AUSTRALIA

We have been spoiled, you know that don't you? After the magic period that began the moment Jon Aloisi struck THAT penalty in Sydney, we were always on a downhill slope. I can not define when the magic period ended or if in fact it has ended. Maybe the end was nigh when Guus left us, but maybe Pim can restore the magic. We wish.

The Australia of 2010 is the 2006 version minus Mark Viduka and plus 4 years. A double whammy that does not augur well. Pimms, the beverage that is, came in one of six blends, including brandy, scotch whiskey, gin, rye whiskey, vodka and rum. A shelf of variety for all tastes. Pim the coach has served up a dour blend of containment and aggression indefence and on the break or set piece as the attacking MO. While this worked in Asian qualification, there was a hefty slice of luck that allowed draws where a loss was fair and outright robbery where a draw would have been complimentary to us. But football cares little for merit.

The squad has mercifully camped in South Africa as early as possible to physiologically acclimatise and gain any advantage possible. All eyes have been on Harry Kewell to watch for his fitness in the first game (sound familiar?) to Pim's rolled eyes and angry boredom with the question of Harry.

Putting it bluntly, we lack in defensive speed, the ability to break down quality defences, and true penetration upfront. For all his detractors, in which I include myself, Viduka's true worth has only now been appreciated. Josh Jesus Kennedy has not the upper bpdy strength to hold up and attract 2 defenders and now that quality is missing. Many of the attacking opportunities came from Viduka holding off 2 defenders and any of Cahill, Bresciano, Kewell and even Chipperfield benefiting from the space created. Now we will have man to man marking and players equal in height to Kennedy snuffing out the route. With Kewell underdone from a match fitness perspective, we have to rely on containment, a difficult ask in the climes of South Africa. Unlike Arthur Fonzarelli, I hope to be able to pass the words "I was wrong" through my lips come end of group phase.

A draw v Germany is a prerequisite for any further passge. If we win 1 out of Serbia and Ghana, 4 points may be competitive enough to make it through. While we harbour the hope of a 2nd round meeting v the old enemy, I don't fancy it guv'

The real pain comes after the world cup, when the giant Fererro Rocher has been eaten, and we select the new coach. Let's hope he has enough clout to demand that Aurelio be banished to coach Kalgoorlie Reds as should be his station in life at the moment. That, and Ben Buckley go back to his spiritual home at AFL House.

GP