Australia’s bid to topple soccer super-power the Netherlands has suffered a body blow with midfielder Mark Milligan ruled out of the World Cup fixture.
Milligan has a hamstring strain and won’t play against the Dutch in the Porto Alegre encounter on Wednesday (Thursday AEST).
“He pulled up a bit sore yesterday,” Australian coach Ange Postecoglou told reporters on Tuesday.
“He has got a bit of a strain in his hamstring but hopefully he’ll be okay for the third game.”
Postecoglou had already been forced into a defensive change with right-back Ivan Franjic sent home with a torn hamstring.
Ryan McGowan will likely take Franjic’s spot but Postecoglou declined to reveal Milligan’s replacement.
Cooler conditions are forecast in Porto Alegre compared to the hot, energy-sapping climate of Cuiaba where Australia opened their campaign with a 1-3 loss to Chile.
Postecoglou said the milder weather would produce a higher tempo encounter against the Dutch, but was adamant the Socceroo’s won’t take defence-first mentality into the game.
“We’ve said right from the start that that’s not why we came to the World Cup,” he said.
“We know we’ll have to be very strong defensively because the Dutch are very dangerous going forward and they proved that against Spain.
“The other side of that is if we just try to defend for 90 minutes, there’s only going to be one result and that won’t be in our favour.
“It’s just as important that we’re dangerous when we have the ball.”
Australia have an unbeaten record against the Dutch, with a win and two draws in their three previous encounters.
But Postecoglou says the past was irrelevant ahead of a clash where a win for the Dutch will take them into the next round and all but end Australia’s campaign.
Postecoglou does take some solace from a strong Dutch influence in Australian football over the years, through the current Football Federation Australia technical direct Han Berger and previous Socceroos mentors Guus Hiddink and Pim Verbeek.
“That has kind of driven the development of our football over the last x-number of years,” he said.
“So from that perspective we have an understanding of how the Dutch approach the game.”
Simon
Roar Rookie
McKay has been picked. Only 25 minutes now!
nachos supreme
Guest
the bigger concern is that somebody out there is asking Pim for an opinion.
Bondy
Guest
Fuss I agree it wasn't one of M Ryan's better days with the gloves I was going to ask Apaway what he thought replacement wise . I think Bozanic should come in for Milligan and leave Mc Gowan at right back or certainly keep him away from the centre half role or pairing with Wilko that's just simply to inexperienced if Spiranocvic moved into Milligan's position ..
tommaso
Guest
lets hope AP doesn't select McKay to replace Milligan - his imitation as the Energiser Rabbit is outstanding but his imitation as a footballer is cringeworthy - I 'd rather have Luongo in the team
Rob Gremio
Roar Pro
Agreed. It doesn't make sense to change keepers, especially for one who has played about 4 games all season. And what difference does it REALLY make if Langerak has saved a few shots (when he plays one of his rare games for Dortmund) against Robben? It makes no sense at all. I think Ryan didn't have his best game - I was disappointed he didn't at least attempt to save the second goal, just kind of waved his hand at it. I would have expected him to hurl himself at the ball, but he didn't. Looking for an improved performance tonight from him.
Franko
Guest
In fairness it is probably an honest and accurate assessment. Still, as an Aussie, the first reaction is one filled with profanity and personal insults.
Griffo
Roar Guru
Hand your honourary passport in at the nearest Australian embassy Pim. ;-) If that doesn't fire up the team :-x
me too
Guest
Good chance Milligan would have started at right back. The decision to take so few defenders to this World Cup looks very shortsighted, especially given the experience we sent home. Injuries always happen, suspensions always happen. We didn't properly cater to them.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Verbeek earlier today “I don’t see any possibility that Australia will score a goal against the Netherlands........(Holland) should go for an extra attacker. We have to attack from the flanks, but also through the middle. (Australia are) so inexperienced at the back,........They are very vulnerable at the back. So I think we’ll score at least three goals.” Cheers Pim.
Batou
Guest
I can't see Ange, changing keepers for this match. Ryan looked a little overwhelmed and pulling him after one match won't help that at all. I think Ange is more likely to have a quiet word with him and try to improve his confidence. If he does make a change, I'd feel more confident with Galekovic in goals than Langerak as he has been playing much more and is very consistent. Goal Keeper is probably the least of our concerns though.
The Bear
Guest
I think Holland contributes little. I'd rather see other options in the defense as others here have noted. I think Ryan in goals is the best option right now. Perhaps ML for the third game.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Probably as many as Maty Ryan.
vinnie
Guest
how many shots has Langerak saved against robben in the bundesliga this season?
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Disappointing news for Milligan, but we have lots of options for his spot. My preference (in order) would be: Luongo, McKay, Holland. Alternatively, we could put Spiranovic next to Jedinak; McGowan into Central Defence next to Wilkinson & Bozanic at RB. It probably won't happen, but I'd also like to see Mitch Langerak given the GK spot. I was a bit disappointed with Maty Ryan's performance & Langerak has an excellent record facing up to Robben in the Bundesliga.
AZ_RBB
Guest
But Holland might confuse Holland?
Griffo
Roar Guru
I'd almost forgotten about Holland...I agree.
realfootball
Guest
Normally I would agree, but McKay's form has been ordinary. Bozanic perhaps. No doubt it will depend on who has been training the better.
realfootball
Guest
Oly or McKay. Not Holland, please.
Midfielder
Guest
Maybe Olly he played in the U 23 as a holding mid...
Griffo
Roar Guru
Hmm...wonder if Luongo will make a start for Milligan. We are going to need some decent distribution from that position and Luongo did well against Parana Clube friendly.