Young Socceroos coach Jan Versleijen says Australia faces a tough task against Costa Rica, as they strive for a vital victory in the FIFA under 20 World Cup in Colombia.
The Australians needed a spectacular late long distance free kick from winger Tommy Oar to salvage a 1-1 draw in their tournament opener against Ecuador.
A victory over Costa Rica on Thursday (AEST) would give Australia one foot in the quarter-finals.
It would also prevent them facing an undesirable must-win situation against European powerhouse Spain in their final group game next Sunday (AEST).
“If you want to qualify for the next stage you need at least four points,” Versleijen said.
“That means you have to win one of your next two games.
“It would be good if we can do that by the end of the second game against Costa Rica.”
Spain underlined their class with a crushing 4-1 first-up win over Costa Rica to go two points clear at the top of the four-team group.
“I saw the game, Costa Rica has a very good team so it will be a tough task for us,” Versleijen said.
“If you want to get out of the group, that’s your assignment.”
Costa Rica will present a different challenge to Ecuador, according to Dutchman Versleijen.
“The game against Costa Rica will be a completely different game because of the playing style of Costa Rica,” Versleijen said.
“They are a team that likes to play a short passing game, they are good on the short combinations, have some skillful players up front.
“It will be a tough game, but it is our task to study Costa Rica very well, analyse their weak points and try to get the result against them.”
One player Australia will need to be wary of is striker Joel Campbell, who bagged six goals in the CONCACAF U-20 championship.
Australia have no major injury issues following the Ecuador game.
With Australia’s starting side struggling to impose themselves against Ecuador, and just three days between their first two games, Versleijen could could consider changes to his run on team for the clash with Costa Rica.
Among those potentially pushing for promotion to the first XI is the squad’s youngest player, 17-year-old midfielder Terry Antonis.
The Sydney FC starlet impressed after coming off the bench against Ecuador, adding some much needed spark.
jamesb
Guest
the young roos were certainly missing Leckie and davidson. I haven't seen davidson, but i like to think he would be an improvement over Marc Warren. at the end of the day, in this tournament its alll about building blocks for the future. Players like Bulut, Bernie, Antonis, oar, Amini, Kanta and throw in players who weren't involved in the tournament like leckie, mcgrath and davidson its a good list of players to come from one age group.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
I haven't given this much thought until just now but how's this for something out of left field (bad pun, I know) ... ... could Tommy Oar be converted into a Left Wing Back/Left Full back? One of the best left backs from the mid-90s - Roberto Carlos - was even smaller than Tommy? And, remember, Harry Kewell started life in the EPL as a left back for Leeds United. There's a lot of overlap (ok that's not a bad pun, even if it wasn't intended) b/w the skill set required for full back and wing ... but, as I said, I haven't given this much thought.
Futbanous
Guest
Poor first touch for me still a major problem. Promising moves break down because of it. We need to rectify this in the next generation of young lads coming through if were to have any impact on World Football. Tommy Oars lack of strength was noticeable when he played for the Roar,plus his control for me when trying to dribble past a player is not close enough. Trys still to push the ball ahead & use speed rather than trickery to get round his opponent. Easy to read for a half decent defender. Zullo was the same . But surely the defence in these youth tournaments recently leaves a lot to be desired. That is something that can be worked on(organising it). Will be suprised if JV survives,he looked worried in the post match interview. Then again he knows Spain is up next.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Roarchild Yeah, I probably should wait an hour after a match before jabbing at the keyboard. :-) Based on what I've seen in the tournament, I don't think Tommy Oar will make it at senior level UNLESS he dramatically improves his strength. For sure he has talent: wonderful ability to dribble past defenders (although, today when he switched flanks, I noticed how poor he is on his right side), can whip in an inch-perfect cross and he's even deadly from the set piece. But, he gets pushed off the ball way too easily. Oar is exactly the same height as: Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Sneijder but he doesn't have the strength (or technique?) to shield the ball and hold off defenders ... perhaps, this can be developed? And, the defenders ... well, I just don't have any faith in Warren or Grant, who have been hopelessly exposed over 180 minutes. Every time there is an opposition move down either wing, my heart is in my mouth expecting the attacker to skip past and whip in a perfect cross or pass ... I don't feel this way when full-backs like Wilkshire, Emerton, Chippers or, even, Zullo are on the ball. A bit like Dave Carney - Warren's strength seems to be his attacking instincts ... although his touch lets him down and, like Carney, he has a terrible habit of feigning and trying to get past the oncoming player - when it works it looks great, but more often he looks like a clown and leaves his team mates & GK exposed
Roarchild
Guest
Leckie would have been a huge upgrade over Danning. Hammil pressed me and I will be interested how he goes at club level this season. Hopefully he will play 25 games for Heart. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Roarchild
Guest
Fuss, it's under 20's the jury is still out. Your being too harsh . Defenders develop later than forwards. Warrens lack of pace limits his potential but he had a couple of moments and can deliver a cross. Compare Devere when he first came into the Roar side at 18 or so to now when he is a senior Roo. Huge difference. You don't think Oar will make it? I would say he would be a decent bench option for the senior side already. Keeper looked good and the 2 Sydney FC boys deserve a full A league season. I am looking forward to seeing how they go this season. Even Danning who didn't perform worried Costa Rica with his pace in the 2nd half. Maybe Brisbane can turn him around. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
nordozzz
Roar Guru
i guess Danning is slightly more suited to playing wider, not by much ... i just wish they'd have shifted Ibini when he came on to play more centrally late on and help Bulut out. Leckie could have been good in that wide right role, don't want to bring that one up though!
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Why oh why was Danning in the starting 11 and Bernie Ibini left on the bench? I really want Danning to do well but he was awful. His touch today was really really bad and and he constantly lost the ball. As soon as Ibini came on the game changed - he and Bulut seem to be on the same wavelength since they actually understand the game and know when to run and where to run. Very tough now. Need to beat Spain and I can't see that happening. From what I've seen in this tournament only Ibini & Bulut are likely to progress to the National Senior Team and, based on reputation, I know Amini & Kantaroviski also have the potential but it has not been evident at this tournament. But, even if it's only Ibini & Bulut, who move up that's terrific. The National Senior team is crying out for players of that calibre.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
FT ticos 3 Aust 2
The Cattery
Roar Guru
93rd big throw in for aussies, it was a Delap effort the set up the first goal
The Cattery
Roar Guru
92nd massive shot from 35m for the ticos, actually earned the corner! keeper forced to put it round the post
The Cattery
Roar Guru
90th Bulut had a bit of an opening then for the shot, but took another touch, closed down, skied it well over, till 3-2 to the ticos, they now have the corner, playing keepings off now next to the corner flag, have the thrown in, Aust having trouble getting it back
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Come on, Oar, where's that magic...
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Blaaaaargh, come on Australia!
The Cattery
Roar Guru
76th tico keeper makes another hash of a long range free, Aust earns corner, but nothing comes of it corners: Aust 8 CR 5 keeper looks shakey, an equaliser is on the cards here
The Cattery
Roar Guru
75th balls spills out to Amini, about 25m out, hits if first time, over the bar, but it was good lead up work and a tico striker has just received a yellow for diving
The Cattery
Roar Guru
72nd Rutz scored for the ticos, they're back in front, I missed the goal, but it's till end to end - fussball's prediction might end up being spot on the money
nordozzz
Roar Guru
some good endeavour leading up to that goal even though it was an own goal
The Cattery
Roar Guru
65th Chance immediately at other end, good close in save
The Cattery
Roar Guru
64th Ibini-sei has just forced the the own goal when his shot when astray, but Bulut would have tapped it in if it had got past the defender, it was Calvo with the own goal, he had only just come on 2-2