Aussie Aussie Aussie!
Hopefully they can make it into the semi-finals this time!
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/what-if-the-great-socceroos-gamble-had-backfired-20130619-2oi3x.html
Hopefully they can make it into the semi-finals this time!
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/football/what-if-the-great-socceroos-gamble-had-backfired-20130619-2oi3x.html
What if the great Socceroos gamble had backfired?
Date
June 19, 2013 - 12:16PM
Read later
Richard Hinds
Chief Sports Columnist, Sydney Morning Herald
View more articles from Richard Hinds
Follow Richard on Twitter Email Richard
See more stories on:
Socceroos Holger Osieck Tim Cahill Josh Kennedy
inShare
Pin Itsubmit to redditEmail articlePrintReprints & permissions
Australia qualifies for World Cup in Brazil
Australia beat Iraq 1-0 to qualify for the 2014 Football World Cup in Brazil.
Autoplay ONOFFVideo feedbackVideo settings
Even as Josh Kennedy answered a nation's prayers with an affirming nod of the head. Even as relief washed over those with barely a strand of fabric left on the edge of their seats. Even as players and officials exalted near the corner flag. Even as the joyful strains of I Go To Rio echoed around sodden ANZ Stadium.
Even in the afterglow of a monumental night, that nagging thought persisted.
What if it the great gamble had backfired?
Not happy: Tim Cahill reacts after being substituted.
What if Holger Osieck's audacious decision to replace the Socceroos' serial saviour Tim Cahill with the enigmatic Kennedy had come to nought-nought. Or worse?
Advertisement
Even in triumph, it remains a question worth asking. Not to undermine the glorious celebration of what remains - even on the third consecutive occasion - a remarkable achievement. But because it puts those agonising final minutes in context.
More than anything, it highlights Osieck's suddenly exalted place in Australian sport. He is now, forever, the man whose stroke of genius ensured Australia's place in Brazil. Not, as he might have been, the coach whose decision to substitute the talismanic Cahill created endless recrimination.
Happy ending: Tim Cahill embraces coach Holger Osieck after the match. Photo: Reuters
Yet, true to himself, Osieck insisted, this was no mere moment of managerial inspiration. This was just another demonstration that he knew best.
"When you have 10 people you have 10 different opinions," Osieck said. "When you have 100 people you have 100 opinions. So why should I care? I know what I'm doing. I'm close to the players and I'm close to the situation."
Such self-belief has been mistaken for arrogance and intransigence by those who worried the Socceroos' transition from ageing warriors to young stars was taking too long - or, alternately, was happening too quickly. Such stubborn disregard for the white noise of the critics will serve Osieck well in the next 12 months as his selections and tactics are second-guessed.
On his knees: Tim Cahill misses a good chance. Photo: Getty Images
In a sense, Kennedy's goal exalted the reputation of Cahill as much as it did Osieck. Something that seemed unlikely when the veteran striker first ignored the call to leave the field after 77 minutes, then gave a demonstration of disappointment that moved to the outskirts of petulance.
Cahill was, however, quite literally the first to acknowledge he was saved by his substitution, not humiliated by it; the first block on the human pyramid in which Kennedy was entombed.
"It is the best feeling in the world when your teammate scores and you're going to the World Cup," said Cahill. "We're about a team, about a unit."
As much as his vital goals and corner post pugilism, it might be the moment that defines Cahill's international career. He wanted to stay on the field because he cares so much. His stampede from the bench and wild celebration showed what he cared about. The team, not merely himself.
So, from a night that had teetered on the brink of disaster, suddenly the Socceroos glowed. The ordeal of sudden encounters was avoided. The grip of the coach was tightened. There is a sense of unity and purpose about a team questioned, even ridiculed, during a troublesome campaign.
Of the game itself, only Kennedy rising to meet Mark Bresciano's cross will be remembered. Otherwise, it was a ponderous match played on a cabbage patch, often in driving rain, against an obstinate opponent. An ordeal that was mostly - on and off the pitch - endured rather than enjoyed.
The type of game that, oddly, should give fans some heart. After all, in Brazil, these Socceroos will be underdogs as despised as Iraq were on Tuesday night.
Even before the whistle had blown, the harshest critics had forgotten the excellent performances by the same line-up against Japan and Jordan and were pondering change. Age is the most obvious cause for concern. Most World Cup qualifying teams will be looking for hotels with day spas and giant pools. The Socceroos might need wheelchair ramps and shower rails.
But, as the sub-strength Iraq almost proved, soccer is game of endless possibilities. The World Cup is the very essence of this ... 208 member countries reduced to just 32 clutching a golden ticket.
No doubt, the Socceroos will draw a "group of death". There will be injuries, selection controversies and - of course - Harry Kewell sticking up his hand and shouting "pick me".
But from a moment that might have divided coach and star and caused one of sport's great controversies came a renewed bond and wonderful opportunity. The Socceroos go to Brazil. Who knows what will happen there?
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/footbal...d-backfired-20130619-2oi3x.html#ixzz2Wd4zTXzE
