World Cup 2006 - (Part 2)

[Memnoch]

Brazil win 2-0. Not a great performance from them but they controlled the game when they needed to and they took advantage of their opportunities. For OZ, we played as well as we could, but our finishing just wasn't there and we couldn't convert any of our chances. We created chances, and we took the game to Brazil, but you always had the feeling that Brazil were in control of the game, even when we were attacking. Brazil dominated possession in the 1st half, in the 2nd things were more even. The game opened up in the 2nd half as we pushed forward to try and get an equaliser, and Brazil punished us when we made a mistake. Brazil's just one of those teams that can strike at any time, they turn defence into attack so quickly.

We did as well as we could within the limitations of the team, but we just couldn't finish off any of the chances we created in the 2nd half. Kewell had a pretty bad miss with a wide open net, I think he panicked a bit.

I thought a 1-0 scoreline was a fair result, 2-0 was harsh. Brazil weren't that a 2-0 better team. But it's frightening to think that they can win 2-0 not playing well. They'll get better and better as the tournament wears on, like in 1994 and 2002. Our performance should give heart to those other countries who are looking to beat Brazil - they're not unbeatable in this WC. The Socceroos did themselves and our country proud today, but we were just outclassed. Brazil just had too much class all across the park.

I like our chances against Croatia though. Still alive! Biggest problem for us is our finishing - we need to convert our chances into goals. We just don't have someone in the midfield who can deliver the ball to Viduka. And Viduka's finishing is terrible for a top-line striker, he just can't find the back of the net. Also, we need some more creativity in the midfield - it's all good to keep delivering crosses into the box, but if your striker can't finish them it's pretty pointless.

[Davros]

Well - we couldn't convert a hatfull of chances. Can't fault Guus's tactics though - went down to 2 defenders at the back and chased an equaliser to get a result. Unlucky a few times there with Kewell and Viduka having the best opportunties. I can't help thinking that losing Popvich to injury in teh first half upset the balance at the back, because he had allowed very little space to Adriano.

The good news is none of the defenders drew a 2nd yellow. It now comes down to needing a result against Croatia, and to date I firmly believe we have played better football than they have in the tournament.

No bad fouls in the game (not surprising given the yellow card picture), but the ref certainly went overboard blowing for the slightest of contacts at any opportunity. Can't help thinking they would have let the game flow a bit more if it was England or Germany or Argentina.

[Memnoch]

Originally posted by Davros: No bad fouls in the game (not surprising given the yellow card picture), but the ref certainly went overboard blowing for the slightest of contacts at any opportunity. Can't help thinking they would have let the game flow a bit more if it was England or Germany or Argentina.

Funny you mention that, I thought it was a lot more freeflowing than other games in this WC so far. And my mate who actually watched the match at the stadium in Munchen (luckiest bastard in the world) reckoned that the ref was too lenient and should have blown more fouls.

[johnny]

Did anyone see that footage from after the game, where Brazil's coach walked up to Chipperfield and offered him Roberto Carlos' shirt ? Chipperfield looked at the back to see what name was on it, and when he saw it was Roberto Carlos' shirt, he returned the shirt as if he was saying "sorry mate, that's below my standards".

[johnny]

France looks completely burned out, what a dissapointment so far.

[Aelia Jusa]

Well that was disappointing, but the Aussies played so well. Especially disappointing that the Kewell chance wasn't converted - that would have made 1-1 which might have changed things a lot. On a plus, we withstood a lot of pressure in defence in the second half, which could have made the scoreline a lot less favourable.

[Memnoch]

Realistically, it was always going to be tough to win this match though - at this level you need to convert your opportunities as you may only get one or two. Unfortunately we couldn't while Brazil could, which is why they're the best team in the world. But we're still in with a show, and I'm liking our chances against Croatia. We'll need to considerably improve our finishing, it's terrible. And we're not creating enough chances.

[wellard]

I wonder if Ronaldo (who ate all the pies) will start the next match? Brazil looked better with Robhino (the dwarf) but maybe that was a result of australia attacking more.

[Madman-Rogovich]

I think they should definately put Robinho on over Chubbs, I mean Robinho showing some interest in the game and not the pies has to be a positive.

Incidentally do you think the germans will be serving optional pies an bovril for the UK support?

[Ivelliis]

Pies and bovril!! Can't beat 'em on a freezing cold day down by the Riverside!

2pm Togo Switzerland
5pm Saudi Arabia Ukraine
8pm Spain Tunisia

None of them matches really appeal to me today..