Chris Rattue writes that the All Whites have a lot of talent but the midfield is a minefield.
The blood has just about dried on soccer's battle at the MCG. The aftermath includes a bedside vigil, not a common business for soccer in this land, which proves the game is at least winning some PR wars.
What should we think of the All Whites' World Cup prospects so
far?
Reasonably independent assessment, from the old boys' club, has been restrained because no one wants to talk the All Whites down. Team comments are setting the agenda. Acolytes are everywhere.
One player told me this week that the All Whites could cause "havoc" through an aerial approach, that even Italy would not enjoy battling Rory Fallon, and this opinion is not without merit, although havoc is too strong a word.
Such is the mood of optimism that Tim Brown's fractured shoulder is not yet going to rule him out of the world tournament, which kicks off for the All Whites in less than three weeks.
Medical advice I found yesterday was positively pessimistic, sadly. Broken bones take their own time, and no account of optimism or their owner's character.
Even with screws inserted, the bones would not knit together in time to guarantee any safe World Cup landings. Ricki Herbert appeared resigned to losing Brown, but Brown isn't resigning just yet.
World Cups thrive on the injured body parts. The nation is not only sad about a humerus, the bone between elbow and shoulder, but hears that Ivan Vicelich has a sore ankle. Only major sports hang on every minor twist.
There is nothing minor about Fallon, in soccer presence or words. After witnessing his power in the air at the MCG, it was tempting to rename our soccer side the Tall Whites - incredibly this two-word combo has yet to be snapped up by one of our teams.
Brief Fallon mumblings easily trump a Herbert press conference. Fallon, his face like thunder, was grumpy the morning after, at losing and at the referee's failure to red card Vince Grella and Tim Cahill. Fair points, both of them.
Fallon was magnificent in the air, yet he also wasted what a player who is hoping to make the English Premier League grade would regard as a royal chance via a header.
The popular view of Monday night's match is that the All Whites were surprisingly good for periods, and Australia - with higher aspirations - rubbish.
Yet the All Whites lost. They missed chances. In four games against Bahrain, Mexico and Australia, they have just two goals. Shane Smeltz - the most skilled in finding the net - has been turned provider. The formation says Leo Bertos will continue having his attack blunted by defensive duties.
Chances in the World Cup must be grabbed, and the All Whites are not grabbing them.
Good will is not good soccer.
There must also be questions about the buildup, now that the midfield stocks include Aaron Clapham and Cole Peverley out of the NZFC, neither of whom were required as recently as the hit-out against Mexico in March. How on earth can they be ready for a World Cup in ability or match fitness?
A defensive midfield option, David Mulligan, spent the entire 2009/10 season out of action. Jeremy Brockie has been sidelined by injury since January. Jeremy Christie, also unwanted against Mexico, is a recalled punt. Andy Barron is also from the NZFC, a competition slammed by assistant coach Brian Turner. The mainstay, Simon Elliott, delivered fine balls on Monday night, but isn't all that active. Michael McGlinchey offers hope, but the midfield is a minefield. The show rolls on,
Word is the All Whites believe the MCG loss has kept them flying under Slovakia's radar, a good thing. Soccer doesn't get much limelight in this country, and who would be brave or callous enough to start turning the dimmer?
How will they go in the World Cup? Wouldn't have a clue.
