Kuwait makes Australia look overrated

March 12, 2009

It was embarrassing and humiliating but Australia’s 1-0 loss to Kuwait could be a blessing in disguise. It should eliminate any doubts of complacency and ensure the Socceroos treat all opposition with the respect they deserve. The days of an Australian team being made up entirely of local players looks over.

Compared to the trials and tribulations of past World Cup qualifiers, this one has been a walk in the park for Australia. At the halfway stage of the campaign they have a six point buffer over third place. They haven’t been playing good soccer but have still been producing results. With three of the final four qualifiers at home, it would require nothing short of a debacle of titanic proportions for them not to qualify.

Maybe it was this which led to some arrogance. A point in Jakarta against Indonesia wasn’t a good result but it wasn’t a bad one either. The loss to Kuwait on home soil though was a complete fiasco. The side showed no signs of cohesion and they made an average Kuwait team look significantly better than they are.

Kuwait finished last in their group in the third round of World Cup qualification, after taking just four points from a possible 18. Against Australia, the soccer betting viewed them as the longest of long shots; but yet they came out and won.

This is the last match of the Asian Cup qualifiers which comes during the World Cup window. The next match is in November long after the World Cup campaign has ended. Three of the next four matches are on FIFA dates which should result in a much better Australian side. The only match which isn’t is the return leg to Kuwait.

For that game, Australia will most likely field some European based players and the element of revenge should be a motivating force.

The chance for redemption comes on April 1 against Uzbekistan. A win then can see them become the first team after South Africa to qualify for the World Cup.

David Wiseman is a sports journalist, who also writes about cricket and tennis for Betfair Australia. He is particularly looking forward to the remaining World Cup qualifiers, and is keeping himself occupied with afl football until they begin.

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