Olyroos face tough challenge
April 22nd 2008 11:10
The Olyroos will have their hands full against reigning olympic champion Argentina
The Olyroos quest for an elusive medal at this years Olympic Games has been made into a mission impossible not even Tom Cruise himself can wriggle out of.
Australia is in the group of death against heavyweights Argentina and big hope Ivory Coast.
These two opponents simply have too much class for their Australian counterparts. Sure, the Olyroos will provide a contest in all their three matches but it remains to be seen if they can deliver a killer blow when needed the most.
In Argentina, they have to deal with the likes of Messi and Aguero who are all under the age of 23 yet they have become footballing icons around the globe.
Messi is a genius capable of tearing a game apart with his speed and agility, while Aguero's dribbling ability and technique on the ball is unmatched.
This alone represents huge problems for Australia's campaign for Olympic gold.
The Olyroos have strong defenders but that is all. They are not technically sound in terms of positioning and patience. They have more often than not rushed in unecessarily at opponents for no reason.
They lack the patience and discipline of the top teams and this is likely to derail them once again.
They need to learn that the structure they employ to beat their opponents this year will not work.
If Argentina was not hard enough, The Ivory Coast will cause similiar problems.
In Didier Drogba they have the most lethal forward in the competition. Give him an opportunity and he will make you pay.
His heading ability is one of pure class and strength. His Strength on the ball is sublime and this provides the Ivory Coast with the unique class that will seperate them from their Oceana counterparts.
Throw in the likes of Kolo Toure and Touré Yaya, The Ivory Coast have the potential to scare many teams on their respective Olympic campaign.
Besides Harry Kewell, the Olyroos lack class all around the paddock and will have to rely on their under-dog status to get them through such a demanding group.
But will that really be enough?
Australia really needs to develop local talent if they are to be a force in the Olympics, let alone the footballing world.
When i say local, i mean the Aboriginal population.
I have seen these people play sport in a way that really epitomises the true nature of Australian sport. One of determination and excitement.
Just look at the Indigenous legends that have graced Australian sport. Cathy Freeman, Arthur Beetson, Matt Bowen, Aaron Davey, Adam Goodes and Mark Ella are just some examples of Indigenious brilliance.
Even though none are football players, all of them have shined in the sporting arena with great aplomb.
Australian soccer needs try and incorporate this talent they have around the country. Do not let it go to waste.
Unless they make the necessary changes to their playing stocks, Australia will always be a football novice with plently of promise but lack of stablility.
It is never to late to fix mistakes. However it would be better if these were fixed sooner rather than later.
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