The Plan is to Beat Japan

Interesting comments from Socceroos chief Guus Hiddink today. The living genius talked to reporters in Holland where he is leading Australia through a bit of a training camp.

“In the Japan game Australia will go for the win, but we must not lose the game,” he said.

“That does not mean you must always think defensively. If you can go for a win against Japan you are halfway (to qualifying for the second round), I think.”

So how I interpret this is that Hiddink thinks that Japan is the most beatable team in Group F for Australia. I can’t really disagree with him since Brazil and Croatia both look to be quite solid. Hiddink is likely thinking that if he can get a win against Japan and a draw against one of the other two that might be enough to get through to the knockout stage.

From what I have seen of Japan, they can be scalped. They are not an especially physical team and they are prone to giving up soft goals. Plus their frontline has a lot of trouble finishing.

As for who Hiddink will take with him to Germany: “There are places open, of course, and I was very happy with the game in Bahrain. It was a good win. We talked a lot about (domestic) A-League players. It’s not fixed that just European-based players will be selected,” he said.

Of course he is saying that, but really, do you think he means it? I don’t. I see this team being made up largely of European-based players.

What do you think?