Liverpool FC Forum

by **Lionheart** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:38 pm

In their final warmup prior to meeting Japan in the opening group F match, Australia has beaten Liechtenstein 3-1. All four goals were scored by Australians...Sterjovski, Kennedy & Aliosi for & Lucas Neil against. A 1-1 half time scoreline just about summed up the entire day.

Despite the 3-1 scoreline, Australia looked lethargic, uninspired and lacking ideas.

Not sure what the pre match brief was from Guus but we looked ordinary. Admittedly, there were seven changes from the Holland match and HK had his first start since the FA Cup final. In fact Guus bought on two of the 'junior' players (those bought in for the training camp to gain some experience for the future).

Harry looked (at best) 50%...looked stiff...in fact he looked injured. I'm presuming he is holding a lot back because on that performance he looked no better than he did just prior to be substituted in the final against West Ham. Doesn't look good to me. He shouldn't be played at any less than 90% fitness.

Having said that Australia, even without Harry, can take all three points against Japan. I am 100% sure of that. Can't wait for an exciting tournament.

by **adamnbarrett** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 9:30 pm

how long did Kewell play for Lionheart?

by **laza** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 12:19 am

About an hour Adam

Yeah they did look scratchy , though in some ways maybe a good thing might burst a few of the hype balloons.
As you said wasnt exactly the first 11

by **Lionheart** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 3:34 am

Kewell came off 15-20 mins into the second half (as Laza suggests). He looked VERY underdone and very tentative but may have been just protecting it all. He did look comfortable during the last training session so giving him the benefit of the doubt. I just hope Guus doesn't play him if he's not at least 90% (if not more) as this is a chronic injury and more suseptible to re-injury. Fingers crossed lads.

by **Lionheart** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 3:40 am

Agreed Laza, the media is beating things up to the point of ridiculousness here. You would swear we are a real chance to beat the world at this tournament, when in fact the 'realists' are saying, "get through the group stage and we'll reassess our chances from there.

It's likely (if we finish second in the groups) that we will 'probably' meet Italy. Making it to this stage took 32 years...and that's the EASY part. It just gets harder from here. Let's just enjoy the thrill of being there and soaking up the atmosphere. We'll build from there.

by **laza** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 4:08 am

Im rapted we are there Lionheart , i just want see some good performances against our group opponents. To get through would be a major bonus.
I agree about Kewell, i really hope for both Liverpool and National side as well, Harry is used as an impact weapon off the bench. At this current stage i think it would be the best use of him anyway

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Australia v liechtenstein - Final warm up

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