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Australia Team Of The Decade 2000-2010
As we approach 2010, Goal.com's Chris Paraskevas selects his Australia best XI from the past decade...
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Jul 19, 2009 2:00:45 PM
The Goal.com Australian team of the decade might be one that draws criticism for being narrow in its selection; virtually all of the players are part of the current Socceroos starting line-up.
Admittedly, yours truly grew up in an era that missed the best of the contributions of the likes of Milan Ivanovic and Paul Okon, both of whom are probably talented enough to warrant a place alongside the players listed below.
However, this is the team of the last decade, which inevitably means that the team will be dominated by members of the famous squad that broke the nation’s 32-year exile from the World Cup.
Qualifying for Germany 2006 was the defining moment of the past decade of Australian football, banishing memories of a painful World Cup Qualifying loss to Uruguay in 2001.
Despite being widely recognized as one of the most talented Australian sides in history, there are only three players from the side that lost to Iran in 1997 – those being Viduka, Kewell and Lazaridis, with no room for the likes of Robbie Slater and Graham Arnold, whose careers had essentially petered out immediately after.
Finally, the role of Dutch tactician Guus Hiddink in shaping this team cannot be understated; most of these players enjoyed the finest form of their career and essentially became stars under the current Chelsea boss, who has a reputation for bringing the best out of his players and that is certainly the case here.
Mark Schwarzer – There might be a case to argue for the inclusion of Mark Bosnich in the team of the decade, by virtue of the fact that he is widely regarded as Australia’s most talented ever goalkeeper. There is little argument that in terms of pure shot-stopping ability - Bosnich is Australia’s best - though he only misses out on a place in the side because technically, his outstanding performances against Iran during the heartbreaking 1997 qualifiers fall outside of the past decade. In succeeding him, Schwarzer has been the epitome of consistency at both club and international level, famously saving two penalties to qualify Australia for the 2006 World Cup before being at the heart of their qualification campaign for 2010.
Craig Moore – Two successful spells with Scottish giants Rangers have been the highlight of his club career, though he has thrived on the international scene. Arguably Australia’s best performer against Uruguay in qualifiers for the 2002 World Cup, he thrived under Guus Hiddink at the 2006 Finals in Germany and recently returned to the heart of Australia’s defence despite his age, highlighting his leadership qualities and influence. Also deserves credit for having not only returned to the A-League in its formative years but also having made a tangible contribution to it.
Lucas Neill – Unspectacular but extremely effective, another who enjoyed his best football under Guus Hiddink after having played no part in the final stages of qualification for the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. Though he has attracted criticism for his movements on the club scene, notably rejecting the chance of a move to Liverpool for a mega-wage move to West Ham from Blackburn, his performances over the past three years for Australia cannot be questioned. Imperious at the 2006 World Cup finals, he recently overcame a disastrous 2007 Asian Cup with a string of crucial performances whilst qualifying for South Africa. The man whom the Australian defence is now built around.
Stan Lazaridis – The only player in this squad not to have had any game time at the 2006 World Cup, sneaks into this team thanks to a successful spell with Birmingham City. Burst onto the international scene as he tore down the left wing against Iran in 1997 and played in the qualifiers against Uruguay in 2002. Wasn’t used much by Hiddink but it is perhaps a tribute to his reputation as a footballer that he was kept on by the ruthless Dutch tactician despite his age. His return to the A-League was unsuccessful but he will go down as one of Australia’s most talented ever footballers and consistent performers.
Brett Emerton – Made a name for himself with outstanding performances with Sydney Olympic in Australia before apparently electing for a move to Feyenoord over Manchester United, one that paid dividends as he developed into one of Australia’s most versatile footballers of the decade. Extremely consistent on the international stage, was part of both the squad that missed out on the 2002 World Cup and the one that qualified under Hiddink in 2006. Fast, physical and technically sound, one of the most modern Australian footballers of his generation.
Tim Cahill – Largely anonymous for most of the decade before catching the attention of fans and pundits with his goal in the Semi Final of Millwall’s magical run to the FA Cup Final during the 2003-2004 season. Afterwards, a move to Everton saw him develop into a genuine European star as he established himself in the Socceroos line-up, though it was his performance against Japan at the 2006 World Cup that made him the unquestioned superstar of his generation. The importance of his contribution cannot be understated in both raising the profile of the game and providing for an aspiring generation of Australian footballers an iconic moment to grow up with. Cahill has developed into Australia’s X-Factor, a player capable of turning a match on its head within seconds.
Vince Grella – Had to wait for his chance on the international scene after being out-of-favour with former Socceroos boss Frank Farina, though his talents were recognized by Guus Hiddink and since then he has become the fulcrum of the Australian midfield. One of Australia’s most tenacious ever footballers, helped break ground with Bresciano in finding success in the Serie A – not the most popular destination for Australian footballers – and it was his time there that helped to shape him into his country’s most uncompromising players.
Harry Kewell – The past decade has been mixed for Kewell, who established himself as an undoubted superstar in the English game before seeing injuries decimate the latter part of his Liverpool career, a move that never quite worked out for the winger. The second half of the decade has seen his resurrection though, firstly under Hiddink and then at Galatasaray. Widely recognized as Australia’s most talented ever footballer and finest football export, one of the few players in this side who could have laid claim to the title of “World Class” at some stage during the past ten years, he will be remembered for moments of brilliance with the national team – the famous goal in the 3-1 friendly victory over England at Upton Park springs to mind – though his consistency and willingness to work hard both on and off the pitch to represent Australia must not be understated. A true superstar.
Marco Bresciano – Like Grella before him, broke ground with his exploits in the Serie A and at the height of his Palermo career, perhaps could have been considered one of Europe’s finest footballers. One of Australia’s most talented ever footballers, was Australia’s most dangerous attacking outlet over two legs against Uruguay in 2005 and for a period in the national team. Blessed with technical ability and speed on the ball, one of the Socceroos’ most positive and aggressive players when going forward, though his form suffered slightly post-2006. Arguably his career has been stifled by a blocked move to the English Premier League, though he has lost none of his raw ability because of it. Slowly returning to his best...
Mark Viduka – Has often been criticized in the past for a perceived lack of dedication to the national team, his international form did not always mirror his club exploits – his goal-scoring for the Socceroos is modest at best. Aside from Kewell, the most technically gifted Australian player of his generation but also the most frustrating, with his work-rate and aggression not always complimenting a considerable physical presence on the pitch. Part of both the 1997 and 2001 qualifying campaigns, he was reinvented as a footballer by Hiddink in 2005, where he finally embraced the more physical aspects of the international arena as the Socceroos’ attack was built around him. If not for that period though, he might not have been included in the team of the decade...
John Aloisi – Certainly not as talented as Viduka but considerably more consistent for the national team. Enjoyed a successful club career, particularly with Osasuna in Spain, that has also seen him journey to Italy and England, secured his place in Australian football folk-lore with the penalty that sealed the nation’s qualification for the 2006 World Cup. Would he have been in this team if not for that moment? The question is trivial, as he went on to seal Australia’s dramatic first ever victory at the 2006 World Cup finals. A cultured striker, returned to the A-League where is profile brought attention to the fledgling competition, though recently endured an embarrassing season with Sydney FC.
Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com
Admittedly, yours truly grew up in an era that missed the best of the contributions of the likes of Milan Ivanovic and Paul Okon, both of whom are probably talented enough to warrant a place alongside the players listed below.
However, this is the team of the last decade, which inevitably means that the team will be dominated by members of the famous squad that broke the nation’s 32-year exile from the World Cup.
Qualifying for Germany 2006 was the defining moment of the past decade of Australian football, banishing memories of a painful World Cup Qualifying loss to Uruguay in 2001.
Despite being widely recognized as one of the most talented Australian sides in history, there are only three players from the side that lost to Iran in 1997 – those being Viduka, Kewell and Lazaridis, with no room for the likes of Robbie Slater and Graham Arnold, whose careers had essentially petered out immediately after.
Finally, the role of Dutch tactician Guus Hiddink in shaping this team cannot be understated; most of these players enjoyed the finest form of their career and essentially became stars under the current Chelsea boss, who has a reputation for bringing the best out of his players and that is certainly the case here.
Mark Schwarzer – There might be a case to argue for the inclusion of Mark Bosnich in the team of the decade, by virtue of the fact that he is widely regarded as Australia’s most talented ever goalkeeper. There is little argument that in terms of pure shot-stopping ability - Bosnich is Australia’s best - though he only misses out on a place in the side because technically, his outstanding performances against Iran during the heartbreaking 1997 qualifiers fall outside of the past decade. In succeeding him, Schwarzer has been the epitome of consistency at both club and international level, famously saving two penalties to qualify Australia for the 2006 World Cup before being at the heart of their qualification campaign for 2010.
Craig Moore – Two successful spells with Scottish giants Rangers have been the highlight of his club career, though he has thrived on the international scene. Arguably Australia’s best performer against Uruguay in qualifiers for the 2002 World Cup, he thrived under Guus Hiddink at the 2006 Finals in Germany and recently returned to the heart of Australia’s defence despite his age, highlighting his leadership qualities and influence. Also deserves credit for having not only returned to the A-League in its formative years but also having made a tangible contribution to it.
Lucas Neill – Unspectacular but extremely effective, another who enjoyed his best football under Guus Hiddink after having played no part in the final stages of qualification for the 1998 and 2002 World Cups. Though he has attracted criticism for his movements on the club scene, notably rejecting the chance of a move to Liverpool for a mega-wage move to West Ham from Blackburn, his performances over the past three years for Australia cannot be questioned. Imperious at the 2006 World Cup finals, he recently overcame a disastrous 2007 Asian Cup with a string of crucial performances whilst qualifying for South Africa. The man whom the Australian defence is now built around.
Stan Lazaridis – The only player in this squad not to have had any game time at the 2006 World Cup, sneaks into this team thanks to a successful spell with Birmingham City. Burst onto the international scene as he tore down the left wing against Iran in 1997 and played in the qualifiers against Uruguay in 2002. Wasn’t used much by Hiddink but it is perhaps a tribute to his reputation as a footballer that he was kept on by the ruthless Dutch tactician despite his age. His return to the A-League was unsuccessful but he will go down as one of Australia’s most talented ever footballers and consistent performers.
Brett Emerton – Made a name for himself with outstanding performances with Sydney Olympic in Australia before apparently electing for a move to Feyenoord over Manchester United, one that paid dividends as he developed into one of Australia’s most versatile footballers of the decade. Extremely consistent on the international stage, was part of both the squad that missed out on the 2002 World Cup and the one that qualified under Hiddink in 2006. Fast, physical and technically sound, one of the most modern Australian footballers of his generation.
Tim Cahill – Largely anonymous for most of the decade before catching the attention of fans and pundits with his goal in the Semi Final of Millwall’s magical run to the FA Cup Final during the 2003-2004 season. Afterwards, a move to Everton saw him develop into a genuine European star as he established himself in the Socceroos line-up, though it was his performance against Japan at the 2006 World Cup that made him the unquestioned superstar of his generation. The importance of his contribution cannot be understated in both raising the profile of the game and providing for an aspiring generation of Australian footballers an iconic moment to grow up with. Cahill has developed into Australia’s X-Factor, a player capable of turning a match on its head within seconds.
Vince Grella – Had to wait for his chance on the international scene after being out-of-favour with former Socceroos boss Frank Farina, though his talents were recognized by Guus Hiddink and since then he has become the fulcrum of the Australian midfield. One of Australia’s most tenacious ever footballers, helped break ground with Bresciano in finding success in the Serie A – not the most popular destination for Australian footballers – and it was his time there that helped to shape him into his country’s most uncompromising players.
Harry Kewell – The past decade has been mixed for Kewell, who established himself as an undoubted superstar in the English game before seeing injuries decimate the latter part of his Liverpool career, a move that never quite worked out for the winger. The second half of the decade has seen his resurrection though, firstly under Hiddink and then at Galatasaray. Widely recognized as Australia’s most talented ever footballer and finest football export, one of the few players in this side who could have laid claim to the title of “World Class” at some stage during the past ten years, he will be remembered for moments of brilliance with the national team – the famous goal in the 3-1 friendly victory over England at Upton Park springs to mind – though his consistency and willingness to work hard both on and off the pitch to represent Australia must not be understated. A true superstar.
Marco Bresciano – Like Grella before him, broke ground with his exploits in the Serie A and at the height of his Palermo career, perhaps could have been considered one of Europe’s finest footballers. One of Australia’s most talented ever footballers, was Australia’s most dangerous attacking outlet over two legs against Uruguay in 2005 and for a period in the national team. Blessed with technical ability and speed on the ball, one of the Socceroos’ most positive and aggressive players when going forward, though his form suffered slightly post-2006. Arguably his career has been stifled by a blocked move to the English Premier League, though he has lost none of his raw ability because of it. Slowly returning to his best...
Mark Viduka – Has often been criticized in the past for a perceived lack of dedication to the national team, his international form did not always mirror his club exploits – his goal-scoring for the Socceroos is modest at best. Aside from Kewell, the most technically gifted Australian player of his generation but also the most frustrating, with his work-rate and aggression not always complimenting a considerable physical presence on the pitch. Part of both the 1997 and 2001 qualifying campaigns, he was reinvented as a footballer by Hiddink in 2005, where he finally embraced the more physical aspects of the international arena as the Socceroos’ attack was built around him. If not for that period though, he might not have been included in the team of the decade...
John Aloisi – Certainly not as talented as Viduka but considerably more consistent for the national team. Enjoyed a successful club career, particularly with Osasuna in Spain, that has also seen him journey to Italy and England, secured his place in Australian football folk-lore with the penalty that sealed the nation’s qualification for the 2006 World Cup. Would he have been in this team if not for that moment? The question is trivial, as he went on to seal Australia’s dramatic first ever victory at the 2006 World Cup finals. A cultured striker, returned to the A-League where is profile brought attention to the fledgling competition, though recently endured an embarrassing season with Sydney FC.
Schwarzer
Emerton - Moore - Neill - Lazaridis
Bresciano - Cahill - Grella - Kewell
Aloisi - Viduka
Emerton - Moore - Neill - Lazaridis
Bresciano - Cahill - Grella - Kewell
Aloisi - Viduka
Do you agree with those who made it into the Australia Team of
the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your XI? Goal.com wants to know
what YOU think...
Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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