Beauchamp set to replace Moore

[the_gun]

Australia looks set to gamble on Melbourne Heart centre-back Michael Beauchamp as suspended Craig Moore's replacement for the must-win match against Serbia.

Beauchamp, who two months ago was rated no chance to make the World Cup squad, now looms as coach Pim Verbeek's likely choice to step in for Moore in the crucial clash.

The veteran defender picked up a second yellow card for the tournament in Australia's 1-1 draw with Ghana, ruling him out of the Serbia clash.

Verbeek has three options to replace Moore - Beauchamp, the versatile Mark Milligan, or sending holding midfielder Mile Jedinak to pinch-hit in central defence.

But Beauchamp, who impressed as a substitute in friendlies against New Zealand and Denmark, appears to have the upper hand for the match in Nelspruit.

The 29-year-old's height and strength could be vital in dealing with Serbia's potent aerial threat from 202cm centre-forward Nikola Zigic.

Verbeek was giving little away when asked his thoughts on how to replace Moore, except that Beauchamp - who recently signed with A-League newcomer Heart - figured in his thinking.

"We have enough possibilities to replace Moore. Michael Beauchamp can play in that position - I have Mark Milligan who can play in that position," Verbeek said.

"I have a few days to think about that. We will miss Craig but we have players who can do a job also."

Beauchamp was once rated Australia's best back-up centre-half behind Neill and Moore, but dropped off the radar after falling out of favour at club level in Germany and Denmark.

Six weeks before the World Cup squad was selected, he broke back into regular football in the United Arab Emirates with Al-Jazira, and it was enough for Verbeek to add him to his 23-man squad.

Zigic, who has just transferred to English Premier League club Birmingham City, will give the Serbs power and presence up front as they chase the win which would guarantee them a round of 16 berth.

Beauchamp is the tallest of Verbeek's defensive options, and his time playing in Germany has given him experience at dealing with strong, physical forwards.

Socceroos defender David Carney admits Moore's experience will be missed, though he believes any of the three options to replace him can deputise well for what would the biggest game of their careers.

"We've got Meggsy (Beauchamp), Millsy (Milligan), even Mile has played centre-back in training and one of those can step in there and they'll do a good job," Carney said.

"But Moorey's experience and reading of the game, we're really going to miss him."

The Socceroos will again conduct a closed training session ahead of World Cup history repeating.

Just as Australia did in 2006 against Croatia, it needs a result against a Balkan nation for second stage glory.

But it also needs favours from elsewhere.

If Australia beats Serbia and Ghana beats Germany, the Socceroos qualify for the second stage.

But an Australian victory and a Germany win won't be enough unless the Germany and/or Australia slams in plenty of goals to balance the goal difference equation in the Socceroos' favour.

[BADA BING]

i thought Moore played really well against Ghana, one of his best games in a while

[Chelsea4thewin]

what i wanted from game 1, he has more pace

[the_gun]

or milligan... i really rate him.

[Outlaw 2.0]

what i wanted from game 1, he has more pace

What he lacks in experience he makes up for in pace and strength, I have been waiting for this change since the qualifiers and mark my words he will be one of the best players in the Serbia game if he plays.

Melbourne Heart are very lucky to have him and he should be a socceroo for a long time to come.

[redsfan]

i thought Moore played really well against Ghana, one of his best games in a while

lol, played well for 5 mins maybe tops for the whole game. Other than that was always caught out of position and lagging behind his opponent letting them play without pressure.

[Red-4-Life]

i thought Moore played well too. Beauchamp doesnt have as much experience but i dont think hes a bad replacement

[PhilDunphy]

ognenovski would have been better

[BADA BING]

i thought Moore played really well against Ghana, one of his best games in a while

lol, played well for 5 mins maybe tops for the whole game. Other than that was always caught out of position and lagging behind his opponent letting them play without pressure.

disagree, against Germany yeh but against Ghana i thought he played well

[Litmanen]

ognenovski would have been better

[Outlaw 2.0]

i thought Moore played well too. Beauchamp doesnt have as much experience but i dont think hes a bad replacement

Good way to fix that though isn't there

[OldRedback]

A bag of cement could do a better job than Moore - let's face it he should never have gone - he has spent the last couple of years kicking people thinking he can get away with it cos he thinks he is Billy Big Time and that was in an ordinary league - Germany showed how average he is and the Ghanains would have further embarrassed Australia if they hadn't had the black Robert Green in goal. As for Kewell - well I'll bet everyone's glad he went but I do hear that West Ham are after him to play in goal next season.

[Steelinho]

I've been gunning for Beauchamp to start a game, so I'm hoping he steps up to the chance. He was one of the best players in our lead-up games, and here's his best chance to show that he's got what it takes to keep the Socceroos' defence solid for the next few years after the World Cup.