Ron Manager
formerly Libertine
Went to this match last night, along with about 20,000 others at Suncorp Stadium. It was the final qualifier for the Asian Championships and Australia needed a draw to qualify, they won 1-0.
A scrappy game to be honest, like when England play someone like Lichtenstein or San Marino and face 11 men behind the ball trying to keep the score respectable. The Aussie's did the job they needed to do without being spectacular. However the team last night was very different to one England could face in the 2nd round in South Africa. None of the European based players were there and this was a bit like England having to pick a team of players from outside the Premiership. So a decent result when put into perspective like that.
One true shining light was the debut of Tommy Oar, the 18 year old Brisbane winger. He's the sort of player who goes looking for the ball, has the pace and ability to take players on and can cross or cut inside and have a shot. Very early days and not great opposition but I think he's got the potential to be a big star.
He's off for a trial with a couple of clubs in Holland to maybe get a loan deal as our season has finished, with a view to getting some games and a shot at being in the World Cup squad. In all honesty, and I know it's a long shot, but if that doesn't work out Southend could do worse then get him in for a look. He'd be cheap and really would be a great addition to the squad till the end of the season. I think he'd be one of those players where Southend fans would look back in pride in a few years time and say "he played for us".
A scrappy game to be honest, like when England play someone like Lichtenstein or San Marino and face 11 men behind the ball trying to keep the score respectable. The Aussie's did the job they needed to do without being spectacular. However the team last night was very different to one England could face in the 2nd round in South Africa. None of the European based players were there and this was a bit like England having to pick a team of players from outside the Premiership. So a decent result when put into perspective like that.
One true shining light was the debut of Tommy Oar, the 18 year old Brisbane winger. He's the sort of player who goes looking for the ball, has the pace and ability to take players on and can cross or cut inside and have a shot. Very early days and not great opposition but I think he's got the potential to be a big star.
He's off for a trial with a couple of clubs in Holland to maybe get a loan deal as our season has finished, with a view to getting some games and a shot at being in the World Cup squad. In all honesty, and I know it's a long shot, but if that doesn't work out Southend could do worse then get him in for a look. He'd be cheap and really would be a great addition to the squad till the end of the season. I think he'd be one of those players where Southend fans would look back in pride in a few years time and say "he played for us".
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