Braden StokesFixture Frustration
October 14th 2008 12:04
The decision to play all Asian World Cup Qualifiers the final day of the international break should help Australia against Qatar but could be damaging politically; players will not return to their clubs until Friday and with a majority of games scheduled for Sunday the quick turn around is fraught with peril.
With the biggest European based squad Australia’s players are placed in a vulnerable position as they travel all around the world to play two games in five days. Most players arrived from Europe last Wednesday and had a week to settle in to camp, while this quality time will help build the squad’s relationships it means rushed trips back to Europe. The responsibility for fixtures is the responsibility of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and member associations with qualifying matches 'fixed by the associations concerned in compliance with the coordinated international match calendar and subject to the approval of the FIFA Organising Committee.' art. 17 par. 10 FIFA’s international match dates for October fall between the 11th – 15th and the matches can be played on any of these days. Playing on the last day of the international break is arrogant or foolish; David Moyes is a frightening man and if Cahill is injured again I’m worried Moyes will go on a “Death Wish” type revenge mission.
The fixture against Japan on 11th February 2009 is a bigger issue. FIFA’s international match calendar fixes the 11th for friendly matches. Official matches are permitted with FIFA approval but clubs are obligated to release players only 48 hours before the match instead of the 4-5 days required for official match dates. The ten thousand miles traveled in two days as seasons businesses are closing guarantees a few withdrawals; European managers are famous for their frustration at international travel. with reason Sam Allardyce encouraged Mark Viduka to take a break but injuries have still limited Viduka to 64 club games since the World Cup in 2006. A mere 28 since the Asian Championships.
Strenuous travel demands will open the door to the Injury Fairy and everyone loses. The Asian confederation and associations face greater travel demands than any other so the selection of dates will always be an important consideration and the protection of players should be the priority.
With the biggest European based squad Australia’s players are placed in a vulnerable position as they travel all around the world to play two games in five days. Most players arrived from Europe last Wednesday and had a week to settle in to camp, while this quality time will help build the squad’s relationships it means rushed trips back to Europe. The responsibility for fixtures is the responsibility of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and member associations with qualifying matches 'fixed by the associations concerned in compliance with the coordinated international match calendar and subject to the approval of the FIFA Organising Committee.' art. 17 par. 10 FIFA’s international match dates for October fall between the 11th – 15th and the matches can be played on any of these days. Playing on the last day of the international break is arrogant or foolish; David Moyes is a frightening man and if Cahill is injured again I’m worried Moyes will go on a “Death Wish” type revenge mission.
The fixture against Japan on 11th February 2009 is a bigger issue. FIFA’s international match calendar fixes the 11th for friendly matches. Official matches are permitted with FIFA approval but clubs are obligated to release players only 48 hours before the match instead of the 4-5 days required for official match dates. The ten thousand miles traveled in two days as seasons businesses are closing guarantees a few withdrawals; European managers are famous for their frustration at international travel. with reason Sam Allardyce encouraged Mark Viduka to take a break but injuries have still limited Viduka to 64 club games since the World Cup in 2006. A mere 28 since the Asian Championships.
Has travel contributed to Viduka's injuries?
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