played in Montevideo.

Schwarzer was great in goals, but no matter how good the goalie is, goals are still going to be conceded when the defence is weak.  Craig Moore played brilliantly, despite failing to prevent Silva scoring.  But that was about it.  The rest of the defenders played sloppily, and were punished with the three goals.

In the middle, Emerton combined strength, pace and flair to bring a glimmer of hope to the Australian side.  Lazaridis did the same on the left.  By far the best Aussie in Montevideo was Kewell.  But what do you do when the man you want to start the play is the man you want to finish the play?  Skoko and Okon did their best, but they had a pretty ordinary performance.

Upfront, Viduka barely got a touch because no one could supply the ammunition for him to fire.  That was basically the end of the story.

Despite this, the Socceroos are capable of great things.  They play well as a team, and have a great ability in playing withdrawn defence.  When was the last time France, the world champions and current world number 1 beat us?? 8 years ago?

I'm sure every Australian will be looking forward to 2005, when we'll get another chance to shoot for the World Cup qualification we deserve.

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