Ghana's gift

Ghana's victory over USA may have gifted Australia the 2022 World Cup.

A US victory would have stirred up a massive ground swell of interest there plus FIFA's eyes would again turn to the commercial opportunities. Now the USA will not have another leverage point to stake it's place in world football - at least not before FIFAs decision in December.

As it stands, the USA continues its run of under performance that began in the 1970s. And it will ride anther wave of disappointment.

Ironically, USA and Australia have sent the most fans to this cup, want the 2022 cup and both were out of this one within days of this one.

Brisbane 2 v Heart 0

The match report is here.

Sounds like Mitch Nichols is on the way back. And Thomas Broich has been a good buy - sounds like he was everywhere.

Heart look read they are lacking some quality.

Faustian Pact

Harry Kewell lashed out at Mike Cockerill for his comments about Hary and Socceroo disunity. A closer look draws the link to Mark Bosnich and Robbie Slater, both also reported to be having a blast at Pim.

All three are regular Fox commentators on the A-League. And while Mike Cockerill has been blasting away at the FFA for a while including a A-League is built 'on sand' comment. The other two are usually more restrained.

I can't say their motivations. But Fox has the most to lose at the moment. Hamstrung by legislation from showing the World Cup, they have the rights to all other Socceroo games. And a new contract will be due soon. The A-League, initially an agreement to telecast 1 in 4 games per week, showed great success for Fox for its first 4 years. Last year the ratings fell. And it had been hoped that the World Cup would provide a 4 yearly boost to the local league - with renewed public interest, commitment from kids and new heroes ending their foreign careers for 2 seasons in the A-League.

However, after just one game and some very unconvincing friendlies local Australian interest in soccer has been clobbered.

It is possible that Cockerill, Bosnich and Slater are reacting to the impact of Pim's skills on the A-League. After all, New Zealand has proved that the A-League does have players that are good enough to make an impact at a World Cup.

Pim's conservatism has led him to pick players from Europe that are unfit and perhaps too old.

Pauly TV - Brilliant

Pauly TV is here.

And it is just what is needed. As well as covering local games it is covering the Brisbane Roar pre-season. The latest addition is coverage of the Brisbane v Olympic game including a quality interview with coach Ange and local coach Bobby Hamilton. It includes 4 Roar goals scored in the first half including a cracker from Henrique, and the first coverage of the Roar's - fresh off the plane, new German mid-fielder.

Great work Paul and Friends - I know it takes hours to edit a 90 minute plus clip.