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It was a poetic performance befitting the location. Limerick’s Thomond Park had never seen anything like it and one team certainly delivered. Unfortunately for the locals that team was the Socceroos.
It would seem Pim Verbeek’s side are becoming the masters of the European away friendly. The Dutchmen’s most convincing result so far is arguably last year’s 2-1 victory over the Netherlands. Now it would appear Verbeek has another one to go with it.
For a Socceroos side featuring, at best, only six regular starters the win was also surprising in its conviction.
Just like at the Philips Stadium in September last year, Pim Verbeek’s vision of his side playing a controlling game was realised. Their transitions out of defence and ability to counterattack were stunning.
Unlike their opposition, there were very few ordinary performers for the Socceroos.
Of course any celebrations will be tempered by the fact it was only a friendly. For Verbeek this game was a learning exercise. So, with that in mind, what can we draw from the 3-0 victory?
Firstly, Rhys Williams has arrived. He backed up a positive debut against Japan in Melbourne back in June with an even better 90 minutes. Some in the press box were suggesting he was the man of the match. Not for me though but we’ll get to that in a moment.
Nikita Rukavytsya and Mile Jedinak also impressed in their time on the park.
Other than the young players coming through the ranks all eyes were going to be on the surprise central defensive pairing of Jade North and Patrick Kisnorbo.
While both players have picked up some significant ‘facial decorations’ over the last few days, their performances differed.
Kisnorbo went some way to amending for his Asian Cup campaign with a solid game before being substituted at half time. The only blemish being how easily Ireland captain Robbie Keane turned Kisnorbo inside out midway through the first half. I suspect Kisnorbo can expect another Socceroos call up in the near future.
North meanwhile was less impressive. His lack of regular game time with his club in Korea showed and he needs to resolve that fast or risk missing out on a spot to South Africa.
Above all that, one thing stood out to me: Luke Wilkshire’s role in the centre of the park.
While Jedinak sat just in front of North and Kisnorbo and anchored the midfield, Wilkshire was given license to push forward and regularly joined the attack.
It gave the front four the support they’ve, at times, so desperately needed throughout Australia’s World Cup qualifying campaign. If it weren’t for a flawless 45 minutes from Cahill I think Wilkshire would have been Man of the Match.
It was a pivotal tactical decision form Verbeek and one we haven’t seen enough off.
One particular instance does come to mind though, the aforementioned win against the Netherlands.
Then it was Jason Culina who was paired with Carl Valeri in the middle of the park. The former PSV Eindhoven player was given a similar role to that which Wilkshire filled this morning and he do so with conviction. For me this tactical tweak is the key parallel between the Socceroos two best performances.
Verbeek has obviously had his critics when it comes to the style of football the Socceroos have dished up under him. At times I’ve been left feeling just as frustrated after watching a Socceroos game under Verbeek. Today was not one of those days and Wilkshire’s role is why.
If Verbeek takes this lesson away from Limerick our chances in South Africa next year will be greatly helped.
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