the added pressure of the world cup wont get in the way,
The more I think about it, the more that I think the WC has affected the Phoenix season
e.g. distracted coach at the start of the season both in terms of recruitment & tactics (we have taken an eternity to settle into our preferred playing style this season), players picking up long term injuries (Bertos, Lochy), players seeming a bit burnt out (Brown & Siggy are only just starting to come into a bit of form in the 2nd half of the season, and Bertos & Lochy were both pretty average before their injuries).
Hopefully next season without that (welcome!) distraction, we can have a proper off-season and hit the ground running.