Ever since after the Asian Cup, or even the World Cup, the topic of Mark Viduka's future with Australia has been one that has been brought up and discussed every so often. Remember that earlier this year Socceroos coach at the time Graham Arnold reportedly convinced Viduka not to retire from international football. FFA had planned to make a 'significant announcement' at a press conference in the morning but cancelled the media event the night before suddenly. So far he hasn't really given a proper indication on what his plans are and what he will do in the future and hasn't committed himself to the Socceroos at all. The initial expectations were that he would finish his 14-year international career to concentrate on his new EPL club (Newcastle) rather than help his country through the World Cup qualifiers. He had a reasonable performance at the Asian Cup and at the end of the tournament stated that he had no regrets playing in the tournament and that he had a good time.
However we all know that at 32 years old he isn't the youngest player going around, and both the national team and himself have to think what's best for them in the future. From Australia's perspective I'd argue that he is still quite important as despite being criticised by many while representing Australia he is one of the most talented players to have played for us and has a massive amount of experience that is invaluable. This is more important given that our current strikers who are pushing for regular starting places such as Kennedy and McDonald don't have much experience so for him to stick around for a bit longer would of course help them in a number of ways.
We saw at the Asian Cup that against Asian opponents he can prove to be a handful for defenders due to his size and physical presence if the team plays with the correct style and tactics. Due to the heat what has to be done is that the midfielders do all the running and play off Viduka while he doesn't do much tracking back and running as we saw that it tired him out to much due to the heat, and besides that really isn't the type of player that he is. Because of the heat and the toll of the qualifiers in the European off season he may have had enough and as he isn't always starting for Newcastle these days he may feel that the time off would do him better and will allow him to extend his club career as well as spend more time with his family. However deep down inside I'm sure he would love to go to another World Cup if his body allows him to.
One of the main reasons also why he hasn't committed himself so far is that I'm sure he wwas waiting to see who the new manager was going to be. Hopefully he'll be pleased with Verbeek but I guess we'll find out soon. Verbeek has said one of his biggest priorities was speaking to Viduka about his international future and he said that he still thinks Viduka is a very important player and a top striker and recognises that while he's not one of the youngest players, but he's still very valuable for the team as I mentioned earlier.
So do you think that he will stick around to the World Cup or has he played his last game for Australia already? I hope that he will make an announcement soon now that we have a new manager and If he decides to keep on playing I'll gladly have him in the team but if he decides to call it a day then it will be time to reflect on and remember what a great and interesting career he has had.
Full Version: Mark Viduka's International Future
Needs to lift his game for us, otherwise we should be playing younger talent.
Id like to see him there... IMO he and Mcdonald compliment each other somewhat. Maybe the fact he isnt starting overly regularly for Newcastle will encourage him to play for the socceroos.
he should retire because i dont think he has the hunger anymore
Great servant Great player but time to look for youth.
Great servant Great player but time to look for youth.
Well there was a massive article in the Sunday paper here about Verbeek who has called upon his services.. That could influence his retirement plans.
Ive got a big question mark over his attitude and as to whether he wants to be playing in a gold shirt. If he does then he and Scott McDonald would make an awesome strike team. The thing that has really gone down since Guus Hiddink left is the discipline. The Asian Cup was evidence of this. Too many big name players with inflated egos. I think this new manager has stamp his authority on the likes of Viduka, Neill etc and show that hes not going to cop any bullshit by not hesitating to drop any player, no matter how good they are. Im not saying he has to chuck a Marco Van Basten and banish every player that does something he disagrees with. Rather merely re-create that discipline Hiddink instilled.
QUOTE(aussie_pride @ Dec 11 2007, 05:16 PM) 
Ive got a big question mark over his attitude and as to whether he wants to be playing in a gold shirt. If he does then he and Scott McDonald would make an awesome strike team. The thing that has really gone down since Guus Hiddink left is the discipline. The Asian Cup was evidence of this. Too many big name players with inflated egos. I think this new manager has stamp his authority on the likes of Viduka, Neill etc and show that hes not going to cop any bullshit by not hesitating to drop any player, no matter how good they are. Im not saying he has to chuck a Marco Van Basten and banish every player that does something he disagrees with. Rather merely re-create that discipline Hiddink instilled.
Well said aussie pride. I think Viduka has alot to offer the national squad still, with all the experience he has he is certainly an asset. The younger players in the squad need to be able to look up to players like Viduka. However, if his heart just isn't in it then he needs to say something now, so everyone know's where they stand. There is no point in living in hope that Viduka may play some part in our various qualifying campaigns if there is a chance that he may turn his back on us. Give him the ultimatum.
Viduka just gets better with age, i mean he hasn't really lost any of his main attributes since he wasn't exactly quick to start with. I'd rather see dukes + mcdonald play upfront than kennedy/ mcdonald if we do play 2 up front. Kennedy looks good off the bench but if he wants to start he will need to develop a lot more of his game and get some more game time. If we end up playing traditional 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 we will need a big man upfront i'm not sure if kennedy can do the job. Dukes can be a lazy player but he is still our best option for a big man upfront.
QUOTE(Ivan H @ Dec 12 2007, 06:58 PM)
Viduka just gets better with age, i mean he hasn't really lost any of his main attributes since he wasn't exactly quick to start with. I'd rather see dukes + mcdonald play upfront than kennedy/ mcdonald if we do play 2 up front. Kennedy looks good off the bench but if he wants to start he will need to develop a lot more of his game and get some more game time. If we end up playing traditional 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 we will need a big man upfront i'm not sure if kennedy can do the job. Dukes can be a lazy player but he is still our best option for a big man upfront.
Kennedy and McDonald would be a brilliant combination. McDonald is a poacher of a striker and feeds of half chances. I think in order to move to a bigger club than Celtic (no disrespect intended) he needs to start creating a few chances but the promise and talent is there; hes always putting himself in a position to score and works hard which is evidence of this. Kennedy would act as our Peter Crouch and provide knock downs which the likes of McDonald and Cahill thrive on; those half chances created from broken play.
However, since we lack a real quality CM Id play an AC Milan formation with the triangle up front.
-----------------------------Schwarzer----------------------------
-----Wilkshire---------Neill---------Milligan-------Emerton------
------------------------------Grella---------------------------------
-----Bresciano-------------------------------------Culina----------
--------------------Cahill--------------Kewell----------------------
----------------------------McDonald------------------------------
Brett Emerton has come out and given his thoughts on the issue, obviously backing Viduka and hopeing that he continus to play. Verbeek has spoken to all the European players now I think and all of them have apparently committed themselves apart from Viduka so my gut feeling is that he may retire, but he has changed his mind once already so I'm sure it's very hard for him and he still doesn't know what he wants to do and will only make the decision at the last minute when he has to.
MELBOURNE, Dec 13, 2007 (AFP) — New Australian coach Pim Verbeek said Thursday that he is trying to convince Socceroos' skipper Mark Viduka to play a role in Australia's qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
The Dutchman arrived here Thursday to begin his contract to get Australia to South Africa and said only Viduka, among Australia's sizable European playing contingent, had yet to decide on his World Cup plans.
The skillful Newcastle United front-man has been hinting he may concentrate on his club football after leading the Socceroos to their disappointing Asian Cup campaign, in which they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Japan.
But Verbeek sees great value in the 32-year-old striker for Australia's World Cup cause.
Verbeek says it is unlikely that Viduka will play against Qatar in the opening qualifying match here on February 6, which does not fall during a designated international window.
But he is hopeful Viduka will play some role in the World Cup campaign.
"If you are good enough to play for Newcastle United, then you are good enough to play in the national team of Australia," Verbeek told reporters Thursday.
"I don't care about (Viduka's) age -- I only want to win the game (against Qatar) and every game to qualify for the World Cup."
Verbeek, the former South Korean national coach, said he has spoken with Viduka over the phone to outline his vision for the Socceroos.
"I have had a good conversation with him, he is just coming back from injury and he played a whole game last Saturday which I saw on television," he said.
"I think he played quite well but he says he is still a little bit struggling from the last Asian Cup with not enough rest and holidays."
Verbeek said it would be asking too much of Viduka to play all of Australia's minimum 14 World Cup qualifiers, but he hoped he would play in at least some of them.
"He is still a dangerous striker and an experienced striker, and if he can still bring something to the team, I will try to convince him that it is necessary" for him to play, Verbeek said.
"He (Viduka) is the only one who is still considering what he is going to do for February 6.
"I told them (the European-based players) that in coming months I will find out what is the best solution to win game against Qatar," he said.
QUOTE
Emerton also supports Verbeek's plan to dissuade Mark Viduka from quitting the international arena.
"We have to do all we can to keep Mark involved because he's just a brilliant player and a brilliant person."
"When he's around, it lifts all our spirits both on and off the field. He's a player any country be more lucky to have and I’m hoping he carries on to the next World Cup."
"I can't speak highly enough of him and the influence he brings to bear with the Socceroos."
"I've no doubt he can do it (play on), it's just whether he wants to or not."
"If there's anything I can do to persuade him, I will. But, ultimately, it's something every player has to come to a conclusion on himself, and Mark will do what's best for him and his family."
"We have to do all we can to keep Mark involved because he's just a brilliant player and a brilliant person."
"When he's around, it lifts all our spirits both on and off the field. He's a player any country be more lucky to have and I’m hoping he carries on to the next World Cup."
"I can't speak highly enough of him and the influence he brings to bear with the Socceroos."
"I've no doubt he can do it (play on), it's just whether he wants to or not."
"If there's anything I can do to persuade him, I will. But, ultimately, it's something every player has to come to a conclusion on himself, and Mark will do what's best for him and his family."
QUOTE
MELBOURNE, Dec 13, 2007 (AFP) — New Australian coach Pim Verbeek said Thursday that he is trying to convince Socceroos' skipper Mark Viduka to play a role in Australia's qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
The Dutchman arrived here Thursday to begin his contract to get Australia to South Africa and said only Viduka, among Australia's sizable European playing contingent, had yet to decide on his World Cup plans.
The skillful Newcastle United front-man has been hinting he may concentrate on his club football after leading the Socceroos to their disappointing Asian Cup campaign, in which they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Japan.
But Verbeek sees great value in the 32-year-old striker for Australia's World Cup cause.
Verbeek says it is unlikely that Viduka will play against Qatar in the opening qualifying match here on February 6, which does not fall during a designated international window.
But he is hopeful Viduka will play some role in the World Cup campaign.
"If you are good enough to play for Newcastle United, then you are good enough to play in the national team of Australia," Verbeek told reporters Thursday.
"I don't care about (Viduka's) age -- I only want to win the game (against Qatar) and every game to qualify for the World Cup."
Verbeek, the former South Korean national coach, said he has spoken with Viduka over the phone to outline his vision for the Socceroos.
"I have had a good conversation with him, he is just coming back from injury and he played a whole game last Saturday which I saw on television," he said.
"I think he played quite well but he says he is still a little bit struggling from the last Asian Cup with not enough rest and holidays."
Verbeek said it would be asking too much of Viduka to play all of Australia's minimum 14 World Cup qualifiers, but he hoped he would play in at least some of them.
"He is still a dangerous striker and an experienced striker, and if he can still bring something to the team, I will try to convince him that it is necessary" for him to play, Verbeek said.
"He (Viduka) is the only one who is still considering what he is going to do for February 6.
"I told them (the European-based players) that in coming months I will find out what is the best solution to win game against Qatar," he said.
QUOTE(aussie_pride @ Dec 12 2007, 08:01 PM)
Kennedy and McDonald would be a brilliant combination. McDonald is a poacher of a striker and feeds of half chances. I think in order to move to a bigger club than Celtic (no disrespect intended) he needs to start creating a few chances but the promise and talent is there; hes always putting himself in a position to score and works hard which is evidence of this. Kennedy would act as our Peter Crouch and provide knock downs which the likes of McDonald and Cahill thrive on; those half chances created from broken play.
However, since we lack a real quality CM Id play an AC Milan formation with the triangle up front.
-----------------------------Schwarzer----------------------------
-----Wilkshire---------Neill---------Milligan-------Emerton------
------------------------------Grella---------------------------------
-----Bresciano-------------------------------------Culina----------
--------------------Cahill--------------Kewell----------------------
----------------------------McDonald------------------------------
However, since we lack a real quality CM Id play an AC Milan formation with the triangle up front.
-----------------------------Schwarzer----------------------------
-----Wilkshire---------Neill---------Milligan-------Emerton------
------------------------------Grella---------------------------------
-----Bresciano-------------------------------------Culina----------
--------------------Cahill--------------Kewell----------------------
----------------------------McDonald------------------------------
I'm not arguing that kennedy and mcdonald might work in the future but at the moment i seriously cannot see the partnership working. Kennedy albeit performed well for us in recent games has had little time at nurenberg who are struggling at the foot of the table, Quite honestly i still believe our strongest team is when dukes plays on the field. mcdonald is a poacher and he does hold the ball up well at times but i'm not sure playing him on his own up front will work. Looking at celtic games in general he is his most effective with a partner.
I dont think we lack quality midfielders at all, i mean we have a lot of midfielders that are on the same level and not necessarily superstars but i see that as being our strongest positions on the field. The problem with our team has always been at the back and upfront. Why is there a debate about dukes it is simply because we havent got many proven strikers at the top level.
It's likely we play 4-3-3 but i'd like to see couple of different formations so that we could play two strikers up front.
This is my first team atm:
Swarz
Carney Milligan Neil Emerton
Grella Culina
Bresciano Cahill Kewell
Dukes
Bench: Vukovic, Beauchamp, Wilkshire, Valeri, Carle, Mcdonald, Kennedy etc
QUOTE(Ivan H @ Dec 14 2007, 01:42 PM)
I'm not arguing that kennedy and mcdonald might work in the future but at the moment i seriously cannot see the partnership working. Kennedy albeit performed well for us in recent games has had little time at nurenberg who are struggling at the foot of the table, Quite honestly i still believe our strongest team is when dukes plays on the field. mcdonald is a poacher and he does hold the ball up well at times but i'm not sure playing him on his own up front will work. Looking at celtic games in general he is his most effective with a partner.
I dont think we lack quality midfielders at all, i mean we have a lot of midfielders that are on the same level and not necessarily superstars but i see that as being our strongest positions on the field. The problem with our team has always been at the back and upfront. Why is there a debate about dukes it is simply because we havent got many proven strikers at the top level.
It's likely we play 4-3-3 but i'd like to see couple of different formations so that we could play two strikers up front.
This is my first team atm:
Swarz
Carney Milligan Neil Emerton
Grella Culina
Bresciano Cahill Kewell
Dukes
Bench: Vukovic, Beauchamp, Wilkshire, Valeri, Carle, Mcdonald, Kennedy etc
I dont think we lack quality midfielders at all, i mean we have a lot of midfielders that are on the same level and not necessarily superstars but i see that as being our strongest positions on the field. The problem with our team has always been at the back and upfront. Why is there a debate about dukes it is simply because we havent got many proven strikers at the top level.
It's likely we play 4-3-3 but i'd like to see couple of different formations so that we could play two strikers up front.
This is my first team atm:
Swarz
Carney Milligan Neil Emerton
Grella Culina
Bresciano Cahill Kewell
Dukes
Bench: Vukovic, Beauchamp, Wilkshire, Valeri, Carle, Mcdonald, Kennedy etc
Yeah Id definitely go for Viduka over Kennedy, but I just get the feeling that Viduka would rather be doing something else than wearing the gold shirt in an international game. I think Scott McDonald is the future, alot of the time hes very clinical. Sure he misses chances but no more than the likes of Fernando Torres or Didier Drogba do. By playing Kewell and Cahill behind him, you have a perfect combination(s). Cahill in his own right is almost a second striker; he makes late runs off knock downs and the lay-offs his strike parter gives him. Kewell is now a play maker more than ever and is alot smarter on the ball. He'll put McDonald in space and set him up with scoring chances. McDonald on the other hand will provide Cahill with opportunities to make those late runs he is so famous for.
The problems we have use to involve our defence and our attack but I believe its in the centre of the park now. We lack a play maker of international caliber. Harry Kewell is the closest thing we have but he cant defend so you cant play him centrally. Hes better in that advanced-central position anyway. Thats the problem I see. We need a player like Fabregas who can create something in the centre of the park. Our back four is fine. Beauchamp needs to move to England and play in a league with higher quality football, as does Mark Milligan and Josh Kennedy. Id also expose Robbie Kruse and Michael Zullo to international football as they are going to be very important to us in 3-4 years. They are the future and quality players.
Nicely said Aussie Pride, especially about Zullo and Kruse! There's no doubt Mark Viduka is still a brilliant player. I thought his performance at the Asian Cup was top class proving that he's still got what it takes. Unless he has some serious injury problems in the next couple of years, I don't think there's any reason why he shouldn't keep playing for Australia. I mean he has to be better than Kennedy, even after a year or two from now.
This is from tribalfootball but from what has been said after the Wigan game where he scored 2 goals the signs don't look promising for Australia. He hasn't been starting reguarly with Newcastle although those goals could be the boost he needs and to play for Australia would hurt his chances at Newcastle as far as he's concerned and it seems as though he's had enough of the travelling and time away from the family.
QUOTE
Newcastle United striker Mark Viduka is ready to announce his international retirement with Australia.
Viduka, who bagged a brace in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Derby, could dump the Socceroos as they embark on an exhausting schedule of 14 World Cup qualifiers in February.
He admitted: "The Asia Cup in the summer left me feeling jaded. It took it out of me mentally more than physically and that held me back at the start of the season. I'm starting to get back into it and these two goals will help.
"I haven't made a decision about Australia yet. I'm going to have a meeting with the manager soon and we'll discuss it.
"It's pretty hectic, there are midweek games where I'd have to fly to Australia or Iraq and that takes it out of you."
Viduka, who bagged a brace in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Derby, could dump the Socceroos as they embark on an exhausting schedule of 14 World Cup qualifiers in February.
He admitted: "The Asia Cup in the summer left me feeling jaded. It took it out of me mentally more than physically and that held me back at the start of the season. I'm starting to get back into it and these two goals will help.
"I haven't made a decision about Australia yet. I'm going to have a meeting with the manager soon and we'll discuss it.
"It's pretty hectic, there are midweek games where I'd have to fly to Australia or Iraq and that takes it out of you."
Pleasing to hear that Viduka has given his word to Pim and seems committed. He'll be great to have a around still and will be able to get support from Kennedy and McDonald as they alone aren't enough as we don't have the depth up front so to have 3rd decent option is welcome news. I still doubt the fact that he'll play much of a part in the 4 games coming up as he'll be tired after the season and will want a break so the 2nd qualifying round (should we progress) would be a much more likely option for when we'll see him return unless he is really keen to begin earlier.
Viduka To Play For Socceroos
MARK Viduka could make his Socceroos return as early as June's World Cup qualifiers after informing coach Pim Verbeek he would continue with the national team.
The Newcastle United striker has reportedly ended months of speculation by shelving plans of an international retirement and expressing his desire to help guide Australia to the 2010 World Cup when fit.
"Mark made it clear that if he is fit he will available to help us qualify for the 2010 World Cup,'' Verbeek said after meeting with the 2006 World Cup skipper in England this week. "He's feeling great at the moment, he's scoring goals for his club and he still has the hunger to do well for his country.''
QUOTE
Viduka To Play For Socceroos
MARK Viduka could make his Socceroos return as early as June's World Cup qualifiers after informing coach Pim Verbeek he would continue with the national team.
The Newcastle United striker has reportedly ended months of speculation by shelving plans of an international retirement and expressing his desire to help guide Australia to the 2010 World Cup when fit.
"Mark made it clear that if he is fit he will available to help us qualify for the 2010 World Cup,'' Verbeek said after meeting with the 2006 World Cup skipper in England this week. "He's feeling great at the moment, he's scoring goals for his club and he still has the hunger to do well for his country.''
this issue was on Total Football last night and ill come out with it.
unless your Maradona, Pele or Cruijff you dont pick and choose when you want to play for your NT. if they need you, you decide, they let you know not the other way around.
unless your Maradona, Pele or Cruijff you dont pick and choose when you want to play for your NT. if they need you, you decide, they let you know not the other way around.
^^Have to agree. His ego seems so big these days.
QUOTE(Mucho Lucho @ Apr 11 2008, 07:34 PM)
this issue was on Total Football last night and ill come out with it.
unless your Maradona, Pele or Cruijff you dont pick and choose when you want to play for your NT. if they need you, you decide, they let you know not the other way around.
unless your Maradona, Pele or Cruijff you dont pick and choose when you want to play for your NT. if they need you, you decide, they let you know not the other way around.
Even those players are not bigger than their national teams despite them being legends. I dont have a problem with Mark Viduka as a player. My issue with him is that whenever the national team is struggling or theres something that displeases him, he isnt willing to tough it out and move on. In other words he jumps ship. Just look at what he did after the Asia Cup. I personally would love him to be part of our qualification campaign but I would not pick him unless hes going to guarantee his availability and commitment to the cause.
I'm not a fan of him and never have been. I agree with Luca (gasp), playing for your national team isn't like going out with your mates. You don't ring up and let them know if you'll be there, they select you and you play, that's it. If you don't want to play (for anything but a good reason), then don't expect to be selected again any time soon. Multiply this statement with ten times the certainty when made in regards to an over-beefed, under-skilled, forward player who struggles to get through a match at even half-pace. His nature of playing well when a new contract is on the line is suggestive of his complacent nature and that's not the competitive attitude I want to see from the national team.
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