Can the Socceroos defeat Iraq this time?

Roar Rookie

20th January, 2011

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Roar Rookie

20th January, 2011

1420 Reads

Australia's Scott McDonald and Iraq's Haidar Hussain during the Australian Socceroos v Iraq World Cup qualifier. AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Contrary to the last Asian Cup, I am not pleased Australia finished top of the group. Thanks to the misfiring North Koreans, Australia will play Iraq in the quarter-finals. Australians know only too well how fragile the Socceroos were against Iraq in the 2007 Asian Cup.

Losing 3-1 to the eventual champions in the group-stage meant facing the might of Japan in the quarter-finals.

I know we lost on penalties, and some will argue we had to play Japan at some stage. But facing Vietnam could have given us the confidence boost to advance further and start playing like we deserved to be competition favourites.

So, can Australia defeat Iraq this time?

We should be wary.

Emerton is suspended, Culina is injured and Holman’s form has been more cold than hot the last two games. It should be said our backline didn’t even look that strong against Bahrain with North and Ognenovski exposed at times.

However, The World Game is reporting Wilkshire and Carney will be back. Although both players have not discovered their best form lately either, this will strengthen the defence and provide more options in midfield.

McKay played ok at left-back but his best position is centre-midfield, an area of the park which has been devoid of forward passing and movement of late.

But does Holger dare play only one defensive midfielder?

It would be nice to see an Oar-Jedinak-McKay-Holman midfield, but maybe a stubborn and conservative approach with Jedinak and Valeri will get the result. So long as the defence remains somewhat solid and we retain possession, Australia can win.

I am all for fluid attacking play and a return to the Hiddink days, but Iraq’s killer crosses and ability with the ball will be tough to defend.

I think Holger’s got it right: hold strong, spread the play and give it to Harry and Timmy.

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