Brokenhearted Aussies

Well I was awake at 1am for the second night in a row (after watching England scrape a win over Ecuador) to watch Australia take on Italy in the World Cup for a place in the quarter finals.

I've watched all but one of Australia's games and I think they have proved themselves to be way above their 42nd place world ranking and easily matched Italy for 93 minutes of the game. Being an England fan, I know all about going out of the World Cup due to penalties but to go out in the last second of a very even and well played game to a penalty that was no where near a penalty is the cruelest part of this sport.

The Aussies can take real pride in their performances, they have played with far more cohesiveness and stability than England have but they suffered without Harry Kewell to add some bite to their attack against Italy.

So England are to take on Portugal for a semi-final spot but even with half of the Portugese team on yellow cards and some of their players either injured or suspended it will take much more of an effort by England to get through this one. As has been much debated in the press and probably every household in England, the team are getting results but just not performing anywhere near their potential. Sven's formation and tactics are also questionable and I don't think playing Rooney alone up front is the right way to ignite their attack.

It seems he needs to try something new, like Lennon and A Cole as wingbacks with three quality central defenders in Carragher, Terry and Ferdinand there should be no need for a defensive midfielder. Beckham would be better playing in a more central position to allow Lampard and Gerrard to play further forward. Take a risk and put either Walcott or Crouch up front with Rooney. Anyway, that's my 2p worth.