The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Socceroos' depth spurring Asian Cup charge

14th January, 2015
Advertisement
Socceroos player Tommy Oar and Mark Milligan contest the ball, during the team training session at the Collingwood Training Centre, Olympic Park in Melbourne, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014. Australia will play Kuwait in the AFC Asian Cup tournament opening match, in Melbourne in 10 days. (AAP Image/Joe Castro)
Expert
14th January, 2015
73
1156 Reads

Remember that time when Tim Cahill was the Socceroos’ only goalscoring threat? That was so seven goals ago.

There was jubilation and frustration in equal measure as Cahill bagged the equaliser against Kuwait. It’s great, we thought, but here we go again. It took just 11 minutes for Asian Cup sweetheart Massimo Luongo to allay those fears. Then Mile Jedinak gave it a crack. James Troisi too.

Then came the Oman game. The shambolic marking of Paul Le Guen’s men inside the box made the aerial route look the most appealing. But it was Matt McKay who opened the scoring in somewhat opportunistic circumstances. Even Robbie Kruse took his chance in front of goal, the one area he has needed most improvement in. Mark Milligan. Tomi Juric.

Eight goals, eight different names. We can breathe easy again.

There is no doubting it’s been a difficult few years on the international front. A generational transition, poor leadership, damaging injuries. But the opening two games of the Asian Cup has provided hope that stability is just around the corner.

Ange Postecoglou has the rare delight of having a near full-strength squad at his disposal, with only Chris Herd struggling through injury.

The competitive nature of this current Socceroos crop was highlighted after the 23-man squad was named; Oliver Bozanic, Aaron Mooy, Dario Vidosic and Ryan McGowan among the unfortunate names to be watching from the stands.

There was less chaos in the physio room, too, as Trent Sainsbury, Tommy Oar and Robbie Kruse all proved their fitness after tough spells with injury of late.

Advertisement

There were three changes made prior to the Oman match as Jason Davidson and Matt McKay replaced Aziz Behich and James Troisi respectively, while Mark Milligan was drafted in for the injured Mile Jedinak.

Behich and Troisi put in quiet shifts against Kuwait. They weren’t necessarily exposed but did little to emphasise their case for inclusion. Their omission against Oman was a subtle warning sign from Postecoglou.

Complacency is a luxury that can ill be afforded in the Socceroos camp, with assured replacements now occupying most positions. Only Terry Antonis, Alex Wilkinson and the injured Herd are yet to see game time, but Postecoglou has suggested they may have their chance against South Korea.

“We have got another big game on Saturday and it’s a game we want to play well and win and improve,” Postecoglou said. “And I will make changes again.

“I have made changes, not because I want to rest people or give people a chance. It’s because I think we have still got guys in there who have got more to give and they’re just waiting for that opportunity.”

He has the mental game spot on, Postecoglou. Prior to the tournament opener, very few players were assured of a starting spot and it meant the Socceroos’ preparations were at full throttle from day one of training.

As Tomi Juric proved with a brilliant cameo in Tuesday’s 4-0 win, there is a full bench of players ready to take their chance when it’s handed to them.

Advertisement

With Postecoglou willing to provide the vehicle for players to shine, it means the potential of the Socceroos has increased ten-fold when contrasted to the rigid approach of previous coaches.

With at least four days in between matches, rotating players isn’t a must for Postecoglou. Milligan should retain his place in the starting XI, with Jedinak likely to be saved for the quarter-final stage.

And Juric’s showings have raised the possibility of resting Cahill for the Korea match.

Postecoglou sits in an unenviable position, but it’s undoubtedly one he will revel in while it lasts.

close