Let the countdown begin

127 days.

It sounds like a long time, it’s just over four months, but in reality the time will fly by. That is how long until Asia’s premier Football competition, the AFC Asian Cup, kicks off in Qatar.

After a disappointing showing in 2007 under interim coach Graham Arnold, Australia will be looking to put in a better showing this time around.

Clearly Asia’s number one side (at least according to the FIFA rankings), a lot is expected of Australia who have been drawn with fellow heavyweights Korea Republic, as well as Bahrain and relative newcomers, India.

Over the coming weeks we’ll take a look at each of the teams in Australia’s group and analyse how we think they’ll go.

First up, Bahrain.

Whilst Australia and Korea Republic will be expected to advance from the group without too much difficulty, Bahrain, who has fallen at the final hurdle in their last two World Cup Qualifying campaigns, will be no pushovers.

Bahrain will receive fantastic support at the tournament and will effectively be a second home side, with the tournament taking place in Qatar, just a stones throw from Bahrain. Bahrainis are expected to make the trek in good numbers to support their country and will provide an atmosphere that will make their team think they’re playing in Manama rather than Doha.

Those with long memories (or maybe not that long) will remember Bahrain comprehensively outplaying a full strength Australian side in Manama in the last round of World Cup qualifying just over 18 months ago.

Only an undeserved Mark Bresciano goal in the 93rd minute, and some awful misses by Bahrain striker Jaycee John, saved Australia’s blushes.

They’ve also got one over on Japan in recent times, with a 1-0 win over the Blue Samurai in Manama during qualification for the AFC Asian Cup.

Under new coach, Austrian Josef Hickersberger, they will be match hardened by the time they get to Qatar. They have eight games between now and January, including the 2010 Gulf Cup in Yemen in November.

This will allow Hickersberger the time to try new players and formations and settle on a line-up and squad he is comfortable with well before their first game against Korea Republic on 10 January.

Their key man up front if the exciting and enigmatic Jaycee John, who plies his trade in Turkey with Eskisehirspor. He has played 43 times for Bahrain, scoring 11 goals. Although if it weren’t for his wayward finishing that tally would be a lot higher.

Fouzi Ayesh is also one to keep an eye on in midfield. If he is allowed too much room, his creativity will unlock defences and he can also get forward and score himself.

With Australia and Korea Republic in their group, the draw hasn’t been kind to them, and they will need some heroic performances to get out of the group. Whilst they will have “home” ground advantage, I think both Australia and Korea Republic will have enough firepower to get the job done.

ACL still has plenty to offer

Suwon take on Beijing Guoan in the Rd of 16

With no Australian representation left, the AFC Champions League will likely fly under the radar for most Australian sports fans.

But with action set to resume in just two weeks, there is plenty to look forward to.

Strangely enough, the four teams left from East Asia all come from the K-League. It was expected that after Urawa won in 2007 and Gamba in 2008 that we would see a period of domination from Japanese teams. That has not eventuated, instead it has been the Koreans who have taken over.

Pohang Steelers only lost one game on the way to winning the 2009 ACL, a 3-1 loss to Uzbek side Bunyodkor in the first leg of the Quarter Finals. They were able to overcome that, however, by beating the Uzbek’s 4-1 in the second leg to advance 5-4 on aggregate.

This season they are back again and will take on Iranian outfit Zob Ahan FC in the Quarter Finals. Pohang finished second in Group H behind Adelaide United to set up a blockbuster clash with J.League powerhouse Kashima Antlers.

Despite playing away from home they were able to strike early and hold on for a 1-0 win.

Zob Ahan topped Group B ahead of Bunyodkor, losing only once in the group stages. That set up an all-Iranian clash with Mes Kerman in the Round of 16. Brazilian striker Igor struck late to seal the win.

Last seasons K-League champions, Jeonbuk Hyundai, who got over Adelaide in an enthralling battle at Hindmarsh Stadium in the Round of 16, will face off against Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab.

The Riyadh based side are coached by a man who would be well familiar to Australian football fans, Jorge Forsatti. Ex-Newcastle Jet and Adelaide United player Adam Griffiths also had a brief stint with the club.

One of the more fascinating matches will see an all-Korean showdown between Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma and Suwon Bluewings.

The Bluewings, under new coach Yoon Sung-Hyo, are desperate for continental success and have bolstered their squad over the summer with an eye on winning the ACL.

They have signed Japanese international Naohiro Takahara from Japanese giants Urawa Reds, pulled off the audacious signing of Pohang Steelers’ captain Hwang Jae-won, and Park Jong-jin from Gangwon FC.

Yoon is no stranger to continental success with Suwon, he was an assistant coach when they won back-to-back Asian Club Championship titles in 2001 and 2002. Yoon sees the similarities between then and now.

“We did not get good results in the domestic league in 2001 and 2002 but managed to win the continental title by beating strong Asian rivals. I hope this to happen again this year,” Yoon told the-afc.com last month.

Seongnam have been dominant in the ACL so far, easily finishing op top of Group E, which also contained Melbourne Victory, and easily accounting for Gamba Osaka 3-0 in the Round of 16.

There is also an Australian connection in this match, with towering defender Sasa Ognenovski currently playing for Seongnam.

On form you’d assume Seongnam will get the job done, they currently sit second in the K-League just one point behind league leaders Jeju United, whilst Suwon are struggling in eighth.

Suwon cannot be discounted though. After a shaky start to the K-League season they are regaining ground on the rest of the field are only three points behind getting themselves back into the ACL zone. And with the bolstering of their squad, they could cause an upset.

In the other match, Saudi outfit Al-Hilal take on Qatari giants Al-Gharafa. Al-Gharafa list Iraqi star Younis Mahmoud their books, the striker who lead Iraq to their historic 2007 AFC Asian Cup triumph and are the reigning Qatar Stars League champions.

Al-Hilal are no strangers to success either, winning the 2010 Saudi Premier League twelve times, most recently last season.

Looking beyond having no Australian teams in the competition, the rest of the competition will showcase the finest club football in Asia has to offer.

The four Korean teams will be looking to continue the East Asian dominance of the last three years and crown another K-League champion.

Meanwhile the West Asian teams will be looking to become the first team from West Asia to win the trophy since 2005, when Saudi side Al-Ittihad when their second consecutive title.

Japan opt for Italian journeyman as new Manager

The Japan Football Association (JFA) have finally ended their search for a new manager, by announcing that they have reached an agreement with 57-year old Italian Alberto Zaccheroni.

Zaccheroni is somewhat of a managerial journeyman, having managed 13 teams across his 17-year managerial career.

His most recent gig was as manager of Juventus, where he took charge in January this year, but was unable to turn their fortunes around, finishing seventh in the Serie A.

Zaccheroni is unlikely to receive a work-permit in time to take charge for the Blue Samurai's upcoming friendlies but will likely be watching from the stands. He has reportedly signed a two-year deal worth $2.36m, with a two-year option.

The JFA will hold a Press Conference in Tokyo tomorrow (Tuesday) to formally make the announcement.

Beijing Guoan struggle to keep Championship dreams alive

Beijing Guoan have missed a golden opportunity to close the gap on league leader Shandong Luneng, surprisingly drawing 0-0 with bottom of the ladder Qingdao Jonoon in the Chinese Super League.

Beijing went into the game sitting in third spot and trailing Shandong by 9 points with just 10 games remaining and would’ve reasonably expected to grab all three points at the Qingdao Tiantai Stadium to close that gap.

Instead, Shandong now has the chance to extend their lead when they host Jiangsu Shuntian today. Jiangsu sits in ninth place, but are only four points from the top for and an ACL spot.

It has been a fortuitous weekend for Shandong, who saw their closest rival, Shanghai Shenhua also drop points with a 1-1 draw at home to mid-table side Dalian Shide.

Shenhua took the lead in the 16th minute courtesy of Colombian Duvier Riascos. They couldn’t hold on though and Shide equalised in the 57th minute. It was their Zambian import James Chamanga that put that back on level terms.

Despite both sides having chances, neither side could find the winner and the game ended 1-1.

It wasn’t a weekend for goal scoring in CSL, with only six goals in the seven games played so far.

Shaanxi Chanba, home of ex-Adelaide United midfielder Jonas Salley, defeated Changchun Yatai 1-0 on Friday Night.

Saturday action saw Tianjin Teda defeat Nanchang Bayi 1-0, whilst on Sunday Henan Jianye defeated Shenzhen Ruby, the new home of All-White defender Chris Killen, 1-0, Hangzhou Lucheng and Chongqing Lifan played out a 0-0 draw, and Chris Coyne’s Liaoning Hongyun went down 1-0 away to Changsha Ginde.

That leaves the table, after 21 games (with the game between Shandong and Jiangsu to be played), as follows:

Shandong Luneng* 41
Shanghai Shenhua  38
Beijing Guoan  32
Hangzhou Lucheng  31
Liaoning Hongyun  30
Tianjin Teda  30
Shaanxi Chanba  29
Henan Jianye  28
Jiangsu Shuntian*  27
Dalian Shide  27
Shenzhen Ruby  24
Changchun Yatai  23
Changsha Ginde  23
Nanchang Bayi  22
Chongqing Lifan  20
Qingdao Jonoon  18
* Game in hand

J.League delivers action in spades

It started as a weekend that could shape the race for the Championship. It ended with the race still wide open.

In an enthralling weekend of J.League action, Nagoya maintained their five point gap at the top of the table with a surprising 1-0 win over Kyoto Sanga FC. Surprising for the fact it wasn’t larger given the gulf between the two sides.

In the end the 21st minute strike from Kanasaki was enough to see Nagoya over the line in front of over 13,000 fans at Mizuho Athletic Stadium in Nagoya. Australian and Golden Boot leader, Josh Kennedy put in a full stint but couldn’t get his name on the scoresheet.

In front of over 51,000 at Saitama Stadium, Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers played out an exciting 1-1 draw.

Robson Ponte fires Urawa into the lead - KYODO PHOTO

Urawa thought they had taken the lead in the 37th minute when a brilliantly delivered set piece from Robson Ponte was flicked on by Edmilson. But his header bounced back off the post and into the grateful hands of Kashima’s Hitoshi Sogahata.
That was about all there was action wise in an otherwise uneventful first half, but the second half was a different story.

Urawa’s claims for a penalty were waved away when Genki Haraguchi went down under Daiki Iwamasa’s challenge, but no more than five minutes later Kashima had a penalty of their own when Sanou clattered into Shinzo Koroki.

Marquinhos, who needed just one goal to take to 100 career J.League goals, stepped up but saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Urawa’s number 1, Norihiro Yamagishi.

Moments later Marquinhos again came agonisingly close when his header came back off the under side of the crossbar and was gathered by Yamagishi.

Yamagishi was proving the hero for Urawa when he made an excellent save outstretched to his left to deny Mitsuo Ogasawara.

After absorbing Kashima’s raids, Urawa started to have a period of dominance that was almost capped off by a superb goal from Tomoya Ugajin. His curling shot from 25 yards cannoned into the crossbar and away to safety.

They would get their goal, however, when Ponte finished brilliantly from the edge of the box in the 81st minute to send the crowd into delirium. Ugajin was almost the hero moments later when he made a dashing run into the box and almost turned the ball in for a second that would have sealed the win for Urawa.

Unfortunately, both he and the ball clattered into the post and he was subsequently stretchered off.
The Reds would suffer the ultimate heartbreak when, in the fifth minute of injury time, the ball fell to substitute Masashi Motoyama on the edge of the box to fire home an equaliser that sent that travelling fans wild.

Kashima’s coach Oswaldo Oliveira was circumspect after the game, but fired a barb at Urawa.

"I think it would have been very bad for us if we had lost, because we had control," he said.

"That's not surprising because I think at this moment Kashima is better than Urawa. We should win the game. But in this situation, a point is good."

It sees Kashima slip seven points behind Nagoya and leaves Oliveira lamenting the sale of their stars Atsuto Uchida and Lee Jung Soo in the summer.

"We miss them because the other teams have grown," he said. "They have brought in new players and at Kashima it has been the opposite. It's difficult."

In other games on Saturday, Cerezo Osaka kept in touch with Nagoya with a comfortable 2-0 win over Omiya Ardija, Vegalta Sendai moved out of the relegation zone, albeit on goal difference courtesy of a 2-1 win over Shonan Bellmare, who are in grave danger of dropping straight back down to J2, Vissel Kobe and FC Tokyo played out a 0-0 draw and Sanfrecce Hiroshima have Croatian Mihael Mikic to thank after he scored the winner just 10 mins after coming on against Montedio Yamagata.

Sunday was a big day of action, with three big clashes taking place.

The first of which saw Yokohama F.Marinos score three times in the second half to defeat Albirex Niigata. Niigata had an early chance when Brazilian midfielder Michael hit the woodwork after just 10 minutes, although were it not for the finger tips of Hiroki Ikura the ball would likely have nestled in the back of the net.

Yokohama then peppered the goal, but struggled to get their shots on target. Niigata should really have taken a 1-0 lead into the break after Marcio Richardes was played in by Hideo Oshima, but with only the keeper to beat, he couldn’t get it past Ikura who saved brilliantly.

It didn’t take Yokohama long after the interval to break the deadlock though. Shunsuke Nakamura played a delightful ball for Koji Yamase who finished with aplomb to put Yokohama up in the 47th minute.

Yamase scores the opener for Yokohama

Just in case his through ball for Yamase didn’t highlight Nakamura’s skill enough, he then fired in a stunning goal in the 71st minute to reinforce his quality. After collecting the ball at the corner of the box, he sized up his opponent, threw in a quick stepover and put the ball to his right and fired home a stunning goal that curled into the bottom corner of the net. There was nothing that Niigata’s keeper Takaya Kurokawa could do top stop it. It had quality written all over it and was a goal worth the price of admission alone.

And then to cap off the day, Nakamura delivered the corner that set up Yokohama’s third, which was knocked home by Aria Hasagawa after, it has to be said, some rather poor keeping.

The win keeps Yokohama within touching distance of the top three and an ACL spot, although with only 12 games to go you’d have to say their chances of closing the 10 point gap to Nagoya and threatening for the title are gone.

Gamba Osaka did as they were expected in front of a packed house at the Expo ’70 Commemorative Stadium, defeating Jubilo Iwata 2-0. They now sit in sixth and like Yokohama, are within touching distance of the top three and an ACL spot.

In the final game of the round, Shimizu recovered from a horror three weeks to record a 2-0 win over Kawasaki Frontale. Jungo Fujimoto opened the scoring in the 16th minute with his eighth goal of the season, whilst Shinji Okazaki finished the job early in the second half with his 10th goal of the season.

The win moves S-Pulse into outright third on 39 points, two clear of Kashima Antlers.

To see all the action from an enthralling weekend of J.League action, tune into Setanta Sports on Thursday night at 7pm for the J.League highlights show.

If you can’t wait until then, visit the following YouTube links for highlights of the following games.

Yokohama F.Marinos vs Albirex Niigata
Urawa Reds vs Kashima Antlers
Nagoya Grampus vs Kyoto Sanga
Gamba Osaka vs Jubilo Iwata
Shimizu S-Pulse vs Kawasaki Frontale

Just who will coach Japan?

If you thought the FFA were slow in replacing Pim Verbeek after the World Cup, spare a thought for fans of the Blue Samurai.

As of August 28, almost a month and a half since the end of the World Cup, the JFA are yet to announce a replacement for Takeshi Okada, a man maligned by his own fans and who offered his resignation (supposedly as a joke according to the man himself) just a handful of weeks before the World Cup after losing 2-0 to Korea Republic in a warm up game.

Many names have been thrown up, including Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa, ex-Mexican coach Javier Aguirre, Jose Pekerman, Manuel Pellegrini, Ernesto Valverde, Marco van Basten and Victor Hernandez.

The only thing the JFA have confirmed is that Okada’s replacement will be a foreigner, and looking at those names above you’d suggest a South American is likely.

Hernandez was rumoured to have agreed terms a week or so ago, but those calls look to have been premature.

JFA Technical Director, who will take charge for Japan’s upcoming friendlies against Paraguay and Guatemala, is under pressure after returning from a recent month-long expedition to Europe with nothing but a handful of rejections.

Hara, however, is confident that an announcement is not too far away, although he has gone back on a previous statement claiming that Saturday was a deadline for the candidates to let the JFA know of their intentions.

"It is a deadline to hear some kind of response. If they want us to wait a little longer, negotiations will continue," Hara said.

That stance seems to be at odds with the JFA President Junji Ogura, who claims the deadline is even further away, stating that the FIFA dates in October represent the deadline for the JFA.

"We've thrown the ball to the candidates and now all we can do is wait for the reply," Ogura told the Nikkan Sports newspaper.

"It's not been easy this time. If talks break down we will have to go back to square one but I want a new coach in place for the two games in October."

Fans of the Blue Samurai have reason to be dismayed by the lack of action from the JFA, with North Korea the only other World Cup nation remaining to announce their new coach. That greatly reduces the field available to the JFA.

The appointment is an important one for the JFA. Although they failed in their lofty ambition of making the final four of the World Cup, they did have a relatively successful tournament in making the last 16, only falling to Paraguay on penalties in a lacklustre affair.

They also found a potential new superstar in CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda.

That said, all the good work from the World Cup will be undone if they leave an announcement any longer. There are just over three months until the Asian Cup, where Japan have been grouped with Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia and preparation will be paramount. If a new coach is only in place by October, that will leave him with as little as 3 games to prepare for the Asian Cup. Hardly ideal preparation.

After a disappointing showing at the 2007 tournament, where they failed to finish in the top three, Japan will be looking to make amends and will be considered as one of the tournament favourites in Qatar.

If they don't make an announcement soon though, they risk jeopardising their campaign, and that will only serve to further frustrate the loyal fans of the Blue Samurai.

J.League on Setanta in September

Setanta Sports Australia have just confirmed their schedule of J.League games to be broadcast across Australia in September.

It's good news for fans of Urawa Reds, FC Tokyo, Shonan Bellmare, Kawasaki Frontale, Yokohama F.Marinos and Vegalta Sendai.

The schedule will be as follows:

Mon 13 / Tue 14 - FC Tokyo vs Urawa Reds (DELAYED - Time TBC)
Sun 19 - Shonan Bellmare vs Kawasaki Frontale (DELAYED - Time TBC)
Sat 25 - Yokohama F.Marinos vs Vegalta Sendai (LIVE @ 8pm AEST)

The weekly highlights show, which is shown each Thursday night at 7:00pm AEST will continue giving viewers a great round up of all the action across the J.League, ensuring you get to see your favourite team in action.

Don't forget that this Sunday 29 August, Setanta will be showing delayed coverage of the Vissel Kobe vs FC Tokyo clash from 9:15pm AEST.

J.League Preview - Round 21

At the end of every season you often look back at a particular weekend as a decisive point in the Championship race.

For the J.League, this could very well be one of those weekends.

Having just passed the half way mark of the season, it may be a little early to be making such claims, but with most of the top teams taking on each other, the results this weekend could be critical.

And the biggest winners could well be the current league leaders, Nagoya Grampus.

Having only lost one of their past eight games, a 4-0 loss to Kawasaki, since the J.League resumed after the World Cup, Nagoya have bolted to the top of the table and sit five points clear of three teams (Cerezo Osaka, Kashima Antlers and Shimizu S-Pulse) who all sit on 36 points.

This weekend Nagoya avoid the Battle Royal at the top of the table, hosting bottom placed Kyoto Sanga FC.

Kyoto have lost all but one of their eight games since the World Cup and haven’t won since Round 4 all the way back on the 27th March when they took all three points with a 3-2 win away to Jubilo Iwata.

With the leagues leading goal scorer in Josh Kennedy, it’s hard to see anything but a rout happening in this game, especially when you consider Kyoto have conceded 16 goals in their last eight games.

In arguably the biggest game of the weekend, fierce rivals Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers will lock horns (no pun intended) at the Saitama Stadium. Despite struggling for form for most of the season, Urawa is still considered one of the big clubs in the J.League, not least because of their passionate fans who always turn out in large numbers.

Kashima, who may not share the same profile, have something much more important – trophies. They are consistently at the top of the table year in year out and have won the past three J.League titles.

They have, however, hit a bit of a rough patch in the last month and have not recorded a win since the end of July. They will be hoping key men Marquinhos and Shinzo Koroki can begin to find their form from the last few years. If Marquinhos does get on the scoresheet, he will celebrate his 100th J.League goal in just 207 games.

Another crucial match will see one-time league leaders Shimizu S-Pulse, who currently sit fourth, take on fifth place Kawasaki Frontale. Both clubs will be looking to bounce back from disappointing losses last week.

Dane Frode Johnsen and Shinji Okazaki, who ironically scored against Denmark for Japan at the World Cup, will lead the line for Shimizu who, with 40 goals, are the leagues leading scorers.

The final game of the Battle Royal will see Yokohama F.Marinos host Albirex Niigata in a mouthwatering clash at Nissan Stadium. Yokohama sits in eighth spot, just a few points behind the chasing pack, but consistency has been their biggest issue this year. Big wins have been followed up by disappointing losses.

Just a few weeks ago they knocked off Shimizu S-Pulse, but followed it up with a disappointing loss to Montedio Yamagata. It is these games that they would be expected to win that might ultimately prove their downfall this year.

After the off-season signing of Japanese legend Shunsuke Nakamura, big things were expected of Yokohama this season, many thinking they could challenge for their first title since they went back-to-back in 2003 and 2004. But it hasn’t turned out that way.

However, if they get the three points here they would be equal on points with Albirex, who currently sit in sixth and depending on other results this weekend could sit just two or three points from the top three and a potential Asian Champions League place.

Albirex will come into the game with momentum, however, having knocked over two of their rivals in the last two weeks. Firstly, they recorded a resounding 4-1 win over Shimizu and followed it up with a 2-1 win over Kawasaki last weekend.

Those results, coupled with a strong run of form over the last 6 weeks, have seen them rise from the relegation zone, where they sat after going without a win in their first eight games, to a genuine contender for an ACL spot.

In other action this weekend Cerezo Osaka, who have surprised many by currently sitting second, take on Omiya Ardija, Vegalta Sendai take on Shonan Bellmare in an important relegation battle, Vissel Kobe host FC Tokyo, whilst Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Montedio Yamagata take on each other in a mid-table clash.

Rounding out the weekend are the dark horses in all the discussions about Championships and ACL places – Gamba Osaka. They currently sit in seventh, equal on points with Yokohama and this weekend host Jubilo Iwata. Much like Yokohama consistency has been their biggest problem, but a win would put them right in the mix for an ACL spot.

With so many important clashes, this weekend could well decide many teams’ fate. But with 13 games to go after this and knowing the topsy-turvy nature of the J.League anything could, and probably will, happen.

For those with Setanta, their feature match this weekend is, unfortunately, Vissel Kobe vs FC Tokyo, which will be shown on delay at 9:15am on Sunday morning.

Dasher’s Predictions:

Urawa 1-1 Kashima
Cerezo Osaka 2-1 Omiya Ardija
Vegalta Sendai 1-0 Shonan Bellmare
Nagoya 4-0 Kyoto Sanga
Vissel Kobe 0-0 FC Tokyo
Sanfrecce Hiroshima 0-1 Montedio Yamagata
Yokohama F.Marinos 0-2 Albirex Niigata
Gamba Osaka 2-0 Jubilo Iwata
Shimizu S-Pulse 1-1 Kawasaki Frontale

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The more things change, the more they stay the same

New coach, new generation, same old squad.

For all the bluster coming from the FFA recently about a “new generation” and a “transition” period, at their first opportunity to highlight that new philosophy they faltered, selecting a squad with more players closer to 30 than 20.

Players of the future such as Tommy Oar, Nikita Rukavytsya and James Holland are all surprise omissions, while tried, tested and, arguably, failed players such as North, McDonald, Garcia all get another chance.

I will cut Holger Osieck some slack as he has only been in the job a matter of weeks so won’t have had the opportunity to run his eye over the players of the future.

This is where strong guidance is needed from his assistant, Auerlio Vidmar and FFA Technical Director, Han Berger.

It’s ironic that just last week Berger was lamenting the fact that not enough young players are given an opportunity in the A-League, criticising clubs for choosing foreigners the nod over promoting a promising young talent.

That’s why it’s such a shame that when the FFA was presented with the same opportunity for the national team they failed the test.

Mark Schwarzer isn’t playing and is 37, there is  real chance he won’t be around in 2014 and if his move to Arsenal eventuates, may not be available in January for the Asian Cup. Why not use this opportunity to give Federici, the man earmarked as his successor, another chance in goal.

Harry Kewell at 32 has to be vey doubtful for 2014, and whilst he is a legend of the game, his time in the national team must surely be coming closer to it’s final chapter.

Fox Sports expert Andy Harper was equally disappointed, describing it as a “massive opportunity missed”.

Let’s hope that the few youngsters that are in the squad are given a start and given an opportunity to prove themselves.