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Decimated by injuries, written off by critics at home and abroad, and facing the usual negativity from sports fans of other codes, exactly how can the Socceroos put out a competitive side for the 2014 World Cup?
In just three days Australia will line up against World Cup dark horse Chile, with two daunting fixtures against the Netherlands and Spain to follow.
Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou prefers an attacking brand of football. He started a dynasty at the Brisbane Roar, sewing the seeds for them to become one of the most attractive sides in the A-League under current coach Mike Mulvey.
He also started brightly at Melbourne Victory, where he looked certain to impose a similar legacy.
Yet now he’s in charge of the national side, Postecoglou is tied down to selecting players based on their place of birth and hoping he can find the right cogs for his machine.
Whether he sticks to his beliefs and sets the Socceroos up to attack their opponents, or plays with a compact and organised structure is an interesting dilemma. Only one man knows how the team will play, but let’s have a look at the Socceroos’ opponents in Group B.
Chile – June 13 (June 14, 8am AEST)
The Socceroos face their first test against Chile in Cuiaba. This is a side that could make a dash to the semi-finals or fail to get out of their group, such is the make-or-break nature of their tactics.
Against Egypt last week, Chile showed the two distinct sides to their game – devastating attack and vulnerable defence. They conceded two early goals before eventually winning the game 3-2.
The Socceroos can feel confident of matching the South American entertainers, with questions marks over the fitness of star man Arturo Vidal. But they will need to deal with Chile’s fluid formation. This won’t be the easiest match in the group.
Coach Jorge Sampaoli is channelling visionary Marcelo Bielsa’s 4-3-3 set-up from the 2010 World Cup. His side likes to harass and harry opponents into mistakes, playing a high defensive line and an intense pressing game.
Sampaoli has developed the team further than Bielsa, and will likely play with a back three that can easily transition into a back four when required. Defensive midfielder Gary Medel’s place in the heart of the three is vital to Chile’s game plan.
This is where the Socceroos’ agile frontline will be vital to grabbing a goal or two. While Tim Cahill will start the match, Mathew Leckie and Tommy Oar will provide the speed needed to get behind the Chilean backline. Ben Halloran and Adam Taggart also offer a burst of pace from the bench.
Hopefully Mark Bresciano is fit for this match. His ability to thread through a killer pass could be the difference between the Socceroos scoring or failing to make Chile pay. Mile Jedinak and Mark Milligan’s ability to retain possession in the face of relentless pressing will also be a decisive factor.
The ideal formation from the Socceroos would be a 4-3-3, which is the system Postecoglou has been leaning towards in pre-tournament matches and training.
Australia’s possible line-up
4-3-3
Ryan
Franjic, Spiranovic, McGowan, Davidson
Jedinak, Milligan
Bresciano
Oar, Cahill, Leckie
Chile’s possible line-up
3-5-2
Bravo
Jara, Medel, Albornoz
Ilsa, Vidal, Aranguiz, Mena
Valdivia
Sanchez, Vargas
Netherlands – June 18 (June 19, 2am AEST)
The Netherlands poses an entirely different proposition to Chile. Whereas Chile will want to control possession, this new-look Holland side is set up to soak pressure and break fast to punish opponents.
Under Louis van Gaal, the Netherlands have been experimenting with a 5-3-2 formation, though they did play a 4-4-2 diamond against Wales in their last friendly.
While similar to Chile’s 3-5-2, van Gaal’s new approach is more controlled and cautious. It looks defensive, and in some aspects it is, but it can also be deceptively devastating in attack.
The forward options of Robin van Persie (who should have recovered from injury), Arjen Robben and young Memphis Depay are all adept at running at defenders, both with and without the ball. This will be the main danger for Australia. The defence will have to be switched on when their midfield has the ball, ensuring their shape is perfect to deal with counter attacks.
Wesley Sneijder will play in the number 10 role, and this is where Mile Jedinak can prove himself on the world stage. Jedi’s role in nullifying Sneijder’s space, and his ability to intercept balls and prevent counters will be decisive.
The Socceroos could also have a large share of possession; what they do with the ball will determine the result.
Assuming van Gaal plays 5-3-2, Postecoglou should deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation. With three centre backs, it can be difficult to decide who marks a single centre forward, and Cahill could cause havoc with his movement.
A quality number 10 is also required in this game. With Bresciano probably not fit to play two consecutive games, Oliver Bozanic could be the surprise replacement ahead of James Troisi.
It will be a cagey affair, likely settled by a single goal. It’s a shame the Socceroos won’t have Josh Kennedy to call from the bench. However, if the Netherlands are the first to score, the Socceroos will be vulnerable to counter attacks while chasing the game.
Australia’s possible line-up
4-2-3-1
Ryan
Franjic, Spiranovic, McGowan, Davidson
Milligan, Jedinak
Halloran, Bozanic, Leckie
Cahill
Netherland’s possible line-up
5-3-2
Cillessen
Janmaat, de Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi, Blind
De Jong, Clasie
Sneijder
Van Persie, Robben
Spain – June 23 (June 24, 2am AEST)
How do you pick tactics against a side like Spain? Not many managers have been successful, but hopefully Postecoglou has an effective plan.
Spain’s formation and style needs no introduction. But it is possible to shut Spain down, and a handful of teams have been able to do so. If the Socceroos are disciplined and keep their shape, they could be competitive. It’s unknown whether Ange will be willing to use such tactics though.
In Jedinak and Milligan, Postecoglou has two disciplined midfielders who will follow his instructions to a tee. Introducing a third defence-minded midfielder, such as Massimo Luongo, could be an option in a flat 4-3-3.
Cahill will be expected to track back into midfield, mirroring Spain’s Cesc Fabregas as a true false nine. But where the goals are coming from is anyone’s guess. Without Josh Kennedy as an alternative option and aerial threat, it’s hard to see how the team can penetrate Spain’s defence.
Question marks remain over whether Diego Costa will be fit to start, while Spain could also field a weakened line-up if they’ve already accumulated enough points to secure top spot.
Australia’s possible line-up
4-3-3
Ryan
Franjic, Spiranovic, McGowan, Davidson
Milligan, Jedinak, Luongo
Halloran, Cahill, Leckie
Spain’s possible line-up
4-3-3
Casillas
Azpilicueta, Ramos, Pique, Alba
Busquets, Alonso
Xavi
Silva, Fabregas, Iniesta
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