Monday, 09 July 07, 12:17 AM
Actually no need, someone has already taken up the challenge.
Australia 1 - 1 Oman
Credit to the Omanis for creating the better chances and holding Australia out for the time they did, but Australia should have done better. So far this tournament is throwing up some unexpected results, both hosts to have played are unbeaten, and the other big teams will have to watch their guard in their respective openers.
Did Australia take Oman lightly? Hard to know, maybe the talent just isn't there when Kisnorbo is playing in the backline and Wilkshire is taking the corners. The psyche would have been interesting to read, best mate "Arnie" in the rooms probably not giving the team too hard a time about trailing at the break.
As a stand-alone result a draw with Oman is unacceptable, especially one which requires a last minute equaliser. Maybe in the context of a full tournament it can be easily forgotten. Arnie's time in the top job is up, will he turn the team's defending and performances around? I doubt it. The players have to take responsibility against Iraq. The side might look a bit different to the one that was eliminated from the 2004 Olympics but after a shaky opening nothing can be taken for granted.
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This is the regular column for the Melbourne Victory of Australia. The Victory is currently defending the A-League title and will play Asian Champions League at the end of the domestic campaign. There will also be the odd comment about the fortunes of the Australian national team.

On Victory's title defence officially over