Lucas Neill - Hero or Bad Guy?????

Can you believe the stuff flying around at the moment about how Lucas Neill has been accused of leading a player revolt against the game plan of then Head Coach, Pim Verbeek prior to Australia's first World Cup game against Germany last year??
For a start, what sort of game plan is going out only trying to draw a game?? That's not the Australian way!! Where were all the strikers in the starting lineup? All sitting on the bench getting splinters in their butts! So who is supposed to score the goals?? I'm not a huge soccer fan and dont follow the strategies of the game much but arent the strikers supposed to be your main goalscorers?
Pim Verbeek seemed to come across as if he didnt have any respect for Australian soccer. Wasnt this a bloke who had announced he was moving on prior to the tournament taking place? Mmmm, dont know if this is common in world soccer but can you be giving it your best when your mind is on other things? Like starting your new job?
The players are professionals who play to win, regardless of the prize. For Australian soccer players, after so many years in the wilderness as a soccer playing nation, have proved that they can take on the worlds best and be very competitive. You're not always going to win in every sporting contest but at least give yourself the best opportunity to win. As a supporter, I dont want to see my team playing for a draw. I want them to do all they can to win. If they lose having given it their best shot, then I can accept that....dont like it but can accept it!

I would be hoping that the Australian captain would think the same way. Lucas Neill has always come across to me a very positive, motivated person who wants the best result possible for his team from every game. Especially when playing for his country! If what has been alleged did happen, then good on you, Lucas, for standing up for your principles. We would hope it didnt happen and that Les Murray is just trying to drum up publicity for his book! You surely could have come up with a better way of garnering publicity for you book, Les, rather than accusing the Australian captain of instigating a player revolt! Hope your sources are impeccable!! This has the potential to cause major damage to the progression of your sport in this country especially amongst those of us who arent fullon soccer fans.

Looking for soccer gear? Boots, apparel, fan jerseys?
Visit our Soccer equipment & apparel page. http://sportzofallsortz.com/golf__soccer.html