There was supposed to be this wonderful, long-ranging introduction extolling the virtues of Lionel Messi’s penalty assist for Luis Suarez but then there were a few issues with flammable objects and in the end it is all subject to an appeal in the next few months.
So let’s see what the Socceroos are up to around the world instead.
Scott McDonald – Motherwell [Massive revalation]
One of those ‘what if’ players who never managed a national team goal in his 26 appearances. In an interview with Fox Sports‘ Daniel Garb, the SPL veteran revealed what most people at the time were well aware of, that Pim Verbeek’s 4-2-3-1 system was not great for a player with his skill set. Now all we needed him to say was that Verbeek completely turtled against Germany in that World Cup opener in 2010 by sending out a team that did not have scoring on its mind and we would all be happy. Either that or explain what was up with his hair, it seemed to be receding at a weird angle.
On the pitch, McDonald is content with his efforts for the Scottish side having scored five times so far this season and started in 22 of his 25 appearances. While the club is in need of a boost currently sitting second bottom of the league table, a couple of wins would see them shoot up the table.
Brad Jones – NEC Nijmegen [Played]
While his former club was busy belting the living daylights out of Aston Villa, Jones let three goals past him in a loss to PSV. Jones is currently on loan to the Dutch side having only played three games at Bradford since his move there in July. It is only when you look at his resume that you realise Jones for the most part has been a career back-up in Europe having only played 109 matches in 12 seasons on the continent.
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While his time at clubs such as Liverpool suggest talent is there, it clearly has not been enough to justify being a regular selection until now.
Mile Jedinak – Crystal Palace [Conceded penalty]
After having to battle for a spot in the resilliant Palace lineup, Jedinak has been receiving a bit more game time as fixtures build up in the New Year. Unfortunately for him, his case to stay in the side was not helped by his concession of a penalty in his side’s 2-1 loss at home to Watford.
James Meredith – Bradford City [Won]
A lot of players experienced tough results over the weekend but the bolting left-back was not one of them. He played a full game as his side won 4-0 on the day over Peterborough United to help solidify their position in the middle third of the table.
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