well, that's us stuffed!

Very disappointing start to the World Cup for Australia. Yes, we were dreaming beyond our ability about beating Germany, but a draw wasn't totally out of the question. Team selection was a little puzzling, with Kennedy left out and Cahill & Garcia thrown up front, against two huge centre-backs... and then virtually all our attacks were in the air. I know Cahill has played up front for Everton, but that was with decent creativity behind him. Kewell obviously isn't fit, we knew before the match he was unlikely to play.

That one decent chance in the first few minutes might have changed the game if it had gone in, but after that, we were wholeheartedly thrashed. Germany looked very good, with several fresh faces not seen at this level before. Ozil, apart from his ridiculous dive which rightfully got carded, looked very dangerous and four of the five strikers bagged goals. If they haven't peaked too early, they will be right in the mix for the final.

Our defence looked old and slow. Lucas Neill has a reputation as a leg-breaker, and was lucky not to get sent off for a knee straight in the back of Klose, very little attempt to get the ball. Cahill copped a shocker from the Mexican referee who obviously keeps the local Brylcreem factory in business. Yes it was a sloppy tackle, but there were no boots in there, no malice at all. It wouldn't even have got in the top 10 worst tackles of the match.

Without Cahill, we are stuffed. Avenues to goal are almost entirely snuffed out, and our only hope of qualifying now is winning the remaining group games. Ah well, at least it leaves me more time to do the form for Royal Ascot and Wimbledon!

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