Watched most of the Australia v France game this morning - played in atrocious conditions in pouring rain. I always thought it never rained in Oz?

Not a bad game for a friendly with, as you can imagine, the French infinitely the more talented side, but very well held by an enthusiastic and hard-working team of largely European-based Aussies.

The Aussies took the lead near the end of the 1st half with Rangers Craig Moore heading in deflected near-post corner. The Frogs equalised before the Aussies really got going after HT, with a very well-worked goal eventually knocked in from close range by David Trezieget (sp?).

That idiot from Wolves, Kevin Muscat, had been booked after a nasty spat with Pires near the end of the 1st half, and then entirely ruined the atomsphere of the "friendly" with a disgusting foul on Dugarry, which apparently has wrecked his knee. Muscat was immediately substituted, presumably at the Referees insistence. If this is so, the Ref imo should be severely reprimanded for not summarily sending the goon off for GBH.

For the Aussies Mark Viduka was virtually anonymous and very disappointing - much as he has been for Leeds this season. Kewell was lively and produced most of what was good for Oz.

I was particularly interested in seeing Brett Emerton, but thought he was rather disappointing. He certainly looks talented but only got into the game fleetingly, and just didn't exert any real influence. Curiously, I thought he looked very much like Rob Lee as he was when we first signed him as an outside right.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

Answers

Aussie pride.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

Clarky, there was an article in one of the Australian newspapers (that I got off Reuters) saying that Emerton would be better advised to come to Newcastle because of Bobby Robson and because he'd play week-in, week-out rather than trying to fit in at Aersenal or Liverpool.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

dougal,

I also read an article suggesting that Emerton and his Agent also feel it would be better for him to join a club offering him a major role. However, I have to say that while he looked a canny player today he certainly didn't look the finished article - or indeed a £15mm proposition.

I have to say that having watched both U-19 games in the last few days, I do like the look of Jermain Jenis - looking long-term, he would be an absolute snip for a couple of mill.

England also had an excellent tall black lad playing outside left who's name escapes me, but who plays for Wimbledon. He totally over-shadowed Michael Chopra, who I actually thought had a bit of a mare today.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

...... Lionel Morgan.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

Is he anything like our last Lionel? (Now playing his game down at Cambridge)

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

I didn't see the U-19 match during the week so was looking forward to seeing Chops in action today. However, like Clarky, I thought he had a poor game, despite (or because of) the huge build up that the Sky commentators gave him. I suppose this is not too surpising, bearing in mind his age. But then again, how old was YMO when he burst onto the scene? Let's hope that the club can keep the lad's feet firmly on the ground and groom him for the future.

I'd like to see him get a few more reserve matches under his belt this season and possibly a place on the bench towards the latter part of the season (pr possibly WC?). Just enough to let hom know how much the club values him.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

As a matter of interest, Clarky, did you think Lolo could have added anything to that French side?

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

Difficult to tell Dougal, as I thought the Frogs were only really playing in 3rd gear anyway. In addition, I think Robert Pires is an excellent player who works his socks off and is incisive.

I think Laurent Robert is an exceptional talent, certainly international class, is a better crosser of the ball, and more dangerous in the box and at FK's than Pires. However, I don't think he always works hard enough for the team. I'm sure this is what scuppered Ginola's international career, and may do likewise with Robert. The solution, of course, is in his own hands.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

It was sunny in Sydney...

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

Watched the game last night and am pleased with the result. Brett Emerton had a disapointing game. I thought last night that I would prefer Nobby over him. But as has been mentioned, he is not yet the finished article and would benefit from some guidance from someone like Bobby.

Kevin Muscat should have been sent off for that challenge. Frank Farina made the right decision in taking him straight off. I thought the reshuffle of the team after that worked better. Kewell moved into left Midfield and made a couple of good breaks.

Australia had a possible penalty turned down in injury time.

Just my take on it.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

Clarky man , you should realise by now - believe nowt I say! Its always raining in Australia ;-)

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

Well done sting, we do not want to encourage his sort to come out here. BTW do you know how much it cost to put those sprinklers on the roof of the MCG?

TM & Lady TM are on Rottnest today for a cycle and swim!

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

Rott Nest ??? Mmmmm, sounds nice.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 2001

Thanks, Clarky, I have a feeling that Robert basically wrote himself out of the World Cup by falling out with the PSG coach so often last year and frankly by coming to us. I think his punt was that he was guaranteed first team football with us (and I think that may even be a contractual term) so he would make a bigger impact with us than he would at say Bayern or Valencia. Lemerre has shown no appetite to come and watch him, possibly because he can select his England-based players by a short trip to London to watch the Arsenal-Chelsea derby.

-- Anonymous, November 12, 2001