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Aussies need faith in the group of death

Football in Australia has always embraced multiculturalism, but more must be done. (Photo: Paul Barkley/LookPro)
Roar Rookie
22nd March, 2014
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The 2014 World Cup begins on June 12, when Brazil plays Croatia in the opening match. Football fans are now starting to wonder what to expect from the global football tournament.

While the build-up to a World Cup draw never fails to fill the public with excitement, expectation and dreams of what could be, Australia’s fans may be forgiven for feeling a little gloomy and cursing their luck.

But there is always a Group of Death in every World Cup, and inevitably, one of the big teams involved gets intimidated, which may force them to play badly.

This can result in that nation being prematurely sent home in disappointment and disgrace – leaving a better chance of progression for the group’s underdog.

Drawn alongside the might of Spain, the Netherlands and Chile, Australia’s World Cup campaign looks doomed for failure, barring an unforeseen and highly unlikely escape act masterminded by coach Ange Postecoglou.

If there is one man who could prepare the Socceroos to tackle what surely is mission impossible in escaping the group, it is Postecoglou.

But any hopes of Australia playing the expansive game he wants will only end in tears.

Trying to play Spain or Chile at their own game with a possession approach will see the Socceroos torn to shreds. While the Netherlands are a more direct side than those two and do have the tendency to implode, it’s a losing battle on paper.

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Do the Socceroos have any hope of progressing from their World Cup group? And what is the best tactical approach for them to take against their high-class opponents?

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