|
Australia will have to give a little more respect to their opposition when selecting their line-up after a shock 1-0 defeat in Canberra against Kuwait in their Asian Cup qualifier. The loss leaves Australia at the bottom of the qualifying table with only 1 point to their name after 2 matches. There was a clear lack of bonding in the squad and coherence in the play which was refelected in Australia's style of attack, combined with an evident absence of hunger and energy in their general play.
Kuwait was only yellow-carded once for an on-field diving performance which could rival any Italian football team. Whilst the referee's inability to stamp Kuwait's dishonesty out of the game had an impact on Australia's willingness to press for tackles in defence, it was the lack of finishing in front of goal which cost Australia the match. Several opportunities in both halves of the match did not find the back of the net - Opportunities which the likes of Harry Kewell, Josh Kennedy and Tim Cahill would have been likely to convert into a lead. There are now renewed calls for the Socceroos to use their A-Team for all cup qualifiers. Inviting the likes of Nick Carle would have also been a huge advantage to the Australian team who seemed to lack creativity and one-touch play in the mid-field.
|
