Group F: Brazil, Croatia, Australia, Japan

[Simon]

pretty poor display, i only watched the 2nd half though.
I like the look of Kennedy, i think he could be a better option than Aloisi coming off the bench against Japan, if he can get between the short defenders in the air then he could pinh a goal.

[Great Birtannia]

We really missed Grella and Culina patrolling the midfield and chopping out the defence. A back three with Emerton and Lazaridis providing cover will not be used in the world cup.

Poor result but it was basically the 2nd XI, Neill, Moore, Emerton and some match fitness for underdone players. The own goal was unfortunate but still the Lichtenstenians caused us trouble on the break, the Japanese would be licking their lips with our ultra slow back line.

Kennedy looked promising. He is only 23/24 so one for the future if he doesn't get a gig in the WC off the bench. 195cm, good leap, strong in the air, good touch on the ground. It will be interesting to see how he fairs in the Bundesliga next season.

[Simon]

i think Guus has already said he'll be on the bench against Japan.

[Blewy]

Kennedy was very threatening when he came on.. A few people were dissapointing this morning.. Emerton IMO is a bit of a hog and always gets found out, Skoko was very quiet.. Popovic, well please he should not be in this team..

As has been said though im not overly concerned, as the majority of that team is the 2nd XI, Viduka, Grella, Culina, Bresciano, Schwazer all not there... Cahill played well, and it was also good to notice Nick Killkenny come off the bench late.. He is now OFFICIALLY an Australian

[Craig]

Killkenny of Birmingham City?

[Blewy]

Killkenny of Birmingham City?

Yep, He came on with about 5 to go this morning

[Simon]

he should be pushing for a starting spot in the next couple of years...

[BoyBrumby]

i think Guus has already said he'll be on the bench against Japan.

If this tournament is the same as the last one, teams should have their entire non-starting squad available on the bench.

[marc71178]

i think Guus has already said he'll be on the bench against Japan.

But every player not selected will be on the bench - doesn't mean he'll get any time on the pitch.

[Simon]

But every player not selected will be on the bench - doesn't mean he'll get any time on the pitch.

id be surprised if he doesnt get on the pitch, the way the coaching staff have been talking he could be the "secret weapon" against Japain.

[Craig]

Surprised that nobody mentioned Spain's nice 2-1 win over Croatia since Croatia are in the same group. Ibanez's own goal was

[Craig]

Any guess at the Brazilian line-up against Crotia in their game one:

------------------------------------------ Dida ----------------------------------------------------------

------------------------- Cafu ------------ Juan ------- Lucio ---------- Roberto Carlos ----------------------

---------------------------Emerson ------------- Ronaldinho ------- Ze Roberto ----------------

-------------------------------------------------- Kaka -----------------------------------------

--------------------------------------- Ronaldo ----------------- Adriano ------------------------------

?

[marc71178]

That's the one we've been lead to believe.

Have to say a side with width will like it IMO - 69 year old full backs and a narrow midfield....

[Craig]

Aternatively is to play the following in midfield:

----------------------------------------- Emerson -------- Gilberto SIlva ------------------------------

--------------------------- Juilo Baptisa ---------- Kaka -------------- Ronaldinho ----------------

Then pick your choice as your lone striker.

[chaminda_00]

he should be pushing for a starting spot in the next couple of years...

Killkenny should be in the squad infront of Wilshere. I actually wouldn't mind Kennedy starting and Kewell off the bench and Sterjovski no where to be seen. He also 25, for the guys that asked, very impressive display in what was a disappointing match. Both Aloisi and Kewell looked very under done.