Asia builds Aussie depth

Scott MacDonald, Jade North, Josh Kennedy, Vince Grella, Jason Culina, Mark Viduka, Tim Cahill, Matthew Spiranovic, Michael Beauchamp, Mile Sterjovski, Bruce Djite. Non of these players started tonight and don't forget Nicky Carle!


Asia has tested the Socceroos; and Pim Verbeek now has a depth of player few could have dreamed of after the last World Cup.

Many players are now tested and challenged in difficult environments across Asia. First we beat Holland, and it looks even better having won in Tashkent.

And you can sense the pride for Australia. The players are really playing for the shirt, the spirit of Australia.

This result added to the previous group qualifiers has turned the Asian Cup debacle into something positive.

Of course winners are grinners, but you get a sense those that tasted the last World Cup added to the young blokes who didn't, there is a real unity of purpose.

Asia has done much for Australian football in such a short time.

A night in Tashkent has set us on the path to another World Cup.

Who would bet on us finishing outside the top three now?