The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run

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  • Wavebird99
    MVP
    • May 2009
    • 1203

    #1

    The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run



    Qualifying Run
    8 Min Halves/Slow Gamespeed
    World Class Difficulty

    Starting 11 (4-2-3-1)

    GK - Mark Schwarzer - 79 OVR (Star Player)
    RB - Luke Wilshire - 74 OVR
    RCB - Lucas Neill - 78 OVR (Captain)
    LCB - Craig Moore - 67 OVR
    LB - Scott Chipperfield - 75 OVR
    RDM - Vince Grella - 73 OVR
    LDM - Jason Culina - 71 OVR
    RAM - Brett Emerton - 73 OVR
    LAM - Mark Bresciano - 76 OVR
    CF - Tim Cahill - 80 OVR (Star Player)
    ST - Harry Kewel - 76 OVR (Star Player)

    Analysis
    It seems that the strength of the team is really in its foward play - Cahill, Bresciano, and Kewel are all very solid players who can put the ball in the net at will. Its going to be exciting to play with them - but I do see a bit of a problem on the left/center side of my defense. Culina and Moore are the weakest players on the team, but hopefully Chipperfield can come in and save the day when it counts. Overall, I'm pleased with the starting 11, and havent really worked out my subs yet.

    Also, I decided to do random groups for the Asian qualification, just to make it a bit interesting. Heres my group:

    Jordan
    China PR
    Iraq
    Australia

    Not bad at all, hopefully I can win the group with ease.
  • Wavebird99
    MVP
    • May 2009
    • 1203

    #2
    Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run



    Cahill shines in Wild Shootout
    Australia scrapes by China, 5-4
    Beijing, China - February 6th, 2008

    4 brilliant goals, combined with an assist on the 5th, helped Tim Cahill lead Australia past a determined Chinese squad in a wild 5-4 victory.

    Things started off poorly for Australia, who seemed to struggle with the quick Chinese attack squad, especially Qu Bo, who would score the first Chinese goal right at the 6th minute mark to put them up ahead 1-0.

    Australia would respond, however, as the Socceroos would roar back with 2 goals of their own, both from Cahill. China would manage to tie the game at 2 just before the half, sending Australia into the locker-room feeling a bit down about themselves.

    "Heading into the half, we were pretty disappointed," says midfielder Mark Bresciano, "We knew we were a better squad, but we had to prove it."

    With that in mind, the Socceroos came out determined to put the game away and make it their own. 2 quick goals, again from Cahill, seemed to put the game away at 4-2 at about the 61st minute mark.

    China would score yet again however, this time at the 71st minute mark on a great through ball, to make things interesting. Directly after China's goal, Australia's Cahill would set up Harry Kewel with a perfect pass in the box which he would drill home to give the Roos' a 2 goal advantage. Although seemingly unnecessary at the time, the goal would provide the difference in the game, as once again China would exploit the poor play of Australia's defense and score a goal at the 83'.

    After that though, China would fail to get another oppurtunity to score, and Australia walked away victors.

    "It feels good to get a first victory," remarked goalie Mark Schwarzer, "but we need to play better defense."
    Last edited by Wavebird99; 07-07-2010, 01:11 AM.

    Comment

    • Wavebird99
      MVP
      • May 2009
      • 1203

      #3
      Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run



      Socceroos Roll By Iraq
      Australia Defeats Iraq 2-1
      Sydney, Australia - March 26th, 2008

      With their opening win against China, Australia was poised and ready to take on Iraq, widely considered to be one of the weaker teams in the group. Surprisingly, Iraq has shown up to play, as they defeated Jordan in their first contest by a score of 1-0.

      "We couldn't take them lightly," said captain Lucas Neill, "considering how poor our defense was against China, I dont think we had the right to take anyone lightly."

      Indeed, Australia's defense stepped up big time for the Iraqi game, allowing only 1 goal, which came in the dying minutes of the contest, where Australia was already up soundly 2-0.

      All the goals came in the 2nd half, as both teams went in tied at 0 at the break.

      Australia seemed to change their emphasis a bit after the half, focusing on throwing more men forward to create more chances. Those chances eventually led way to goals from Harry Kewel (pictured above) and Mark Bresciano.

      After those two goals, Australia seemed to be set, and maybe got a little too complacent, as Iraq would manage to score a goal on a beautiful cross and header in the 87th minute.

      It mattered little, as Australia now has a firm lead on Group B for the Asian qualification, and faces a weak opponent in Jordan the next match.
      Last edited by Wavebird99; 07-07-2010, 01:08 PM.

      Comment

      • ConnorPithie
        Rookie
        • Jan 2010
        • 159

        #4
        Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run

        Good start, i'll be following
        Egypt: 2010 WC Dynasty -http://www.operationsports.com/forum...fifa10-wc.html

        Comment

        • Wavebird99
          MVP
          • May 2009
          • 1203

          #5
          Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run

          Thanks Connor, I enjoy your world cup "dynasties" as well.

          Comment

          • Wavebird99
            MVP
            • May 2009
            • 1203

            #6
            Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run



            Header Guides Australia Past Jordan
            Socceroos win 1-0
            Sydney, Australia - June 2nd, 2008

            Despite most media outlets predicting this contest as an easy Australian victory, the Socceroos needed a desperate header in the 74th minute to squeak out a win against Jordan.

            The header came from Craig Moore, who maneuvered himself in perfect position to receive the corner kick from Luke Wilshire.

            "I anticipated the ball pretty well I guess," said the elated defender, "that was also pretty much the best header I've had in my entire life."

            Indeed, Moore's heroics couldnt have come at a better time, as Australia found itself floundering against a strong Jordanian defense. Time after time Australia would attack, only to find themselves shoved into the pitch by defensive backs.

            "I thought they [Jordan] got away with alot of tackles," remarked Manager Pim Verbeek, "they deserved more than one yellow card, thats for sure."

            Almost in response to Jordan's defense, Australia's defense stepped up as well, keeping a clean sheet and allowing Jordan only 3 shots, 2 of which were on goal. Lucas Neill, who was awarded a 9.8 rating as well as Man of the Match, recorded 10 tackles by himself to lead the defense.

            "They just kept coming straight at me, I was able to just stick a foot in and knock them away." explained the captain.

            Australia also received its first couple of yellow cards so far in group play, as Midfielder Vince Grella and Defender Scott Chipperfield both received yellows for harsh tackles against the Jordanians.

            With the game completed, Australia has finished their first round of Group play for World Cup Qualification. The standings for the Group are the following:

            Australia - 9 Pts
            China - 4 Pts
            Jordan - 2 Pts
            Iraq - 1 Pt

            Australia's upcoming schedule:

            @ Jordan
            vs. China
            @ Iraq

            Comment

            • Wavebird99
              MVP
              • May 2009
              • 1203

              #7
              Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run



              Jordan Shocks Australia
              Socceroos downed 2-1 to Jordanians
              Amman, Jordan - June 7th, 2008

              After handing Jordan a defeat only five days earlier, the Socceroos felt confident enough taking on the same opponent.

              That confidence was sorely misplaced however, as the Jordanians played hard and stole what was supposed to be an easy victory away from the Socceroos.

              "Its very, very disappointing," said Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, "We were over-confident heading in, and look what it got us."

              Indeed, playing away from home is much more difficult than playing in the confines of friendly Sydney, as the Australian players quickly found out. The Jordanians managed to score the games first goal in the 6th minute when a cross caught the Australians out of position and found a Jordanian head for an easy head-in goal.

              Down 1-0 early, the Socceroos would respond however, attacking the Jordanians hard, but squandering several opportunities. In extra time of the first half, the Socceroos finally broke through, as Tim Cahill was found wide open in the penalty box by Mark Bresciano for an easy equalizer.

              "That got us back in the game a bit," said Cahill, "but we gave it up in the 2nd half."

              That 2nd half saw the Jordanians score right away in the 53', thanks in part to an Australian defensive breakdown that led to a wide-open scoring opportunity for the Jordanians. They wouldnt miss, and the score became 2-1.

              It would remain that way for the rest of the game, as Australia found itself unable to get anything going.

              "We'll just have to come out stronger next time." remarked manager Pim Verbeek.

              Comment

              • ConnorPithie
                Rookie
                • Jan 2010
                • 159

                #8
                Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run

                Unlucky loss mate, speaking of my dynasties i'll have to update them both tomorrow lol.
                Last edited by ConnorPithie; 07-09-2010, 09:03 AM.
                Egypt: 2010 WC Dynasty -http://www.operationsports.com/forum...fifa10-wc.html

                Comment

                • Captain_Crazzzy
                  Rookie
                  • Jun 2010
                  • 92

                  #9
                  Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run

                  socceroos, best nickname in sports
                  Cubs | Colts | Pacers | Blackhawks | Fire | Hoosiers

                  Comment

                  • Buckeye
                    MVP
                    • Dec 2009
                    • 2939

                    #10
                    Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run

                    Great so far!
                    \

                    Comment

                    • Wavebird99
                      MVP
                      • May 2009
                      • 1203

                      #11
                      Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run



                      Chinese Mistakes Let Australia Slip By
                      Australians win 3-1
                      Sydney, Australia - June 14th, 2008

                      A couple of key mistakes and some good luck helped Australia greatly this afternoon, as the Socceroos defeated China 3-1 and thereby clinched a guaranteed spot in the next stage of qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

                      "Its a great feeling," says striker Tim Cahill "but I do wish we played a bit better."

                      Indeed, Australia seemed ready to play straight out of the gate - creating chance after chance against a beleaguered Chinese defense. Despite these chances, no goals were scored, thanks in part to a couple of missed shots and some random bounces off the posts.

                      David Carney, a midfield substitute replacing the injured Jason Culina for the game, saw three glorious opportunities to score a goal, and scuffed all three before being replaced in the 2nd half.

                      "It was incredibly disappointing," said the midfield sub, "I screwed us at the beginning."

                      China, seizing upon these missed opportunities, scored the first goal of the match on a beautiful counter-attack, with Australian nemesis Qu Bo scoring the goal in the 40th minute to put Australia down 1-0 heading into the half.

                      Again though, the Socceroos seemingly came out ready to play in the 2nd half, getting a shot on goal almost every possession they had, but failing to score.

                      "After awhile you just start to feel frustrated," said Mark Bresciano, "but at the same time, you just feel that all those opportunities are gonna lead to something."

                      Australia finally got that something in the 70th minute, thanks in part to a head-in goal from sub-striker John McDonald on a corner kick. The equalizer proved to be the nail in the coffin for China's defense.

                      Five minutes later, Mark Bresciano received a beautiful through ball pass from fellow midfielder Vince Grulla, and chipped it past the goalkeeper - only to have it hit the bar on the side of the goal and bounce back. Unfortunately for China, keeper Yang Zhi was unable to handle the rebound, allowing the ball to slip right past him and onto Bresciano's foot to give Australia a 2-1 lead.

                      Following that, Australia would score their 3rd goal of the day in the 88th minute, thanks in part to a brilliant counter-attack and an excellent strike from John McDonald, who would receive the ball off of troubled goalie Yang Zhi, as he was unable to handle a shot from Tim Cahill.

                      "Forgive me for saying this, I dont want to start a world war," said defender Scott Chipperfield, "but China's defense is ****. Seriously."

                      The Socceroos are now moving on to the next stage of qualification. For now though, one more game against Iraq awaits.

                      Comment

                      • ConnorPithie
                        Rookie
                        • Jan 2010
                        • 159

                        #12
                        Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run

                        I think FIFA would have had something to say about Chipperfield's language there! lol
                        Egypt: 2010 WC Dynasty -http://www.operationsports.com/forum...fifa10-wc.html

                        Comment

                        • Wavebird99
                          MVP
                          • May 2009
                          • 1203

                          #13
                          Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run



                          Cahill's Heroic Goal Clinches Victory
                          Australians defeat Iraq 3-2
                          Baghdad, Iraq - June 22nd, 2008

                          In what was truly one of the most back and forth games played by the Australians yet, Tim Cahill proved to be the hero as his bending goal found the back of the net in extra time to secure an Australian 3-2 victory.

                          "It was the best goal I've seen scored throughout all our games," said elated Manager Pim Verbeek. "Cahill is incredible."

                          Cahill's goal wasn't the only dramatic goal of the day, as Australia bounced back time and time again to equalize against the Iraqis before finally pulling away at the end.

                          Iraq would start off the scoring with a strong finish from just outside the box in the 10th minute, going up 1-0 early. Australia would follow up however, as Mark Bresciano fired home a shot in the 20th minute to level the score.

                          "Right away we knew we were in a dogfight," explained Bresciano, "Iraq is a very tough team to play against."

                          That would be all the scoring for the first half as the two teams headed into the half even at 1-1.

                          The second half saw a bit of a resurgence for the Iraqis, as they started to create more and more opportunities as the minutes went on. Those opportunities finally culminated in a head-in goal from a corner kick in the 59th minute to put them up 2-1.

                          It mattered little to the Socceroos though, as the team switched its emphasis to purely offensive style soccer - and equalized because of it, as Harry Kewel would receive a great pass from Mark Bresciano and put it past the goalkeeper to level the score at 2 at the 75th minute mark.

                          From that point on however, both teams played lock down defense, barely allowing any balls to be played inside the box. Heading into extra time, it appeared as if the game was heading for a draw.

                          "I wanted to win. I wanted to win bad," explained goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, "I didnt care that we had already been guaranteed advancement."

                          That sentiment seemed to have been inbedded in the entire Australian team, as the Socceroos would finally break through in extra time. After pressing into the box and forcing Iraqi defender Ali Rehema to kick the ball out of bounds, the Socceroos found themselves set up for a goal.

                          The inbound pass came directly to wide-open Tim Cahill, who turned and fired an angled shot towards the goal - only to have it bend right in and hit the back of the net for the winner.

                          Noor Sabri, the Iraqi goalie, was visibly stunned by the shot, as the Australians triumphantly captured a 3-2 victory.

                          Following the game, groups were set up for the next stage of qualification.

                          Australia's group will be the following

                          Japan
                          Qatar
                          Iran
                          Iraq
                          Australia

                          Yes, it looks as if Iraq will be joining Australia once again for some football contests.

                          Comment

                          • Wavebird99
                            MVP
                            • May 2009
                            • 1203

                            #14
                            Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run

                            Expect another update tonight, I play Iraq again, haha. Iraq-Australia could be football's biggest new rivalry!

                            Comment

                            • Wavebird99
                              MVP
                              • May 2009
                              • 1203

                              #15
                              Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run



                              Iraq Gets its Revenge
                              Iraqis down Australia 4-3
                              Baghdad, Iraq - September 6th, 2008

                              September 6th, 2008. A day that will not be remembered very highly by Australian football fans.

                              It was on this day that Iraq cemented the Australia/Iraqi football rivalry, defeating group favorites Australia with a 4-3 victory.

                              "It was incredibly upsetting," explained manager Pim Verbeek, "and disappointing as well."

                              The Iraqis were well on their game at home, starting the game off with a terrific goal in the 9th minute to go up 1-0. It became 2-0 just a few plays later, when a great head-in goal from a corner kick slipped its way past Goalie Mark Schwarzer.

                              Suddenly, Australia found itself down 2-0 to Iraq, on the road, within the first 25 minutes of the game.

                              "It was a shock to the system," said striker Harry Kewel, "we didnt expect them to come out the way they did."

                              Australia would find a goal just before the half ended, thanks in large part to Craig Moore, who would head the ball past Iraqi goalie Noor Sabri to cut the lead down to 2-1.

                              Entering the half, the Australians felt good. "I felt that perhaps we would be able to equalize early on in the 2nd" explained midfielder Mark Bresciano.

                              That didnt happen.

                              The 2nd half started off much in the same way the 1st did. The Iraqis intercepted a pass, passed a through ball, and found the net to make it 3-1 at the 50th minute mark.

                              Surprisingly however, this seemed to awaken Australia, as oppose to destroy them. The Socceroos quickly responded in the 57th minute, as Mark Bresciano would head in a corner kick to cut the score to 3-2.

                              Following that, Harry Kewel would equalize in the 66th minute, thanks in part to a great pass from Tim Cahill that set him up right in front of the goal for an easy shot.

                              "Once we equalized, the game seemed to return to normal," said goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, "it was truly a battle after that."

                              Both teams saw tons of opportunities over the remaining 20 minutes in the game, with shots bouncing off posts, going just wide of the goals, or even being blocked at the last second by a defender.

                              Iraq seemed to be slightly more determined however, as in the 85th minute, Iraqi striker Emad Mohammad would score on an unbeliveable shot from an unbelieveable angle, scooting the ball just past a diving Mark Schwarzer. (Seen in the picture above, Mohammad is the one falling down behind the netting).

                              The goal all but clinched the game for Iraq, who have become somewhat of the underdog favorite for the group. Only time will tell what this loss means for the Socceroos.

                              "We'll just have to bounce back. I'm confident we will." explains manager Pim Verbeek.

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