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U20 WC 2025 Australia match thread

We shouldn’t blame the players or the manager really, as soon as I saw the dates for this WC I knew we’d be struggling.
No one competition/match-fit.

In saying that, you can’t ignore the missed opportunities against Italy.. should’ve won that game in all honesty..

That performance showed enough ability to take the game to Argentina… but holy smokes were we weak in the contest, from the get go.
 
JS96 said:
I'm a nutshell Toure wasteful and too fancy. Esposito weak. Hall did his best. Bennie was generally off. Overy impressive.
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I’d agree with that, thought Bennie mostly held his own. Toure, it’s harsh, but wow the inability to turn with the ball or get his body in the correct position to get a pass off was embarrassing, killed the majority of our moves going forward.
 
The4MW said:
I’d agree with that, thought Bennie mostly held his own. Toure, it’s harsh, but wow the inability to turn with the ball or get his body in the correct position to get a pass off was embarrassing, killed the majority of our moves going forward.
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Toure spent more time hyping the crowd. Disappointing today. I'm still satisfied with the effort and the final score flattered Argentina.

The VAR calls were correct but what if the shoe was on the other foot?
 
The4MW said:
We shouldn’t blame the players or the manager really, as soon as I saw the dates for this WC I knew we’d be struggling.
No one competition/match-fit.

In saying that, you can’t ignore the missed opportunities against Italy.. should’ve won that game in all honesty..

That performance showed enough ability to take the game to Argentina… but holy smokes were we weak in the contest, from the get go.
Click to expand...

The idea that a-league has to wait for nrl and afl season to finish for its season is getting more reckless by the year.
 
Argentina too strong, too smart, too skillful. Their keeper was their only weak link.
Toure not good enough at centre forward. We need another Kosta Salapasides (scored four goals from four chances against Argentina in 1997)
Having said that, we were hard done by. The Quintal goal being disallowed was bullshit.
Everyone did try their best; however Argentina is a great football nation and we are not.
 
Just looking at permutations (Since you know I love it)
Essentially, we need a win to qualify, and then some things to go our way. I can't really confirm what is needed until the final two groups play, but at the moment, that looks like including:
  • Australia defeats Cuba
  • Brazil and Spain to specifically draw in their match
  • Same with Panama and South Korea.
From what I can see, those 3 results combined would mean we progress, regardless of anything else that happens in the other two groups on Matchday 2
 
I'd go as far to say Toure was woeful in both games. He reminded me of when Usain Bolt trialled at CCM. Harsh I know but my word at times he looked like his balance, first touch and general positioning was so far from what it needs to be.

Agree Overy at 17 looks a great prospect and fantastic to hear that he has committed to the Socceroos long term.

This could be controversial...I'm all for the quick passing and transitions but so often it seemed like it was a case of move the ball quick and deal with the consequences later. Often passed our way into trouble and the player on the receiving end had no options or was pressed against the sideline etc. Love the one touch game and flick ons have their place but if you are always in top gear without perception of how the play is building then more often than not it will very quickly break down which showed.

Also as mentioned it was disappointing how weak we were in the challenge, especially in the first half. Sometimes you need one of your bulkier players eg Bennie to just meet a stand up challenge full force with a swing of the hips to let the opposition know you're up for the contest. We allowed the ferocity of their press on to us because we didn't bark back enough in the first 30. These are Argentinians after all and getting under their skin is always a worthwhile tactic.

Boys should still be proud as they won a continental trophy to even make an appearance and a good performance and win against Cuba will ease the hurt.
 
It's great to be there given the woeful past years of failing in Asia and missing out. It's a pretty insightful time being able to see these players in action together. A lot to work on and some positives we can use.
 
I wouldn't judge too harshly given where some of these players are in their seasons. It's great experience for them.
 
Argentina looked a class above....
Cuba drew with Italy suggesting it won't be an easy game to come....oh well
 
Just as i predicted, Aus loss both games and i doubt they will beat Cuba.
 
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