BRING ON ITALY
Lots of screaming! suffered a series of heart attacks! I cried again! couldn't believe the game! hadn't been so on edge since Korea vs Spain 2002 WC! I'm Elated! Simply Elated!!!
This has got to be the game of the tournament (at least thus far). SUch a battle. Australia really has a habit of putting on a show. If you don't know what i mean...where have you been????!!!! That was the ultimate. And then seeing the emotion of Craig Foster and Rale Rasic after the match...my heart was with them all!
I thought Neill (as always) was outstanding as was Moore and Chipperfield, Cahill (did great defensively), Kewell, Emerton, Culina (brilliant), Bresciano, and Viduka was good (despite being so heavily marked.)
I loved it when the SBS football guy turned to Rasic and said, "Let's talk about the Coratian performance..." and Rasic just jumps in with "I don't care! All I care about is the green and gold!" (and he's wearing his Australia scarf so proudly...awww:)
That summed it up for me. It was a tough game, a bit shakey at times, and some poor decisions from the ref, but who cares? We won.
I went on the Sydney Morning Herald forums after (as has become my habit) and people from all over the world are all commenting. I thought I might include some of my favourite remarks for your pleasure:
"WOO HOO HOO!!!!! YIPPEE DO DA DAY!!!"
"Congratulations from Sweden...The Socceroos has amongst the biggest hearts of this tournament and I won't be surprised if you beat the cocky Italians! Well done!"
"That was a fantastic game against Croatia. Heart in mouth stuff from start to finish"
"I think I wet my pants after that match. Unbelievable"
"Harry Kewell - Harry Cooool!!!!!
Of course I'd really like England to win but I can't help but love those aussies...."
"Makes me wish us English had as much passion, drive and motivation as you lot. well done, beat the italians and good luck!!"
"Here's to and England v Australia semi-final (although I'm more confident on seeing Australia there than England at the moment!)" [posted by a "pom living in Australia"]
"Does this mean Josip Simunic now holds the world record for most yellow cards received in one game?"
"I think Italy will use the match as a selection trial for the next FINA diving championships."
"Fantastic. Amazing. Inspiring. What else is there to say.... watching the game over here in the UK we are certainly impressing the world. It is already being referred as the "game of the world cup".Where are all the people who said Australia would lose all of our 3 games?!"
"Doubt Vidukas men at your peril"
"Whooopeee. My nails are bitten right down....great match Aussies. You never lost your composure and never gave in. Way to go. Bring on Italy. Oi! Oi! Oi! I live in Japan and the Japanese are still stunned...they thought if anything it would be Croatia and Brazil to go through...Go boys go!"
"A proper nail-biter that one!"
Refereeing - Appalling
Kewell - Redeeming
Lucas Neill - Australia's Next Prime Minister.
"Feel for Kalac though....the guy has put his career in jeopardy repeatedly for the National Team, mostly to sit on the bench. He doesn't deserve any abuse, none. He's sacrificed it all for this team. As far a superlatives, you can't go past Lucas Neill....the mans an absolute legend. He wasn't beaten at all and he's just an absolute rock!...I'm over the moon!"
"Fighters deserve to win! Bring more drama!"
"Jimmeny crickets! It's fantastic that we got through but that was a dog's breakfast of a game."
The whole crowd in the pub was singing for several minutes... first "Advance Australia Fair", then "Stand up [for the Socceroos]", and finally "Waltzing Matilda"
"Talk about edge of your seat entertainment!"
Just four words to describe the feelings of all long suffering aussie supporters "I told you so!"
Hey apparently next World Cup is going to be played with Croatian Rules - backs are allowed to punch the ball away and everyone gets three yellow cards"
Not as good a performance as against Brazil but who cares we are through!! For me, Lucas Neill was Man of the Match. Viduka did well, his presence drawing Croatian defenders to him and often meant 1 Aussie attacker was left free in the box. Harry certainly had one of his better games and is regaining his fitness. Lovely strike! But such a great effort from the Socceroos! Bravo, Socceroos!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Come on, lay off Kalac - it was a shocker but I bet you he feels it more than anyone. Let's just enjoy the moment. And to all those faithless clowns who said we would not get through and that we were below the class required - I have only these words: "I told you so." Suffer you muppets! Go Australia!
THIS MORNING I SAW PRIDE AND SPIRIT OVERCOME TERRIBLE LUCK. I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE PROUD AS AN AUSSIE.
Get of Kalac' back. He had a shocker, so what. We got the bacon!!! GO BOYS!!!
When will Lucas Neill, Vince Grella and the ever reliable, ever available Craig Moore get their just deserts? His has been coming for 10 years.
The socceroos, to their credit, have fought all the way. And unlike our other codes, they're literally taking on the world. Good onya boys- you're doing us proud!
Hey, Lay off Kalac. How many people here calling him a "disgrace" are world cup goalkeepers. Nervous times call for nerves of steel. He messed up. He'd be feeling bad enough as it is. All those cheering on the Aussie spirit should also remember Aussie mateship - Chin up Kalac, she'll be right mate. Hold your head up.
And talking of inconsistent Harry, he played pretty well today (No way man of the match over the like of Lucas Neill).
I'm not even an Aussie national but I have loved watching the Socceroos in this tournament. Not only are they more skilled than I would have given them credit for but they play with the flare and determination that I would kill to see in my own nation's (England) side. Go Australia!!!
The most pleasing aspect for me was that Australia overcame the odds not simply with 'team spirit'. As Rale Rasic commented at the end of the match, they've always had that. Now, I am so amazingly heartened to say that Australia TECHNICALLY deserved to win - or get a result. Which they duly did. It has truly been an amazing fortnight. I have just watched Australia play equal to, or outclass the Asian champions, the world champions and a feared Croatian team. Indeed. Why the hell not?
Ok, so Kalac had an absolute Barry - I feel sorry for the guy... The real issue are these mutts they have officiating - when are we going to get ONE decent official?? I dread to think what is going to happen against Italy - those guys have better diving technique than Greg Louganis, so the pea will be well an truly blown out of the whistle!
(And as much as I really don't think the Kalac abuse is right or even deserved, I just had to put this last comment in, coz it is so funny)
What does K.A.L.A.C. stand for ?
Keeper Acting Like A Croatian !!!!
In other WC happenings, you would all like to know that Portugal topped their group with maximum points, winning thier final group match against Mexico 2:1 (mostly playing their "B" side, coz Scolari wanted to reast his five yellow-carded A team player)! Here are some priceless comments from the commentator:
"Even their 'B' team is good"
"First goal scored by Portugal (in this tournament) which hasn't involved Figo"
"Portugal playing some beautiful football"
"Simao took the ball on and on and on. Who was marking Maniche? Nobody!" (After Maniche scores from some distance).
"This is a rip-roaring game!"
"Still Luis Figo (as Figo expertly dribbles through the Mexican defense)... He's an old'un but he's a good'un"
"Are they dancing?"
"Rafael Markis [not sure of name spelling] bizarrely handles the ball. What was he thinking about?"
"Somewhat of an irony that this Portugese performance is probably the best of the championship so far and yet its a 'B' side"
I suppose it teaches us to never doubt the Portugese! Holland, here we come!!!
Thanks for reading this far down (I know its been a long'un)
This has got to be the game of the tournament (at least thus far). SUch a battle. Australia really has a habit of putting on a show. If you don't know what i mean...where have you been????!!!! That was the ultimate. And then seeing the emotion of Craig Foster and Rale Rasic after the match...my heart was with them all!
I thought Neill (as always) was outstanding as was Moore and Chipperfield, Cahill (did great defensively), Kewell, Emerton, Culina (brilliant), Bresciano, and Viduka was good (despite being so heavily marked.)
I loved it when the SBS football guy turned to Rasic and said, "Let's talk about the Coratian performance..." and Rasic just jumps in with "I don't care! All I care about is the green and gold!" (and he's wearing his Australia scarf so proudly...awww:)
That summed it up for me. It was a tough game, a bit shakey at times, and some poor decisions from the ref, but who cares? We won.
I went on the Sydney Morning Herald forums after (as has become my habit) and people from all over the world are all commenting. I thought I might include some of my favourite remarks for your pleasure:
"WOO HOO HOO!!!!! YIPPEE DO DA DAY!!!"
"Congratulations from Sweden...The Socceroos has amongst the biggest hearts of this tournament and I won't be surprised if you beat the cocky Italians! Well done!"
"That was a fantastic game against Croatia. Heart in mouth stuff from start to finish"
"I think I wet my pants after that match. Unbelievable"
"Harry Kewell - Harry Cooool!!!!!
Of course I'd really like England to win but I can't help but love those aussies...."
"Makes me wish us English had as much passion, drive and motivation as you lot. well done, beat the italians and good luck!!"
"Here's to and England v Australia semi-final (although I'm more confident on seeing Australia there than England at the moment!)" [posted by a "pom living in Australia"]
"Does this mean Josip Simunic now holds the world record for most yellow cards received in one game?"
"I think Italy will use the match as a selection trial for the next FINA diving championships."
"Fantastic. Amazing. Inspiring. What else is there to say.... watching the game over here in the UK we are certainly impressing the world. It is already being referred as the "game of the world cup".Where are all the people who said Australia would lose all of our 3 games?!"
"Doubt Vidukas men at your peril"
"Whooopeee. My nails are bitten right down....great match Aussies. You never lost your composure and never gave in. Way to go. Bring on Italy. Oi! Oi! Oi! I live in Japan and the Japanese are still stunned...they thought if anything it would be Croatia and Brazil to go through...Go boys go!"
"A proper nail-biter that one!"
Refereeing - Appalling
Kewell - Redeeming
Lucas Neill - Australia's Next Prime Minister.
"Feel for Kalac though....the guy has put his career in jeopardy repeatedly for the National Team, mostly to sit on the bench. He doesn't deserve any abuse, none. He's sacrificed it all for this team. As far a superlatives, you can't go past Lucas Neill....the mans an absolute legend. He wasn't beaten at all and he's just an absolute rock!...I'm over the moon!"
"Fighters deserve to win! Bring more drama!"
"Jimmeny crickets! It's fantastic that we got through but that was a dog's breakfast of a game."
The whole crowd in the pub was singing for several minutes... first "Advance Australia Fair", then "Stand up [for the Socceroos]", and finally "Waltzing Matilda"
"Talk about edge of your seat entertainment!"
Just four words to describe the feelings of all long suffering aussie supporters "I told you so!"
Hey apparently next World Cup is going to be played with Croatian Rules - backs are allowed to punch the ball away and everyone gets three yellow cards"
Not as good a performance as against Brazil but who cares we are through!! For me, Lucas Neill was Man of the Match. Viduka did well, his presence drawing Croatian defenders to him and often meant 1 Aussie attacker was left free in the box. Harry certainly had one of his better games and is regaining his fitness. Lovely strike! But such a great effort from the Socceroos! Bravo, Socceroos!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Come on, lay off Kalac - it was a shocker but I bet you he feels it more than anyone. Let's just enjoy the moment. And to all those faithless clowns who said we would not get through and that we were below the class required - I have only these words: "I told you so." Suffer you muppets! Go Australia!
THIS MORNING I SAW PRIDE AND SPIRIT OVERCOME TERRIBLE LUCK. I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE PROUD AS AN AUSSIE.
Get of Kalac' back. He had a shocker, so what. We got the bacon!!! GO BOYS!!!
When will Lucas Neill, Vince Grella and the ever reliable, ever available Craig Moore get their just deserts? His has been coming for 10 years.
The socceroos, to their credit, have fought all the way. And unlike our other codes, they're literally taking on the world. Good onya boys- you're doing us proud!
Hey, Lay off Kalac. How many people here calling him a "disgrace" are world cup goalkeepers. Nervous times call for nerves of steel. He messed up. He'd be feeling bad enough as it is. All those cheering on the Aussie spirit should also remember Aussie mateship - Chin up Kalac, she'll be right mate. Hold your head up.
And talking of inconsistent Harry, he played pretty well today (No way man of the match over the like of Lucas Neill).
I'm not even an Aussie national but I have loved watching the Socceroos in this tournament. Not only are they more skilled than I would have given them credit for but they play with the flare and determination that I would kill to see in my own nation's (England) side. Go Australia!!!
The most pleasing aspect for me was that Australia overcame the odds not simply with 'team spirit'. As Rale Rasic commented at the end of the match, they've always had that. Now, I am so amazingly heartened to say that Australia TECHNICALLY deserved to win - or get a result. Which they duly did. It has truly been an amazing fortnight. I have just watched Australia play equal to, or outclass the Asian champions, the world champions and a feared Croatian team. Indeed. Why the hell not?
Ok, so Kalac had an absolute Barry - I feel sorry for the guy... The real issue are these mutts they have officiating - when are we going to get ONE decent official?? I dread to think what is going to happen against Italy - those guys have better diving technique than Greg Louganis, so the pea will be well an truly blown out of the whistle!
(And as much as I really don't think the Kalac abuse is right or even deserved, I just had to put this last comment in, coz it is so funny)
What does K.A.L.A.C. stand for ?
Keeper Acting Like A Croatian !!!!
In other WC happenings, you would all like to know that Portugal topped their group with maximum points, winning thier final group match against Mexico 2:1 (mostly playing their "B" side, coz Scolari wanted to reast his five yellow-carded A team player)! Here are some priceless comments from the commentator:
"Even their 'B' team is good"
"First goal scored by Portugal (in this tournament) which hasn't involved Figo"
"Portugal playing some beautiful football"
"Simao took the ball on and on and on. Who was marking Maniche? Nobody!" (After Maniche scores from some distance).
"This is a rip-roaring game!"
"Still Luis Figo (as Figo expertly dribbles through the Mexican defense)... He's an old'un but he's a good'un"
"Are they dancing?"
"Rafael Markis [not sure of name spelling] bizarrely handles the ball. What was he thinking about?"
"Somewhat of an irony that this Portugese performance is probably the best of the championship so far and yet its a 'B' side"
I suppose it teaches us to never doubt the Portugese! Holland, here we come!!!
Thanks for reading this far down (I know its been a long'un)