Australian Sporting Hub

It seems like it was inevitable, but that doesn't make it any less soul destroying. During Liverpool's FA Cup win last night Harry Kewell aggravated his long-term groin injury. His soapy-star wife Sheree Murphy(pictured) is to blame, she obviously isn't satisfying the Liverpool great. The other culprit is Rafael Benitez, Liverpool's Spanish manger. This is the second time Kewell has been pushed past his limit late in the season with negative consequences. If Harry isn't fit by June 12th for Australia's first World Cup match against Japan, Australian Sporting Hub will be initiating a campaign to extradite Benitez and Murphy to be prosecuted in Australia. Suitable punishment for Mz Murphy could include a role in neighbours as "Bouncer." Benitez shall be forced to manage Sydney FC as penance for his crimes.

As we are told to brace ourselves for "the biggest bout in Australian boxing history" many of us are asking "who cares?" If nice guys finish last, then its unlikely either of these obnoxious characters can lose. Dubbed "Man v Machine" by the mainstream media, the rivalry between Anthony Mundine and Danny Green has been a well constructed farce.

Mundine is adept at hogging the spotlight and creating controversy, and the banal-as-batshit Green has managed to beat up a bit of publicity by claiming that he is a better fighter. So now we will find out. In the end, no matter who wins, both fighers will walk away very rich, and the people who paid $400 and above per seat to see the fight live will be the real losers. Mundine is younger, fitter and faster and should take Green down in a points decision.

Breaking news: It appears Wendell Sailor has been indulging in Shane Warnesque behaviour again. After a reprimand for downing a few-too-many South African bevies earlier this year, news just in after a press conference at Waratahs base camp is that wascally-Wendell has been "indefinately stood down" for disciplinary reasons. Further details may or not be forthcoming, but its safe to say alcohol, women and possibly inflateable sex toys were involved. How could they not be?

Hiddink has brought his distinctive style to Australian soccer, and so far the definative element has been success. It's impossible to argue with results, and as likeable as Frank Farina may have been, he spent years trying to do what Guus has done in a matter of months. Consequently, there were no complaints when the squad included a few surprises. The vital elements - Kewell, Bresciano, Viduka, Shwarzer et al are all there, and the youthfull Kennedy and Beauchamp are exciting prospects. Guus has the luxury of a good reputation, so his 'man-of-few-words' persona will work well in this country. No one really has any idea about soccer here - so if Guus says The Socceroos can beat Brazil, who are we to disagree with the enigmatic maestro? With Australia's own group of death (Brazil, Croatia and Japan), any success Guus has at all in the World Cup will be unexpected. He really can't lose, and all of Australia is hoping his winning style will be the driving force behind a few upsets in the tournament.


Australia's 2006 World Cup Squad is:

Goalkeepers: Ante Covic (Hammarby, Sweden), Zeljko Kalac (AC Milan, Italy), Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough, England)

Defenders: Michael Beauchamp (Central Coast Mariners), Stan Lazaridis (uncontracted), Mark Milligan (Sydney FC), Craig Moore (Newcastle United, England), Lucas Neill (Blackburn Rovers, England), Tony Popovic (Crystal Palace, England)

Midfielders: Marco Bresciano (Parma, Italy), Tim Cahill (Everton, England), Scott Chipperfield (FC Basel, Switzerland), Jason Culina (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers, England), Vince Grella (Parma, Italy), Harry Kewell (Liverpool, England), Josip Skoko (Stoke City, England), Mile Sterjovski (FC Basel, Switzerland), Luke Wilkshire (Bristol, England)

Forwards: John Aloisi (Alaves, Spain), Josh Kennedy (Dynamo Dresden, Germany), Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory), Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough, England).

Enigmatic...Don't mess with the Guus

This is the opening week of the Australian Sporting Hub. It will be the place to check out the hot topics in Aussie sport. With The Ashes coming up as well as the Soccer World Cup, this will be the place to follow the action. The main events and stories will be analysed and all the bullshit you get in the mainstream media will be disected. Check out Rugby League Digest for info, analysis and betting guides for the National Rugby League.