I've gotta say, this forum is so much better than the last in every way. Bravo!! It's a big reason why I'm more active on it. The last was just so tiresome even to just log in to post one comment. The functionality on here is exceptional. Well done!!

If nothing else, my day has been brightened up by Qatar getting thumped 5-0!

With 5 wins only from 16 matches at this stage of qualifying across this campaign and the previous one, history suggests it's extremely unlikely we'll win 2 consecutive matches.

Yup, 100% agree. It's pretty simple. Create the chances and take the shots when they come. We fail on both counts.

A few thoughts: * China are perhaps best placed to finish 2nd given they've played Japan twice. * Home games remaining: Japan 3, Australia 2, China 2, Indonesia 2, Saudi 2, Bahrain 1 * Before next window in March Indonesia play 4 matches, Saudi play 3 and Bahrain play 2 which will help them be...

Looks like Diks has finished a bit prematurely. (That's the best I've got!)

At midpoint of this phase of qualifying, Japan, South Korea and Iran will all be on 13 points, and Australia will be on 6. I think that tells you everything you need to know.

This needs a clever response... any takers?

I was there last night. My 28th time watching the Socceroos and the first for my son, which was cool. Here's my very quick observations: * We're dreadful in the front third, just bereft of any creativity to unlock defences and get shots on goal. * In general terms, this is a very weak squad. It...

Maybe I'm just taking a glass half empty mentality but when I look at these stats, all I see is that we had 2 shots on target over the course of 100 minutes, in a crucial qualifier at home. Same old story. We so rarely force the opposition keeper to make a save. That's what it comes down to...

To set expectations a little, we've only won a combined 5 games out of 14 in this stage of qualifying across this campaign and the previous one. We took 1 point only against Saudi from our home and away matches last qualifying campaign and didn't score in either match. Whilst Saudi have some key...

My concern is where the goals are going to come from for us in these two games, especially with Goodwin missing the first one. Not sure there's too many goals in this team against decent opposition.

Some of these call ups by Popovic are utterly perplexing. First Brattan, and now the return of Grant and Degenek. Archie Thompson and Matt McKay might be a chance for a call up next window. If these decisions were being made by Arnie, we'd be hanging him out to dry. Granted, Geria and Vellupilay...