I thought Mourinho's press conference yesterday was quite interesting. A year ago he was advocating a squad of at least 23 outfield players for all the seasons campagins. Now he has cut that to; 20 outfield players and of those, four (minimum) should be sub-21 year olds. On the man himself, Does he look 'ill' to some people at the moment? He doesn't look well at all IMO.

very easy...

Thats exactly the reason, stuwilky.

Errr right.. Sydney - Sydney Football Stadium 46k, Olympic Stadium 83k, SCG 44k Brisbane - Gabba 42k Melbourne - Telstra Dome 57k, MCG 95k Adelaide - AAMI Stadium 52k Perth - Subiaco Oval 43k Thats 8 stadiums..

Why is Australia in the mix? We didn't bid to be world cup host did we? Not going to bite,

9 goals I think he will do 'okay', as long as he gets the time.

Thats the one! Thank you Rev.

Throw-in's I dont mind. Free kicks from set plays (corners and the like) is different, as anything can happen. Wasn't there a famous incident in the 80's ( ), when a ref called time on a game when crucial goal was scored from a corner? *goes away to check* Not if Mr Moggi has been anywhere near him!

I can see your point Dave, but why not just add the name to the report for after the game? I cant see why he blew his whistle straight after the free-kick? It was part of the same play... Its like allowing a final coner-kick and blowing the whistle while the ball is in mid air.. EDIT: Like the "Tie me Kangaroo down" tune.

Classic SAR! Spot on! Poll is a complete numpty! IMO, he was horrible the whole game. Totally inconsistent in his decisions and again, he thought 50K+ people in attendance were there to see him! Let's look at what he did, or didn't do as the case may be... 1. Viduka is 'tackled' in the box, the linesman misses the obvious penalty (as too does Poll) - How? 2. Tomazs(sp?) handballed again in the box and no penalty is given. How could this be miseed? This was the same Croatian player and same action, that awarded the Australians the first penalty scored by Moore. Tomasz wasn't even given a yellow card on either occasion, yet Brett Emerton received his second yellow and his marching orders for his handball (clearly ball to arm IMO). Why? 3. Didn't book the player Srna when he tugged Poll's shirt, clearly a bookable offence. 4. Gave three yellow's to one player and when questioned by Australian players, said clearly "He has one yellow card". (probably will be the only ref in WC history to do this - Absolute diabolical idiot!) 5. Gave the offside goal to Kewell (Okay -more the linesman's fault and very close) 6. After the Brescaino free-kick, disallowed the Cahill goal (on the final whistle), but gave a yellow card to Simunic (His third) after the whistle had blown. - Why? In my book that is shocking! I hope the moron/numpty (doesn't really describe him) never goes near an international again let alone ref it! The whole game he looked out of his depth. I hope Sepp Blatter uses him as a 'good example' of bad refing. On the game itself, Australia played well, but the defensive lapses are the big problem. At critical times Australia lost their shape far too easily. For the game against Italy, Guus has got to stop playing with the team! Brescaino has to start - no doubt. Anyway, C'MON AUSTRALIA!

Dave, totally agree - theres alot to be done. I think the starting formation will need to be 'tinkered' with. Start with Cahill (for wilkshire) and put Kalac in goal (as he works with Dida). Also, I think we can safely say Ronaldo (on tonights pedestrian-like performance) wont be starting next game.

Totally agree on your Gus Hiddink point. Philipl, Im not too worried about Croatia, I think Australia will have Croatia pretty sussed - They have three Australians in their team!!! EDIT: I thought Prso was Croatia's best player tonight, against Brazil.. I hate you too now.. By the way, your obsession with Lucas Neill is definately unhealthy.

Carried away? First game in 32 years and 3 vital points and you say carrried away? We dominated possesion and play.. yes, we were lucky to score 3 goals in eight minutes, but thats football. Aus V Japan shots on target : 9 - 2 shots off target : 10 - 5 possession : 56 - 44 corner kicks : 5 - 3 offsides : 4 - 3 fouls : 23 - 12 yellow cards : 4 - 3 red cards : 0 - 0

Great Win - Can't we merge the two topics on OZ world cup, admin?

Lower Division? WTF? He plays for FC Basle (Swiss champion League regulars) Anyway on the game - I thought we completely deserved the win and bring on Brazil!

You cheeky bugger! Bring on the World Cup!

eerrr no greggyk Ended 3 -1 to the Aussies M. Sterjovski J. Kennedy J. Aloisi

Australia 1 - 1 Liechtenstein at HT Lucas Neill own goal - 8min M. Sterjovski - 20min

Iran 1 - 2 Mexico

My first XI, for the game against Japan on the 10th (this is based on the friendlies so far and assuming all are fit). I think this is one of Austalia's stongest teams in quite a while and has a fair amount of depth. On the team; I wouldn't include Wilkshire - reminds too much off Flitcroft. Schwarzer gets the 'nod' in goal over Kalac (looks alot more confident). It's a shame Vidmar couldn't play, as I would include him over Lazaridis as defence cover. Personally, I would be surprised if Kennedy, Miligan make the substitutes bench.

Sweden to romp this one 3-0

Shouldn't this be pinned? I'll defineatley be watching this one. 2-1 to Ukraine.

The v.bronkhurst injury looked alot worse Eddie. IMO, I don't think either player will start in the first game.. Interesting now, with Holand playing S&M first on the 11th! I think this could be when the 'Dark Horse' gets up! Personally, I think Group C will end as; 1. Argentina 2. S&M 3. Holland 4. Ivory Coast

This is a very tricky game, could go either way. 2-2 draw.

2-0 to the French.