Osieck proud of Socceroos´ win

Australian manager Holger Osieck was delighted with his players after they claimed an upset 2-1 win in Germany on Wednesday.

What made the friendly victory even more impressive was the fact that the Socceroos trailed at half-time, through Mario Gomez’s 26th minute strike.

A change in strategy at half-time saw Australia start well, before a Blackpool wing-back David Carney goal and a Luke Wilkshire penalty produced a famous victory for the visitors.

“I’m really proud of the boys, they did a great job,” Osieck told Fox Sports after the victory.

“The only thing I said after the game was thank you, from the bottom of my heart!”

The win holds extra significance for Osieck, who was born and raised in Germany.

He explained how he wanted his side to keep the ball more in the second half and was pleased with the results.

“(In the first half) we played to our structure pretty well and our set-up was good but when we were in possession we gave the ball away too easily,” he said.

“So I asked the players to keep possession and not to give it away easily. I think that worked pretty well.”

Osieck also praised the attitude of his squad at half-time, adding that it was easy to motivate them.

“They were really upbeat. That is what I wanted to see. I’m really happy about our performance, especially the second half.”

“The boys did very well and it’s a reason to be proud.”

The win was Australia’s first over Germany in four attempts.

Tue 29 March, 2011

Osieck proud of Socceroos´ win

Australian manager Holger Osieck was delighted with his players after they claimed an upset 2-1 win in Germany on Wednesday.

What made the friendly victory even more impressive was the fact that the Socceroos trailed at half-time, through Mario Gomez’s 26th minute strike.

A change in strategy at half-time saw Australia start well, before a Blackpool wing-back David Carney goal and a Luke Wilkshire penalty produced a famous victory for the visitors.

“I’m really proud of the boys, they did a great job,” Osieck told Fox Sports after the victory.

“The only thing I said after the game was thank you, from the bottom of my heart!”

The win holds extra significance for Osieck, who was born and raised in Germany.

He explained how he wanted his side to keep the ball more in the second half and was pleased with the results.

“(In the first half) we played to our structure pretty well and our set-up was good but when we were in possession we gave the ball away too easily,” he said.

“So I asked the players to keep possession and not to give it away easily. I think that worked pretty well.”

Osieck also praised the attitude of his squad at half-time, adding that it was easy to motivate them.

“They were really upbeat. That is what I wanted to see. I’m really happy about our performance, especially the second half.”

“The boys did very well and it’s a reason to be proud.”

The win was Australia’s first over Germany in four attempts.

Tue 29 March, 2011

India captain doubtful for Socceroos´ clash

Injury-plagued India captain Bhaichung Bhutia remains in doubt for their Asian Cup opener against Australia on Monday.

Bhutia, who has been capped 102 times by his country, has been troubled by a calf muscle injury for several months adding to speculation that coach Bob Houghton would replace him in his 23-man squad.

But in a dramatic turn of events, the injury-prone 34-year-old striker was first dropped from the squad on Friday and registered as an official before being brought back in as a player.

In a late bid to regain full fitness, Bhutia called his doctor to Dubai for specialist advice so he could be fit for the match against Australia.

“Bhutia is not only the senior most member of the team, he is also our best player. India’s Asian Cup dream would not have been complete without Bhutia,” a team spokesman said.

In Bhutia’s absence, the skipper’s arm band will most probably go to Climax Lawrence, Gouramangi Singh, Subrata Pal or Surkumar Singh.

“The biggest concern for us over the last two months has been the injuries,” Bhutia said.

“Most of our first-choice players have had fitness issues but thankfully, they all have recovered just in time.”

“I assure you, the 22 players from this squad are fully fit. Only I have not managed to get in shape but I hope to be fine soon.”

“It will be disastrous for me if I cannot get fit in time. I have been waiting for my whole career for a stage like this to perform. To miss it will be a big disappointment.”

Sat 8 January, 2011

India captain doubtful for Socceroos´ clash

Injury-plagued India captain Bhaichung Bhutia remains in doubt for their Asian Cup opener against Australia on Monday.

Bhutia, who has been capped 102 times by his country, has been troubled by a calf muscle injury for several months adding to speculation that coach Bob Houghton would replace him in his 23-man squad.

But in a dramatic turn of events, the injury-prone 34-year-old striker was first dropped from the squad on Friday and registered as an official before being brought back in as a player.

In a late bid to regain full fitness, Bhutia called his doctor to Dubai for specialist advice so he could be fit for the match against Australia.

“Bhutia is not only the senior most member of the team, he is also our best player. India’s Asian Cup dream would not have been complete without Bhutia,” a team spokesman said.

In Bhutia’s absence, the skipper’s arm band will most probably go to Climax Lawrence, Gouramangi Singh, Subrata Pal or Surkumar Singh.

“The biggest concern for us over the last two months has been the injuries,” Bhutia said.

“Most of our first-choice players have had fitness issues but thankfully, they all have recovered just in time.”

“I assure you, the 22 players from this squad are fully fit. Only I have not managed to get in shape but I hope to be fine soon.”

“It will be disastrous for me if I cannot get fit in time. I have been waiting for my whole career for a stage like this to perform. To miss it will be a big disappointment.”

Sat 8 January, 2011