Despite the euphoria, Socceroos remain cautious
Columnist By Davidde Corran, 10 Jun 2009 Davidde Corran is a Roar Expert
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- football, Lucas Neill, Paul Okon, Pim Verbeek, Socceroos, World Cup, World Cup qualification
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The Socceroos agaist Qatar in their World Cup qualifier against Qatar in Doha in June. AAP Images
It’s been a fantastic week for Australian sport and especially fans of the round ball game. The Socceroos World Cup qualification may have been a bit more low-key this time round but it’s been wonderful nonetheless.
Everyone in the Australian football community has been walking around with an extra gait in their step since Sunday morning.
So from qualification attention, it now turns to South Africa and what the Socceroos can achieve there.
Will they match the exploits of Germany?
Well, if you believe some of the hype emanating from the local press since Sunday you’d think Lucas Neill and co are set to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy.
One article was even claiming that Lucas Neil thinks Australia is now a “genuine football power!”
Despite not exactly being the most modest Australian footballer (remember his comments in the lead up to the 2007 Asian Cup), I’ll give Lucas the benefit of the doubt on this one.
I haven’t actually heard the full audio from that press conference and the Australian sport media do like a good beat-up about a national team being one of the best in the world.
In my opinion, this tendency from the local media is symptomatic of Australia being so successful in Commonwealth sports. We expect to be competing at the top and love to remind ourselves about it.
Unfortunately, it’s not so easy in such a global game as football.
It’s not just the players and media who are guilty of being a little over-enthused about the Socceroos’ World Cup chances. I read one fan claim on a forum that the Socceroos will “make every World Cup from this point onwards.”
Now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Certainly, it’s a phenomenal achievement to have qualified for two World Cups in a row after 32 years of pain. Everyone from Frank Lowy down to all the fans that have attended Socceroos qualifiers throughout the last two campaigns deserve to pat themselves on the back.
But being successful in South Africa is another matter.
Australian football is arriving on the world stage but we are not a ‘power’. Maybe in our eyes we are, but not in the opinion of others around the world.
Besides our enthusiasm for the potential of our national team, the debate over substance versus style is still floating around.
Former Socceroo captain, and one of the most technically accomplished players this country has ever produced, Paul Okon thinks it’s time for the Socceroos to throw caution to the wind.
Okon told The World Game, “This is the perfect time to try something different, with two home games against Bahrain and then Japan on June 17. We have qualified now, the pressure is off.”
It would seem that the belief and hope for a large contingent of the media and many Socceroos fans is that this will happen.
The truth? Not likely.
Pim Verbeek just isn’t that type of coach and even Okon accepts that: “I don’t expect it to happen. I don’t see Pim changing the way he does things,” he added.
Look at what Verbeek did during the 2007 Asian Cup as coach of South Korea. As one of my colleagues said to me this week, at that tournament “his approach was pragmatic to say the least.”
Don’t get me wrong, the Socceroos intend to, and most likely will, step up their performances as the World Cup approaches. But change the way they play?
Not likely.
Pim Verbeek is an exceptionally good tactical analyst. Verbeek will analyse whomever the Socceroos come up against at the World Cup and then select every part of our preparation based around what he finds.
From whom the Socceroos play in warm-up friendlies through to how Verbeek sets the team up on game day, these decisions will be thoroughly considered.
Verbeek will analyse the opposition and set out his team to beat them, but he won’t forget his philosophy.
For Verbeek, it’s better to win by any means than to lose 4-3.
Personally, I love teams who are unafraid to pass the ball along the deck and it’s how I’d love the Socceroos to play.
Though that sense of joy and satisfaction, which I’ve been feeling since 4am on Sunday morning, says otherwise.
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- football, Lucas Neill, Paul Okon, Pim Verbeek, Socceroos, World Cup, World Cup qualification
June 10th 2009 @ 11:46am
Michael said | June 10th 2009 @ 11:46am | Report comment
Davidde, you’re right to say that change is unlikely. In fact to expect Pim to change his style dramatically at the World Cup shows a distinct lack of understanding of how Pim operates and how international football is played.
Pim won’t play two up front or play one defensive midfielder. It’s not his style. He always errs on the defensive side of the spectrum.
But he’s not alone either. How many international sides play two up front? Almost none. How many sides play two defensive midfielders? Most!
The major change I’d like to see come South Africa is that our two holding midfielders include Culina (because when we do our ability to control possession is enhanced and we become less defensive) but also that we just have our best team on the paddock most of the time. Three attacking midfielders (Kewell, Cahill and Emerton) should set up and score enough goals to make us fairly “attacking” by international standards.
June 10th 2009 @ 12:43pm
whiskeymac said | June 10th 2009 @ 12:43pm | Report comment
interesting point that most NTs don’t have two up front. I always considered it best to play to what you have as opposed to a set regime but with regards to trends in tactics etc this article is good and sheds some more light (maybe) on Pims approach, and Holmans worth to the team (if it needed re-setting out) – http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2009/jun/04/defensive-forwards-barcelona-liverpool-manchester-united
June 10th 2009 @ 12:49pm
Dickroo said | June 10th 2009 @ 12:49pm | Report comment
It’s definitely not easy for Socceroos to get into the 2nd stage in WC this time. The group draw will be really important.
Argentina crashed out in 1st stage in 2002. Czech (then FIFA No 3?) and The USA (the FIFA No 5) was eliminated in the 1st round in 2006.
Even we faced the same opponents as 2006: Brazil, Croatia and Japan; I doubt that we could repeat it again.
This time there won’t be any Asian teams (easy component) in Australia’s group, very likely a South American, an African and a European team or two.
The Socceroos will be very lucky to join the last 16 teams. And Pim knows it.
June 10th 2009 @ 1:17pm
sheek said | June 10th 2009 @ 1:17pm | Report comment
Redb,
I don’t think there’s an “expectation” that the Socceroos should be in the world cup. We’re building towards a great tradition, but we’re not there yet.
And the manner & circumstances of qualifying are entirely different to 2005. In fact, I prefer the low-key entry this time. Keeps the ‘fair weather’ crowd from going totally over the top. Not that I would change what happened at Stadium Australia in 2005!
In 2005, it was about “breaking the drought” & celebrating our first world cup appearance in 32 years. It was also about Gus the super coach. The outpouring of emotion was unbelievable.
In 2009, Australian soccer has matured. There’s a quiet determination. Just qualifying is no longer an end in itself. The Socceroos want to achieve more, to establish a legacy for themselves & future generations of Aussie soccer players.
June 10th 2009 @ 1:26pm
Redb said | June 10th 2009 @ 1:26pm | Report comment
Sheek,
Not so much expectation (as in forever to qualify), but they didn’t concede a goal throughout the whole qualification process – the Aussies looked set for next years WC half way through it.
Qualification for the next WC maybe more difficult given the retirement of some of more experienced Aussie players. Perhaps the success or otherwise in the 2010 WC will determine the level of qualification expectation for the 2014 WC.
Bandwagons thrive on a bit of euphoria and you couldn’t have wished for a better qualification than 2005.
C’mon Aussie.
Redb
June 10th 2009 @ 1:42pm
sheek said | June 10th 2009 @ 1:42pm | Report comment
Dickroo,
Interesting comments. As a counter point, most world cups appear to throw up a ‘bolter’ who makes the final 8.
2006 – Ukraine (Qs).
2002 – Turkey (3rd, Korea (4th), Senegal (Qs).
1998 – Croatia (3rd).
1994 – Sweden (3rd), Bulgaria (4th).
1990 – Cameroon (Qs), Ireland (Qs).
Perhaps bolter is not correct in all the above examples, but I’m sure you know what I mean!
Perhaps the Socceroos are maturing like the pole vaulter. As the bar is raised, so is their capability to meet the challenge.
At 20, the young pole vaulter might be unable to clear 5 metres, but at 25 he has no trouble clearing 7 metres. For the Socceroos, qualifying in 2006 was an achievement in itself. Getting to the second round was a bonus.
In 2010, there will be a core of experienced, talented players who were there in 2006. The importance of this experience cannot be underestimated. This is our ‘golden generation’. There is a steely determination to go further (than the 2nd round).
That might not happen, but we can be sure the Socceroos will have given their all, no matter where they fall. Australia has a long sporting history with South Africa, though not in soccer. I think this sporting connection will hold them in good stead.
Competing in South Africa has a good feel about it. I’m hopeful & quietly confident the Socceroos will surprise the world.
June 10th 2009 @ 1:53pm
Dickroo said | June 10th 2009 @ 1:53pm | Report comment
sheek, agreed with whole heart.
My point is don’t give them too much pressure and keep the expectation moderate, although aim higher.
I want the Socceroos enjoy themselves on the South African pitches because they earned it, and there’s nothing to regret even if they can’t make the second round.
I’m afraid that some new football fans may think the Socceroos too high and be disappointed in the 2010 WC.
June 10th 2009 @ 1:57pm
whiskeymac said | June 10th 2009 @ 1:57pm | Report comment
In most sports the nature of cup competition has an uncertain element. the best team or player doent always win, circumstances can inspire or conspire and all thebest laid plans can end in tears. it’s what makes knockout/ cup comps, and in particular World Cup Comps, so facsinating and brilliant to watch. Sure, there’s a good chance we wont get to the QFs or beyond (or 2nd round pending the draw) but we might. and that’s what makes it great. we might do a Senegal or Turkey or conversely we could do a Japan or a USA… who knows. one thing is certain though – there will be some good games and contentious decisions.
June 10th 2009 @ 2:01pm
Towser said | June 10th 2009 @ 2:01pm | Report comment
Sheek
Looking at football from the overall big picture angle in relation to cementing a spot in the Australian “sporting psyche” long term,what the game has needed is consistency. That in my opinion has been one of its biggest downfalls. By consistency I mean to be seen, to be noticed ,rather than live in obscurity. Since the 2005 WC qualification football has been visible because the sport has had more visible meaningful matches consistently. Sure not in your face occurrences as in the Uruguay match in 2005 but a steady supply. Whilst there are those who may expect miracles at WC appearances,generally I think the Australian sporting public(ie not diehard football fans) are aware of the difficulties of getting to the second round of the World Cup. Whilst we aint Billy the kid yet, each notch on the gun enhances the reputation. So for me qualification will do to keep the ball rolling. In the meantime there is a strong chance of Australia winning the Asian Cup to provide the moment of Euphoria. Certainly more chance of that in the near future than a World Cup win.
June 10th 2009 @ 2:21pm
whiskeymac said | June 10th 2009 @ 2:21pm | Report comment
yup – agree Towser even though there’s a pressing need to get the asian cup qualification up and running first =)
with the Asian Cup andWCQ’s/ WC itself, the best thing is that there are constant and meaningful games. it also means that as our profle rises we get to have better friendlies too (Holland, Nigeria… and some next year too) – success breeds success -love cliches.