world cup

Despite all the pressure and an opponent with a lot to play for, the Socceroos were a revelation, thumped Jordan and took a giant step towards qualification.

Nothing less than a win would do for the Socceroos. For Jordan, a win would be a big step towards 2nd spot. There was everything to play for, and while the Socceroos and their fans were confident, particularly after last week, we'd all seen the Socceroos stumble against Oman a couple of months ago.

A fascinating game with a much improved performance from Australia. Up against an in-form Japan, at home, at a stadium they haven't lost at for yonks, with qualification completed if they got a result, we were really up against it. In a surprisingly open game we almost pulled off a famous victory before having to settle for a draw.

A match that was talked up as a comfortable win for Australia was very nearly a disaster of epic proportions. As it was, we were lucky to escape with a draw. Jordan defeated Japan overnight meaning we've slipped to third in our group. It's going to be very tough from here to ensure we achieve a top-2 spot.

After a lacklustre first half from both teams, Australia looked to be getting on top in the second and pressing for the win. Then disaster, caught on the break and down 0-1 with 15 minutes to go. Almost miraculously we turned it around in five minutes when Tim Cahill (who else) headed home, followed by Archie Thompson with his third goal in three games. A priceless away win that sees us climb to second spot in the group at the half-way stage of the final round.

Groan. What a disaster - a 1-2 loss to a weaker team. We were out-thought and out-played and "something must be done". It's not panic stations yet. Realistically we should still finish 2nd in our group and qualify for Brazil directly. But another loss could make it very difficult and I'm sure everyone would rather avoid play-offs, especially as the 5th-placed South American team lies at the end of that.

Japan arrived full of confidence and in form. Australia arrived battle-weary from a tough away match in Oman. But it didn't seem to matter. Australia threw everything into the match, while Japan absorbed it and used their skill. It was a thrilling match that finished 1-1. Probably a fair result, all things considered.

Oman sought to make the most of their home advantage, starting the game at 5:00pm in 32 deg heat. Both sides had their chances, Australia perhaps slightly ahead here, but neither side managed to score. An away drawis a pretty good result under tough conditions.

Our next opponents, Japan, have had the luxury of two home games and are in tip-top form with a 3-0 win over Oman and a 6-0 win over Jordan (although Jordan played with 10 men from 2-0 down). Japan will arrive full of confidence for what should be a very tough match for Australia.

The Socceroos were a bit scratchy in the first and the Saudis deserved their lead at the break. A devastating spell from the Aussies saw them comfortably home and they finished top of their group.

It had been a while since our last game. In addition Osieck had made some changes to the line up, eg. the return on Bresciano. So a little roughness around the edges is to be expected. The Saudis attacked well in the first half and lead twice after Brosque's first cancelled out their lead. Our defence was a little poor at times and it was disappointing to concede so close to half-time.

The floods in Thailand forced a change of venue, but that didn't put off the Thais. They played out of their skin and deserved something from this match. Unlike last month though, we hung tough and scored the winner through Brett Holman.

What a difference a month makes. After an excellent effort last time, we failed to show up and went down 0-1 in an insipid performance. We really need to eliminate these poor performances from our repertoire and become more consistent. Annoying.