2006-06-24 20:55:53 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Football ➔ FIFA World Cup (TM)
Any team has the right to be in the top 16, and they earned it. If you watch any of the matches Australia has played, you'll see that they are fit and skilled. History is against the Socceroos, but they are making a stand. They held up well against Brazil, beat Japan by a mile and drew with Croatia. No one can doubt that they can play soccer.
They deserve it.
2006-06-26 20:22:48 · answer #1 · answered by amyt 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
People seem to begrudge teams such as Australia and Ghana who have given their heart and soul to their performances and perhaps threaten to take up the challenge. What's with the animosity, who knows, but they deserve their spot just as any other team that made it through. They are not a super power, granted, but every ones rise has to start somewhere. All the top sides were developed not born to greatness. Credit given where it is due. They have performed well. If that upsets or threatens some, so be it. On one hand people say they want football to develop into a true International game yet they belittle sides that assist that in happening. Australians do not care how much further they go as we already appreciate the enormous effort they have given to get where they are and we are proud of them irrespective of a win, a loss or a draw. If they beat Italy and they do have a chance, that's great if not, the experience will not be lost on them. Give them a break. they have worked hard for their result. Are they detested that much for wanting to improve on the world stage. Bring on the criticism, it will only drive them on to try to achieve even better results than this time round.
2006-06-25 04:52:18 · answer #2 · answered by andygurl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 2006 finals are not Australia's debut.
They were there in 1974, when only 16 teams went to the World Cup Finals.
Australia has 20 million people and a high participation rate in football(soccer) at a senior and junior level.
2006-06-25 05:11:19 · answer #3 · answered by australiano 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Australia definately deserve to be in the top 16. They have been given bad referee decisions in all three matches and still got thru to the 2nd round.
IF they beat Italy (which they probably wont as they are not the favourites), they have to play the winner between Switzerland and Ukraine, which I believe means that they will get to the semi finals.
2006-06-25 04:15:46 · answer #4 · answered by Kizz . 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AUSTRALIA making the last 16 is already a remarkable achievement for a debut nation in the WC. Italy may have the tradition, Australia will have the commitment, drive and energy to create an upset. ADVANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR!!
2006-06-25 04:41:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Australia will beat Italy and make it into the QF after that who knows, yes they deserve to be in the last 16.
2006-06-25 04:37:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they deserve to be in the top 16 but they will be eliminated as soon as possible
2006-06-25 04:29:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
for now - Australia deserves to be in the LAST 16 team remaining in the World Cup (you can ask Graham Poll ---lol)
They'll go as far as this round
2006-06-25 04:03:12 · answer #8 · answered by VeRiTas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes - they earnt it by beating Japan and drawing with Croatia. World cup places are not popularity contests they are football ones.
If they beat Italy (think "Korean Meltdown" or penalty shootout) then they will win the next Quarterfinal (SUI or UKR) then get smashed by Argentina or Germany.
BTW I am a neutral (Italo-Australian)
2006-06-25 07:49:58 · answer #9 · answered by JuventAus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes Australians deserve the best...they are very happy and friendly people.
2006-06-25 04:00:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋