Time to get serious

Spain 4-0 Ukraine

Spain were in sublime form as they ran amok over a stunned Ukrainian team. Ukraine, coached by the Soviet disciplinarian Oleg Blokhin, came into the tournament with the reputation for being a well-drilled, tactically sound unit boasting the first true East European superstar since the halcyon days of Ferenc Puskas in Andriy Shevchenko. They were supossed to provide firm oppsosition to a young Spanish side wracked by indecision uncertainty. Some were even tipping a first place finish for Ukraine.

But Spain made a farce of these predictions. The Ukrainians were not allowed to settle into their gameplan, and looked well out of their depth, which they are not. Their squad has plenty of Champions League experience against the very best of Europe and South America. Nonetheless, Spain were too good. People will say that the red carding of Vaschuk was unfair, and that David Villa's first goal took a fortunate deflection, but there is no detracting from Spain's allround superiority over the entire 90 minutes.

The Spanish squad has more depth than any non-Brazilian team in the world. Six of the players I had predicted would start did not. But the team lost nothing in quality. Every player has at least three other players on the bench who is covetously looking at his position in the team. And every one of them is good enough to be a starter. Around the core of Casillas, Puyol, Xavi (Hernandez, not Alonso) and Raul, there are 19 players vying for 7 spots, all equally capable!!!

Raul came on as a subsitute and displayed his vintage touch on several occasions. Make no mistake, as the tournament he will feature more heavily. His sidelining for the opener was a move to relieve pressure on him, a masterstroke by Aragones. By the time they walk onto the field against Brazil in the quarterfinals, Raul will be leading this young side from the front in his 99th cap. And mark my words, he will play the full 90-120 minutes as required.

Xavi does not look like a man who has missed most of the European season. His passing and vision to create from a deep midfield position was delighful. He is going to instigate a demolition of Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. Fernando Torres's speed and intensity on the ball was also impressive, but he will be severely tested by Lucio and Juan in the quarterfinal. Luis Garcia's agression and Marcos Senna's keen left boot are an added bonus for a team that is full of options and variety all over the field.

Spain has performed like before on the world stage, but usually after they have been eliminated, such as the 6-1 crucification of Bulgaria in France 8 years ago. This is the first time in 50 years Spain has begun in such spectacular fashion. If they can keep this up, the inevitable showdown with Brazil will be a treat to watch. People often comment on how the Spaniards "hypocritically" claim that La Liga is the best in the world whilst succesive generations of Spanish stars have failed to deliver on the world stage. I will write a detailed piece on this topic, but right now it seems inappropriate. I am going to enjoy Spain's moment in the sun as long as it lasts. I have waited 10 years for this, and will save the criticisms for later.........

Now to the topic thats on everyone's lips. Aus vs Brazil. Before I write about the Australian perspective, here's what Brazil is planning.....

After a gruelling season for the top stars in Europe, Brazil had a low key preparation with matches against New Zealand and some amateur teams. They will view the group stage as a further building exercise. They dealt with Croatia rather easily despite only scoring once. The efforts level was probably no more than 60-5%. Against Australia, this will increase, but not to 100%. They will keep plenty in reserve. The Japan match will be a trouncing because I believe they will play periods of maximal intensity to prep themselves for the elimination rounds. By the second round, Brazil will be hitting their straps and getting ready to shine. Their likely opponents, the Czechs, will be their preference. The Czechs play an open game with plenty of fast ball movement which will suit the Brazilians just fine. Next will be the highly anticipated quarterfinal match against Spain. This will be an entertaining encounter. Brazil will be at full throttle by the time they see off the Spanish challenge in preparation for a tough semi against Italy. The Azurri will revert to their catanaccio style for this one, as they will believe that their best chance of a win is on the counter attack. They will sit back and try to contain and frustate the champions. Despite a monumental struggle, Brazil will win, probably only by one goal, two at most. The final will just be a formality, the icing on the cake.

From the Socceroos' perspective, this will be the most important match in Australian soccer history. Once in a long while, an opportunity such as this comes along to make an impact on the world stage. The Australians will be relishing this David and Goliath clash to use an oft-quoted cliche.

At least 2 or maybe 3 goals will be required to salvage a point from this one. The Australian defence is too weak to keep Brazil to less than 2 goals I think. Aloisi and Cahill have to start for this to happen. WIlkshire is too slow and uncreative to be of much use against Brazil, and either Culina or Bresciano will also have to miss out I feel. The key men will however be Kewell and Grella. It is rare that an opportunity such as this lands at the feet of one who has the capability to alter the course of history, football history at least. But thats exactly whats in store for Harry Kewell- I'm not an admirer of Kewell because of his vainglory and dubious allegiances, but his skill is unquestionable. If Australia is to make any sort of impact on Brazil, Kewell will have to be the orchestrator. He's in for a tough time though, against Emerson and Ze Roberto in the centre of Brazil's midfield. Vincenzo Grella is the most underestimated Australian player I have ever seen. It has taken a true master like Hiddink to recongnize Vinnie's hidden talent. His role as the midfield anchor will be crucial as he will be in charge of stopping Kaka and Ronaldinho from getting too close to goal. I dont envy his task, but this match could redefine his career. He is already highly rated by his Italian club Parma. But a solid showing against the champions would make him the most sought after player from a "second-string" footballing nation.....