Thanks for that BSquared. . now I see how far they still have to go. . not in the bag yet.  

No Gizmo they'll in all likelihood not make it past the first stage of the finals (although I'll hope like heck they do) which is why the getting there is worth celebrating

This reported today in the media:

Socceroos tell of intimidation battle
Thursday Nov 17 22:36 AEST

Uruguay's failed dirty tricks campaign continued ahead of Wednesday night's World Cup playoff, with the Socceroos telling of a pre-match physical altercation, intimidation tactics and insults and threats in the players' tunnel.

Several Socceroos confirmed Uruguayan striker Richard Morales and Australian centre-back Tony Popovic had each other by the throat in the Telstra Stadium players' tunnel before the match.

"They grabbed each other by the throat and were ready to fight," penalty shootout hero John Aloisi said.

Uruguay staff and players were shouting abuse and making noise in the echo chamber-like atmosphere to try to intimidate the Australians ahead of the game.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=72657

Quoted from BSquared

No Gizmo they'll in all likelihood not make it past the first stage of the finals (although I'll hope like heck they do) which is why the getting there is worth celebrating

i disagree with that most profoundly.  Given a good draw they are capable of making the quarter finals, if not the semis.........They will be practising as a team for the leadup to the finals, something that has not been possible before and I really believe it will pay off.  They are a good team now, but can get better...

Quoted from SuziH

Several Socceroos confirmed Uruguayan striker Richard Morales and Australian centre-back Tony Popovic had each other by the throat in the Telstra Stadium players' tunnel before the match.

"They grabbed each other by the throat and were ready to fight," penalty shootout hero John Aloisi said.

Soccer players fighting? - Be like getting beaten to death with a limp lettuce leaf wouldn't it?

Quoted from BB

Soccer players fighting? - Be like getting beaten to death with a limp lettuce leaf wouldn't it?

No.  Some time ago "someone" did some "tests" on who were fitter and stronger, AFL players or soccer players and there was very little in it.  In fact, if memory serves, the latter group came out marginally better.

Quoted from Lawnbowler

i disagree with that most profoundly.  Given a good draw they are capable of making the quarter finals, if not the semis.........They will be practising as a team for the leadup to the finals, something that has not been possible before and I really believe it will pay off.  They are a good team now, but can get better...

I didn't say they weren't capable of making it further lawnbowler...just that it isn't likely...probabilty suggests they won't make it to the final 16 (let's face it...half the teams can't make it to the final 16)...it's not like they'll be the only team to be practising as a team for the leadup...and it is the first time for any of them to be competing in the world cup...of course they may well make it...and I will be hoping like heck that they do...but I think getting there is an achievement worth celebrating...and if they don't make it past the first round I won't consider it a failure

Quoted from Paula

No.  Some time ago "someone" did some "tests" on who were fitter and stronger, AFL players or soccer players and there was very little in it.  In fact, if memory serves, the latter group came out marginally better.

Yeah - but that just means the soccer players can roll round squeeling for longer before running out of breath (as they are often seen doing from the slightest little tap on the ankle).

I've seen AFL footballers do exactly that.  And they squeal far louder!

Cricketers just grimace.

PS I don't watch Rugby, but I bet they do the same.

surely one can't compare the physical toughness between AFL and Soccer .
this comparo is absolutely laughable!

Afl = does a knee - goes down in pain (justifyable)

soccer = whipped in head with frayed shoe lace - goes down for good 5 minutes while holding is ankle ...and rolling over more times than one would if thrown out of moving vehicle @ 100 kmh  ..what the ! ( academy award winning wimpy BS )

soccer ! nah ...bit girly i think

Quoted from Mal_Function

soccer ! nah ...bit girly i think

*snort* methinks Mal must be an AFL tragic


What a rotten stroke of luck being in the same group as Brazil though, eh?