Preview of the big match

Well, it is now only two days until one of the biggest sporting fixtures in history between China and Australia.  China has been training in Kunming since the start of the month and the pressure is nearly all-encompassing.  After China lost to Japan at the East Asia Cup in Chongqing, the players quickly told the public that they would play better in the match against Australia.  China’s keen desire to win the match could work both ways.  Certainly they will be well-prepared and well-adjusted to the conditions.  However, the Chinese team seems to suffer from serious psychological problems – the players often give up too easily and their tactics can be chaotic.  This total focus on the match against Australia may lead the players to feel too much pressure, and if Australia gets an early goal, then China may crumble.  Australia, on the other hand, has some key men out through injury, Tim Cahill and Josh Kennedy in particular.  Australia drew its practice match against lowly-ranked Singapore.  However, I don’t think that the Australian players will be feeling much pressure – they’ll probably approach the game against China like any other, which should help them seize upon China’s mistakes.  The only problem will be if Australia is complacent, but this shouldn’t be a factor because Australia has a new coach and some new players vying for a place in the team.  I predict Australia to win 2-0.  Tim Cahill will miss the match against China.  Picture from Last Kick.

Posted: 5:16 PM, 24/3/2008 in Soccer Share on Facebook

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