What a surprising first half - I certainly didn't expect China to capitulate so easily in midfield where the Aussie's were running rampant.
The second half showed some cracks in team discipline that, for me, need to ironed out by Arnold or his successor. There was no need to change the simple passing game and switch to floating long balls just because the Chinese turned it up a notch. Put it down to fatigue and lack of interest, perhaps - I hope.
Key points of note:
- Viduka was on fire - As a serial 'off the ball' and out of the limelight front-man when he dons the gold jersey, he finally brought over some of his club form on the ball and produced a few moments of magic.
- Brett Holman - More to prove against tougher opposition but at least he was there when he needed to be, and a scuffed goal is better than no goal at all.
- Carl Valeri - If this guy gets regular time with Inter or a similar club then our midfield future is secure.
- We still can't take a spot-kick to save our life. A dimension of the game that we are really lacking in, which I believe is costing us goals.
- Why bring on Nick Carle with only 10 minutes to go? Give the guy half an hour at least. Showed flashes of confidence on the ball, albeit against a defence that had probably given up the ghost by the 88th minute.
- Did Lucas Neil play?
- Marco - flashes of form, and I hear at Club level he is ripping it. Obviously a solid performance but I guess I still expect more.
- Shane Steffanuto - What is with that haircut man? Depeche Mode or Norties 'Emo' ?
All in all I think we caught China at a bad time for them, with obvious off field issues affecting their motivation. A contrast to a relatively stable ship for the Aussies. We are now really starting to see the rewards of regular internationals against real opposition.
More opportunity to see our real quality with the Argies and Uruguay to come, and more opportunities to groom a squad for Asia, 2010 and beyond.
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