After Germany’s trouncing of the Socceroos in South Africa, many have rushed into pointing the finger at the man in-charge, Pim Verbeek.
Verbeek has a lot to answer to, especially due to the pre-match hype surrounding the fixture and Germany’s coach, Joachim Low, encouraging his players to “embarrass” their opponents.
Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill have both been singled out as potential match-differences although it was a different story in their opening fixture with Kewell unable to get a gig (in the starting line-up or off the bench) and Cahill receiving very little service from the lacklustre passing game the Australians demonstrated.
The tactic behind starting Richard Garcia is questionable also. The Hull City fringe player somehow made the squad over the likes of Scott McDonald after below-par pre-World Cup performances and found himself in the first eleven over tall forward Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Mark Bresciano and speedy Nikita Rukavytsya couldn’t capatalise on two great opportunities in the first half.
His substitution and the arrival of Russian-based Rukavytsya was imminent but again, ‘Ruka’ was not supplied enough service. Australia’s play lacked pace, vision and no ability to read the play beyond one pass. The Germans speedy attack was too much for the ailing and ageing Socceroos defence, with Craig Moore at times leaving skipper Lucas Neill out to dry after poor marking and ball watching. He showed signs that he isn’t fit to play the zonal marking Australia employ, he may even be questioning his decision to make an international return.
Dario Vidosic is an exciting youngster who has the skills, flair and speed to make a difference during the World Cup if given the chance. He, like Rukavytsya, would make big impacts coming off the bench – especially as Vidosic can play through the midfield and down the flanks.
Podolski and Klose led the Germans from the front and had a point to prove – having scored five league goals this season between the two of them – and although they squandered some first half opportunities, came good and repaid the faith installed in them by their coach.
Verbeek has left the Socceroos supporters not just in despair but with questions about his approach to the game. His lone-striker policy has stirred controversy before and it certainly couldn’t hold a candle to the sharp German defensive unit lead by Philip Lahm. With Cahill now out with a suspension, Verbeek must look to where his new attacking outlet will be. An attacking duo of Kewell and Bresciano is appealing although Kennedy is more favoured to get the nod against Ghana.
With two must win matches left, Verbeek has a lot to answer to and must make amends for the thumping that his side copped in what is the worst performance by the Socceroos in a World Cup to date.
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