The Moot Point

What’s happening at youth level?

It can only be described as another poor result. The U-20 Young Socceroos defeated by Costa Rica 3-2 after being totally outplayed by Ecuador in the first game of the U-20 World Cup in Colombia.

Despite managing to scrape a 1-1 draw, thanks to a magnificent free-kick from Tommy Oar, Ecuador certainly had the Young Socceroos’ measure.

What happened against Costa Rica? If reports and rumours were true going into the tournament then it must be said that these players were the best for many a year to come at that age level.

Perhaps even another golden generation was mooted. So how can a team which tried so hard to play out from the back against Ecuador seem so impotent against the determination of the midfield of their opponents?

Young Socceroos Head Coach Jan Versleijen must accept some responsibility here. The performances recently of the U-17 Joeys in their World Cup were poor too and Versleijen is now the common link.

Australia, at both U-17 and U-20 level, have struggled for a decade under the guidance of both Ange Postecoglou and now his successor Versleijen.

Even though Postecoglou has gone on to prove himself with Brisbane Roar at Hyundai A-League level, with Brisbane Roar he was a major let down as national youth coach, and has publicly stated as much.

I find it amazing, given our stagnation at this level, that the most successful Young Socceroos coach ever, Les Scheinflug, is not even involved as a consultant. We need to do something fast.


Grassroots Award

It’s great to see that the average football volunteer is going to be recognised.

The blurb for the awards reads as follows: “You might be the one who volunteers to put up the nets at the crack of dawn. You might be the stalwart who’s always last the leave the clubhouse. Your team might have won with style and sporting spirit that had the opponents applauding.”

The Australian Football Awards are now open for nominations of football’s grassroots legends.

The awards, conducted by the FFA, to recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and groups in football are certainly worth entering and they deserve all the recognition that the media can muster.

Further details can be found here. You have until 5pm on 19 August 2011 to enter.


Socceroos back in action

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has selected a squad of 18 players for the international friendly against Wales at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday morning our time.

Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer and Scott McDonald return to the Socceroos squad after periods of absence.

Brett Emerton is also expected to become the second most capped Socceroo, behind Mark Schwarzer, if he equals Alex Tobin’s total of 87 A-Internationals.

This will be the first official match between Wales and Australia at senior men’s international level, but as usual the majority of the Australian population will not be able to see the game as it an exclusive pay television event.

It will be great to see our national team back in action.