Saturday, June 24, 2006

Which keeper to use for the Socceroos?



Hiddink faces a dilemma on whether to choose Schwarzer o Kalac for the Italy game. For me, Schwarzer is the better shot stopper, but Kalac will have the physical presence to thwart aerial attacks. Judging from Matarazi's headed goal versus the Czech Republic, Kalac can provide an effective defensive weapon in this regard. The problem is his lack of match time, being understudy to Brazilian Dida at AC Milan. This showed in the calamatous 2nd goal conceded to Croatia. Prior to that, he collected a ball from the air then almost dropped it across his own goal line. I think a top notch goalkeeper like Kalac will learn from this and not these lapses of concentration get the better of him versus Italy. The Italians will also be lulled at taking long range potshots at his goal, expecting him to make the same blunder, rather than play attacking football on the ground. So Guus, pick Kalac, in my opinion.

Some of the Cocceroos believe that their edge lies in superior stamina and fitness. I reckon this will be a great asset in the knockout game against the Azzuri.

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