On the Road Again - Kuwait
Written 17-11-10 by WacaGround FC
MATCH FACTS
Saturday, November 20
Start time: 17:00 (TM Time)
Venue: Jaber International Stadium, Kuwait (Capacity: 77,000)
THE BIG PICTURE
We are back for the second (first) round of friendlies. This time Australia are up against Kuwait, another team who fail to qualify for the World Cup all those seasons ago. Kuwait should not be ignored, mind you. Their FITA Rank is a remarkable 13th, 72 places ahead of their opponent. Kuwait have a solid side, the strength lying in their midfield. This is unfortunately the first round of friendlies after the first round was cancelled for reasons unknown to the TM world. But we have to kick on, and Kuwait is Australia’s next task.
Both teams did not qualify for the World Cup, and have a few more friendlies lined up over the coming weeks. Australian coach, Alcoholics Utd, has come under pressure during the week in the press, regarding his choice of goal keeper in the squad. It is agreed that Fred Austen is the best keeper in Australia, but at 33, he hasn’t got long left in his career, and maybe, over these friendlies, Australia should be blooding some younger players who will play a key part in Australia’s success in the future.
Three names have been thrown up in the air for Austen’s replacement; Chuck Farmer, John Lally and Eddie Woewodin. Farmer plays for Alcoholics Utd and he is the current back up keeper. John Lally is the most popular replacement, coming from Harry Cool he is a proven performer, he is just 22 years of age, two years younger than Farmer. Finally the ‘roughie’, Eddie Woewodin; he plays in division 2 with Faulconbridge Rovers and is the youngest of the three. One of these three should be playing in the friendly matches, Farmer is the most likely, but Lally would be the more popular choice.
WATCH OUT FOR
We have talked about the keepers for Australia, but there are tough decisions all round the field. It is a luxury for Australia to have such a wide range of possible candidates, and there is many more coming through the ranks. Don’t be surprised to see Alco blood some youngsters in the next couple of games, as Australia experiments ahead of their next major tournament.
Kuwait’s strength lies in their midfield. With players like Al Hajjam and Al Omari it is tough for opposition attacks to penetrate and create chances. This is possibly the reason why Kuwait are so high up the FITA Rankings. At 13th they are one of the powerhouses, but they failed to qualify for the World Cup. The most certainly are beatable, but we are much more likely to see defensive tactics employed and a draw is the most likely result. Chances will be at a minimum for both sides, so they will have to make sure of the chances that they do have. Accuracy will play a key part in this game, and accuracy lies with Australia.
FROM THE HORSES' MOUTH
Kuwait National Coach, Master Mind (Q8)
Q: What went through you mind after you realised that the NT friendlies weren't played last week?
A: Disappointed, that's all I have to say... :)
Q: We haven't heard much of Kuwait in Australia, who should we watch out for? Who are the key players?
A: No one particular, as you see our strength in the midfield :)
Q: You are ranked remarkably high in the FITA rankings (13th), how are you going to keep Kuwait up there for seasons to come?
A: I'll do my best to qualify to the Asian Cup next season after that I’ll try to win it.
Australian National Coach, Alcoholics United
Q: What when though your mind when you realised that the NT friendly on Saturday wasn't played? How annoying is it?
A: Nothing went through my mind. I've been playing TM for a very long tie, and come to accept that these things happen. I know the game will eventually be played.
Q: After the disappointment of last week, we play two matches on Saturday. What will you have to watch out for in Kuwait?
A: Kuwait have a very strong central midfield, so controlling the tempo of the game will be hard for our midfield. So most likely will have to flood the midfield to get the upper hand.
Q: In your mind, who are the two best forwards in Australia?
A: At this moment in time Vince Lappin and George Appleby.
Saturday, November 20
Start time: 17:00 (TM Time)
Venue: Jaber International Stadium, Kuwait (Capacity: 77,000)
THE BIG PICTURE
We are back for the second (first) round of friendlies. This time Australia are up against Kuwait, another team who fail to qualify for the World Cup all those seasons ago. Kuwait should not be ignored, mind you. Their FITA Rank is a remarkable 13th, 72 places ahead of their opponent. Kuwait have a solid side, the strength lying in their midfield. This is unfortunately the first round of friendlies after the first round was cancelled for reasons unknown to the TM world. But we have to kick on, and Kuwait is Australia’s next task.
Both teams did not qualify for the World Cup, and have a few more friendlies lined up over the coming weeks. Australian coach, Alcoholics Utd, has come under pressure during the week in the press, regarding his choice of goal keeper in the squad. It is agreed that Fred Austen is the best keeper in Australia, but at 33, he hasn’t got long left in his career, and maybe, over these friendlies, Australia should be blooding some younger players who will play a key part in Australia’s success in the future.
Three names have been thrown up in the air for Austen’s replacement; Chuck Farmer, John Lally and Eddie Woewodin. Farmer plays for Alcoholics Utd and he is the current back up keeper. John Lally is the most popular replacement, coming from Harry Cool he is a proven performer, he is just 22 years of age, two years younger than Farmer. Finally the ‘roughie’, Eddie Woewodin; he plays in division 2 with Faulconbridge Rovers and is the youngest of the three. One of these three should be playing in the friendly matches, Farmer is the most likely, but Lally would be the more popular choice.
WATCH OUT FOR
We have talked about the keepers for Australia, but there are tough decisions all round the field. It is a luxury for Australia to have such a wide range of possible candidates, and there is many more coming through the ranks. Don’t be surprised to see Alco blood some youngsters in the next couple of games, as Australia experiments ahead of their next major tournament.
Kuwait’s strength lies in their midfield. With players like Al Hajjam and Al Omari it is tough for opposition attacks to penetrate and create chances. This is possibly the reason why Kuwait are so high up the FITA Rankings. At 13th they are one of the powerhouses, but they failed to qualify for the World Cup. The most certainly are beatable, but we are much more likely to see defensive tactics employed and a draw is the most likely result. Chances will be at a minimum for both sides, so they will have to make sure of the chances that they do have. Accuracy will play a key part in this game, and accuracy lies with Australia.
FROM THE HORSES' MOUTH
Kuwait National Coach, Master Mind (Q8)
Q: What went through you mind after you realised that the NT friendlies weren't played last week?
A: Disappointed, that's all I have to say... :)
Q: We haven't heard much of Kuwait in Australia, who should we watch out for? Who are the key players?
A: No one particular, as you see our strength in the midfield :)
Q: You are ranked remarkably high in the FITA rankings (13th), how are you going to keep Kuwait up there for seasons to come?
A: I'll do my best to qualify to the Asian Cup next season after that I’ll try to win it.
Australian National Coach, Alcoholics United
Q: What when though your mind when you realised that the NT friendly on Saturday wasn't played? How annoying is it?
A: Nothing went through my mind. I've been playing TM for a very long tie, and come to accept that these things happen. I know the game will eventually be played.
Q: After the disappointment of last week, we play two matches on Saturday. What will you have to watch out for in Kuwait?
A: Kuwait have a very strong central midfield, so controlling the tempo of the game will be hard for our midfield. So most likely will have to flood the midfield to get the upper hand.
Q: In your mind, who are the two best forwards in Australia?
A: At this moment in time Vince Lappin and George Appleby.
POSSIBLE STARTING XI
Kuwait
Keeper
A. Al Hajjam
Defenders
F. "Hunter" Fattah
H. Shahrour
M. Sultan
Midfielders
A. Al Hajjam
M. "Maestro" Al Omari
Z. Al Moubarki
M. Masoud
A. Sulaiman
Forwards
M. Tameem
G. "Zola" Mannaa
Keeper
A. Al Hajjam
Defenders
F. "Hunter" Fattah
H. Shahrour
M. Sultan
Midfielders
A. Al Hajjam
M. "Maestro" Al Omari
Z. Al Moubarki
M. Masoud
A. Sulaiman
Forwards
M. Tameem
G. "Zola" Mannaa
Australia
Keeper
F. Austen
Defenders
C. Eagleton
N. "Nico" Read
A. Baker
Midfielders
N. "The Prodigy" Vosti
M. Salt
L. "杰森" Jensen
N. Neil
W. Dee
Forwards
V. Lappin
M. "The Kaiser" Goodes
Keeper
F. Austen
Defenders
C. Eagleton
N. "Nico" Read
A. Baker
Midfielders
N. "The Prodigy" Vosti
M. Salt
L. "杰森" Jensen
N. Neil
W. Dee
Forwards
V. Lappin
M. "The Kaiser" Goodes
Kuwait - Post-Match
Written 21-11-10 by WacaGround FC
MATCH RESULT
Kuwait 0 - 1 Australia
Goal Scorers
Kuwait – nil
Australia – G. "HumThriller" Appleby (94’)
Bookings
Kuwait:
MoM (Awarded by TM Australia Commentary Panel)
F. Austen (Australia)
MATCH ANALYSIS
After winning the toss, Australia chose to kick-off. Once again the first half had little to talk about. The sell-out crowd of 77,000 were wondering whether it was worth staying or wandering over the road to the local pub. Vosti was everywhere in the first half, setting up attacking plays, whilst blocking those from the opposition.
At half time the score line read : 0-0
When the players returned to the pitch after the break the style of play did not improve. The game looked destined for a scoreless draw, until late in injury time. It was the last attacking play of the game, in the 94th minute. Vosti was in there once again, and some nice combination work between the two Australians set up a goal for Appleby. Australia were victors, and the Aussie fanatics who made the trip over, will be celebrating the night in that local pub across the road.
Final Score : Kuwait 0 – 1 Australia
WHAT WENT RIGHT?(for Aust.)
WHAT WENT WRONG? (for Aust.)
NEXT UP
Australia hit the road once again to take on England, whilst Kuwait travels to Serbia. England are coming off a consecutive losses to both Scotland (6-1) and Serbia (8-0). Admittedly a slight muck up by the English coach meant that the best side wasn’t named. England are sure to put on a better performance against Australia next Saturday.
Kuwait 0 - 1 Australia
Goal Scorers
Kuwait – nil
Australia – G. "HumThriller" Appleby (94’)
Bookings
Kuwait:
- H. Shahrour (Y)
- J. Stock (Y)
- C. Eagleton (Y)
- G. "HumThriller" Appleby (Y)
MoM (Awarded by TM Australia Commentary Panel)
F. Austen (Australia)
MATCH ANALYSIS
After winning the toss, Australia chose to kick-off. Once again the first half had little to talk about. The sell-out crowd of 77,000 were wondering whether it was worth staying or wandering over the road to the local pub. Vosti was everywhere in the first half, setting up attacking plays, whilst blocking those from the opposition.
At half time the score line read : 0-0
When the players returned to the pitch after the break the style of play did not improve. The game looked destined for a scoreless draw, until late in injury time. It was the last attacking play of the game, in the 94th minute. Vosti was in there once again, and some nice combination work between the two Australians set up a goal for Appleby. Australia were victors, and the Aussie fanatics who made the trip over, will be celebrating the night in that local pub across the road.
Final Score : Kuwait 0 – 1 Australia
WHAT WENT RIGHT?(for Aust.)
- We won against a team of equal ability. An away win as well
- The man who has promised so much, Nick "The Prodigy" Vosti, finally performed in the international arena. Great game, narrowly missing out on a man-of-the-match performance
- Fred Austen continues to perform well for Australia. He had a great game, stopping all 7 attempts on goal with ease and skill
- George "HumThriller" Appleby may have silenced the doubters with a strong performance, including the only goal of the game.
WHAT WENT WRONG? (for Aust.)
- 44% possession. Yes it was an away game, but while the team was playing defensive tactics, they should have held on to the ball for longer periods of time.
- Accuracy. 10 shots on goal and only 2 on target. This is because we took too many long-range shots.
NEXT UP
Australia hit the road once again to take on England, whilst Kuwait travels to Serbia. England are coming off a consecutive losses to both Scotland (6-1) and Serbia (8-0). Admittedly a slight muck up by the English coach meant that the best side wasn’t named. England are sure to put on a better performance against Australia next Saturday.
