Two World Cup games for two World Cup losses might look like terrible reading to some.
But when you come into the World Cup as the lowest ranked team, grouped with the current champions, the last World Cup finalists and the 14th-ranked team in the world, your hopes are low.
Add the fact you’re missing six top players and have a new coach at the helm, and low hopes become almost non-existent.
The Socceroos went to Brazil with no pressure on them, out to shock the world. While they have yet to pull off a win, they have already shocked the world.
They have taken the game to more fancied opponents. At times they have played them off the park.
They have scored three goals, two against the Netherlands, which was two more than a certain ex-Socceroo coach predicted (good call Pim).
Yes they have conceded six, but that’s not a big surprise. Defensive frailties were evident against Ecuador and South Africa in the lead-up to the World Cup. The back four of Ivan Franjic, Alex Wilkinson, Jason Davidson and Matthew Spiranovic had played together just once before the Chile game.
Once.
The Socceroo defence is missing Curtis Good, Rhys Williams and Trent Sainsbury, who would all likely be starting players. Throw in the loss of Franjic against the Netherlands, with centre half Ryan McGowan playing on the right, and it was always going to be tough at the back.
But the way the Socceroos have played, the brand of football and positivity evident in their game, has been a breath of fresh air. It is exactly what Ange Postecoglou did with the Roar in the A-League.
It has earned respect across the globe.
New Zealand went to South Africa and parked the bus, claiming three draws. Australia have gone to this World Cup and not even put a Mini in front of goal. We haven’t set out of frustrate, strangle or batter or opponents. We haven’t been dour, we’ve entertained. We aimed to out-play our opponents; to out-think, out-pass and out-move them.
To essentially play football, not the type of game personified by Jack Charlton’s Ireland and other direct, long-ball teams of the early 1990s. This takes tremendous belief, courage and confidence, especially against three of the top 14 teams in the world, so hats off to Ange.
In an incredibly short time – he has been in charge now for just six games, six – he has installed huge confidence in his charges. It is great to see and shows how far we have come as a football nation.
What can Ange do we once he has had the team for 10, 20 or 30 games? I can’t wait to find out.
Roll on Spain and roll on the Asian Cup. Throw Russia 2014 into the mix as well. If Postecoglou’s progress continues at this rate, the future is very bright indeed for the Socceroos.
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
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