The armchair critics have had a field day, but few of them probably realise there have been few men who have done more for the Blues than the under-fire coach.
Aussies are finding it to agree on much amid the global conflicts and political division but we can all agree on wanting the Socceroos to over achieve at the World Cup.
If I’m Laurie Daley – and I’m glad I’m not at the moment - I’m on the blower to Phil Gould before game three to talk team selection, tactics and bench rotation, writes Mark ‘Spudd’ Carroll.