Posted by Roy on May 11th , 2010 under Soccer | 
Coach Pim Verbeek has named his squad for the 2010 World cup with very few surprises. 14 of the squad that did Australia proud in 2006 are there with a couple of new younger faces such as 18 year old former Brisbane Roar winger Tommy Oar. But while the backbone of the team looks good on paper with Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell all picked do they really have what it takes to reproduce the form of four years ago.
There is no doubt that the side has done well to even gain a spot in South Africa having navigated it’s way through a tough Asian qualifying section. Trips to the likes of Bahrain and Iraq are always tough but lets be honest they are games that we would expect to come out on top in and facing these teams is nothing to facing the likes of Germany, Spain or a rampant England.
The truth is that the Socceroo’s are an aging side and barr Tim Cahill they have no world class talent. Mark Viduka has retired, Lucas Neill is not performing at the same level that saw become one of the most dominant centre backs in the English Premier League, while Harry Kewell at 31 is past his peak and will probably start the tournament just 70% fit. And as for the young talent coming through, well there isn’t any. Tommy Oar is raw and could be one for the future but I am afraid that this World Cup Campaign is going to be something of an embarrassment. Read more of this article »
Posted by Roy on May 1st , 2010 under Soccer |
Argentina Coach Diego Maradona has been accused of many things since taking over the running of the squad. He is tactically inept, doesn’t know his best eleven, calling up over 100 players in two years, and even that he favours son in law Sergio Aguero over more talented more experienced players. While all of these things maybe true there are things that the great man does have that will hold him in good stead and that may even prove to be the difference going in to South Africa.
Maradona has an undoubted passion for the game and his country. All he knows is football, all he craves is success and with his illustrious history he will instantly have the respect of his players. The ones that are there will want to play for him, and if he can push his enthusiasm out with them on to the pitch for just seven matches in South Africa there is no doubt that Argentina have every chance of causing an upset. Oh yeah, and isn’t that Lionel Messi Argentinian as well. Making odds of $9.00 at Centrebet well worth a punt.
Read more of this article »
Posted by Peter Evans on September 17th , 2009 under Cricket |
The 2009 ICC Champions Trophy is drawing nearer day by day and is all set to begin on Tuesday 22nd September. The tournament will showcase the strongest 8 international cricket teams in the world in one hell of a battle for pride and glory.
The Group Stage has been broken down as follows.
Group A
India Read more of this article »
Tags: 2009 icc champions trophy, australia, champions trophy, Cricket, England, India, new zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, sri lanka, West Indies
Posted by Roy on May 13th , 2009 under Cricket |
The Indian Premier League is drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean that the world’s best cricketers can put their protective boxes back in the cupboard and take a few weeks off to recuperate. Because June 5th will see the focus of the cricketing world change from South Africa to England for the second Twenty20 World Cup. India won the inaugural tournament just two years ago beating favourites Australia and Pakistan along the way to cause something of an upset. But can the team ranked third in the world defend their crown or will Pakistan get their revenge. We take a look at the top contenders and tell you were you should place your free bet from www.sportsbet.com.au
Pakistan $9.00
At $9.00 Pakistan start this Twenty20 World Cup as something of an outside bet. While there is no doubt that Pakistan have talent on the pitch with the likes of all rounder Shahid Afridi and captain Younis Khan, off field problems have knocked the confidence out of the side. The Pakistan backroom staff feel that the squad needs to work on their mental toughness have hired a psychologist to help with their preparations. But I feel that their total lack of cricket this year will mean they go in to this one totally under prepared, so if I am being honest I wouldn’t waste my money on this one. Read more of this article »
Coach Pim Verbeek has named his squad for the 2010 World cup with very few surprises. 14 of the squad that did Australia proud in 2006 are there with a couple of new younger faces such as 18 year old former Brisbane Roar winger Tommy Oar. But while the backbone of the team looks good on paper with Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell all picked do they really have what it takes to reproduce the form of four years ago.
