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Ange Postecoglou is a philosophical man. Far from being the ‘grump’ he was touted as heading into the Saudi Arabia match, the Socceroos boss is merely a realist.
Postecoglou has standards. A vision. It’s why he refuses to ride the wave of emotion most Socceroos fans (for lack of a better word) are on.
The pre-match wishlist was headlined by the need for a result. Our yearn to simply taste the riches of victory had superseded the demand for winning in style which has burdened the Socceroos for some time. We said victory would be important for team morale, but really we just despise defeat.
But while many Australians will take pleasure in the 3-2 win (we won, guys, we finally won!), Postecoglou may have a cons list far greater than its antipode.
Perched atop the list of positives is Massimo Luongo. In his first start for the Socceroos, the midfielder did a sterling job at allaying fears of life after Mark Bresciano.
Indeed, the latter’s second half substitution for Luongo indicated a changing of the guard that leaves Australians full of promise.
The Swindon Town talent was arguably the best on ground and deservedly earned the plaudits of his boss. It was Luongo’s brilliant first touch, his reading of the play and ability to get in between the Saudi Arabia lines that made him a clear standout.
He was industrious in his approach and offered a much needed link between Mile Jedinak, whose distribution was admittedly below par, and the front line.
The success was made all the more impressive by Luongo’s pre-match assertion that he is less comfortable in the no. 10 role. He settled in with ease and has offered both of his manager’s immense luxury.
Despite the caveat of facing a sloppy defence, Luongo couldn’t have made a better impression and was fortunate not to cap his field day with a goal of his own, first for the opener which Tim Cahill bundled home, and then with a header from Mathew Leckie’s cross on the hour mark.
Leckie was another bright spark for Postecoglou, with his attacking intent again proving he is quickly becoming a mainstay of the starting XI.
The post-mortem is far less intense than that following the Belgium defeat, but there would have been plenty of questions on Postecoglou’s clipboard.
The backline will again be the focal point of scrutiny, particularly with the late chances gifted to Saudi Arabia. But the most worrying issue with the defence – which must include Jedinak on this occasion – was the incredible turnover rate.
They are mistakes that can be forgiven when players are taking risks, but possession was mostly surrendered with the likes of Sainsbury and Jedinak under minimal pressure and attempting a simple pass.
Having Herd and Davidson playing high lines also put greater pressure on Sainsbury (who replaced the injured Alex Wilkinson early on) and Bailey Wright.
Davidson’s forays forward during the World Cup were to great success and there was minimal trouble down his side, but Herd was often caught out as the result of a cheap turnover in the front third, forcing him to motor back as Saudi Arabia countered.
Many of the mistakes went unpunished thanks to the stagnancy of the Saudi attack, but it will weigh heavy on the mind of Postecoglou.
Perhaps benefit of the doubt is required here. Sainsbury’s early introduction meant this was one of the most inexperienced defensive lines the Socceroos have played.
Postecoglou admitted the shape had been lost in the second half, something that was explicit to the naked eye. Carl Valeri’s goal-line intervention prevented serious embarrassment in the 81st minute as Valeri, Wright and Sainsbury all tracked the same Saudi Arabia striker.
With international football limited before the Asian Cup, there is no guarantee the Socceroos defence will be at full strength as a unit.
The injection of new faces over the past twelve months has sounded out the intention of Postecoglou to discover greater depth in all areas.
Tomi Juric was injected for the last 25 minutes, although it would have been pleasing to see him start over Tim Cahill, who definitely need not prove himself in Aussie colours.
Postecoglou won’t be happy, but he will be content. And that’s a far cry from the disappointment of the Socceroos’ last five matches.
He said before the match that “we’re on a bit of a journey and other people might be in a hurry, but I’m just worried about the destination.”
That destination is clear, but progress is essential at each stage. A win might be enough for some, but it’s time to start polishing off the performance.
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