Jürgen Macho gets the nod

Coach Hickersberger has given the nod to Jürgen Macho in the goalkeeping battle. It has been speculated that the 30 year-old Macho who plays for AEK Athens in the Super League Greece, was given the starting assignment over Alexander Manninger because of greater familiarity with poor weather conditions as he split four seasons with Sunderland and Chelsea.

This might be one of the more controversial decisions made to date as many, including myself, regarded Alexander Manninger as the obvious choice. Manninger is a more experienced ‘keeper at a higher level, less prone to error as well as having a bit of hot streak with his stonewall performances in May for Sienna. This included keeping Juventus off the score sheets and holding a swarming Inter Milan at bay for a 2-2 draw.