When Holger Osieck, a name previously unfamiliar to most Australian football fans, took over the reins as Socceroos coach in August last year, one of the first things he declared was that he wanted to win the 2011 Asian Cup. At the time, it split opinions. But here we are now, hours away from playing in the final in Doha.
Of course, winning some silverware would be brilliant, but back then Osieck’s decision had its detractors with commentators like FoxSports‘s Andy Harper and SBS’s Craig Foster believing it was an opportunity missed to blood youngsters and build towards Brazil 2014.
Their arguments certainly raised some valid points about the direction Australian football was heading. And Australia’s position in the Asian Cup final shouldn’t deem those arguments invalid just yet.
But the way Osieck and the Socceroos have performed in Qatar certainly tips the scales of the argument in the German’s favour for now, probably irrespective of which way tonight’s result goes.
The seasoned veterans who some believed should’ve been phased out like Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill and Mark Schwarzer have led the way brilliantly, while Osieck’s wildcards Matt McKay and Sasa Ognenovski have been revelations.
He’s also managed to blood some youngsters with Neil Kilkenny and Robbie Kruse producing encouraging performances off the bench in a bright sign for the future.
That’s one of the most pleasing parts of Australia’s Asian Cup run, that suddenly there appears a natural transition occurring within the squad.
And I dare say the positive experience of being in a successful squad in Qatar for unused youngsters such as Tommy Oar, Matt Spiranovic, Nathan Coe and even Nathan Burns (who did get a run against India) will inspire them in the future too.
Okay, perhaps the football the Osieck’s Socceroos have played at times hasn’t been drastically different from what predecessor Pim Verbeek dished up, but the team does seem more positive and proactive.
But moreso than the football on offer, some of the decisions Osieck has made will have endeared him to the Australian football community.
I hate to do this, but when you compare Osieck to the conservative Verbeek, the German’s ability to back his judgement and make a call has been evident and most impressive.
Backing the in-form McKay to start ahead of Brett Emerton, giving the previously ignored Ognenovski his international chance a few months ago, throwing on young Kruse ahead of goal-shy Scott McDonald and even backing in David Carney at left-back, have been refreshing decisions which have paid off.
That Osieck has been willing to go out on a limb and make those calls will encourage fans to have plenty of faith and confidence in him.
That’s encouraging looking ahead to another World Cup qualification campaign for Brazil 2014 as the reality is prior to the Asian Cup the jury was still out on Osieck, after some mixed results and hardly overwhelming performances.
But in Qatar, he’s been calculated, level-headed, humble and even humorous in that typical German way. It’s been refreshing and endearing.
Plenty in the Australian football community are now genuinely believing we deserve to lift the Asian Cup, and that in itself shows how far we’ve come in this tournament.
Irrespective of tonight’s result, it’s been a fine tournament for Osieck. He’s been refreshing and that’s good for the long-term, but for now – in the short-term – let’s hope the Socceroos can finish off the job against Japan.
*The game begins at 2am (AEDT).
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