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The Socceroos’ road to Russia begins newt week, just two borders away from the 2018 hosts in the former Soviet Union nation of Kyrgyzstan.
It’s one of the more mysterious challenges in a qualifying group that has dished up a cacophony of unknowns.
Ange Postecoglou and his army of back room staff would have spent the last few weeks scrambling for information on the 177th-ranked nation, which has only been a member of FIFA for 21 years.
Kyrgyzstan haven’t played a competitive match in six months – their last outing ending in defeat to China – and the majority of their squad is locally based, making scouting reports a far more arduous task than it would have been for the March trip to Germany.
Having played the world champions and a host of other quality nations in the last 12 months – Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Chile et al. – this is expected to be a routine training hit-out for the Socceroos. It probably will be, in truth, if Ange’s men mirror any of their recent performances.
This one won’t be judged simply by the goal margin, though; Postecoglou will be determined to witness a professional display.
The target is on our backs as Asian champions and the greatest measure of a truly quality side is as much how they play against lesser opponents as against world-class ones.
A match such as this requires a ruthless approach, one that treats Kyrgyzstan akin to any other the Socceroos have faced this year. Such respect will set the tone for a qualifying route that is expected to be a cake walk, but still demands plenty from the players.
The early stages of the Asian Cup were a showcase in the peril of complacency. The Socceroos took time to find their feet against both Oman and Kuwait, before coming into their own and finishing off the job convincingly.
The Kyrgyzstan match is begging for a solid showing for 90 minutes that will allow the players to officially end their season full of confidence and with a platform for September’s qualifier against Bangladesh in Perth.
The groundwork has been laid with this week’s training camp in Dubai, according to Matthew Spiranovic.
“The coaching staff have been doing their homework for this game for many months,” he told FFA TV. “They summarise all that into a small package so the players can take on that information.
“We’ll sit down and have a few meetings and watch a few videos so going into the game we’ll definitely feel comfortable what to expect.
“Like previous World Cup qualifying campaigns, you go into a few games as sort of the unknown. Kyrgyzstan is certainly one of those teams.
“A lot of us players haven’t seen them play. That’s why it’s important that we’re here a week before the game where we can work on a lot of things and the coaching staff can give us the information going into the game.”
Postecoglou could use the fixture as an opportunity to tentatively tinker with his line-up. With Trent Sainsbury and Mass Luongo having withdrawn through injury, the door is open for the new boys to make their mark.
After close to two years of speculation and many lobbying for him to be called up, Tomislav Mrcela is in contention for a start.
Despite moving to Croatia 19 years ago, the centre-back’s determination to play for Australia and his consistent form, by all reports, is exciting.
He’ll face stiff competition in the form of Spiranovic and Bailey Wright, who guided Preston North End into the Championship after recovering from a frustrating spell injured on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Luongo’s injury could pave the way for Postecoglou to test out the burgeoning Chris Ikonomidis. The Lazio midfielder made his debut in the drab draw against Macedonia in March, but will be pining for a longer cameo to prove he is capable of playing a part throughout the qualifying stage.
He’s part of an encouraging crop of youngsters consolidating the Socceroos’ future. As well as Mrcela, Roma-bound Daniel de Silva has been drafted in to make a possible debut.
De Silva’s experience defies his age of 18 years and having been on the radar for some time, it’s clear Postecoglou feels he is finally ready for the big stage.
The Perth product may struggle for game time, but will undoubtedly benefit from his first Socceroos camp.
While there are a few candidates to change the usual running order, the Socceroos line-up that takes to the pitch in Kyrgyzstan will be expected to easily account for their hosts.
Postecoglou has made it clear that results are an obvious priority, but he’ll be just as eager to ensure his players produce the dominant display expected of them.
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