Australian coach Ange Postecoglou says his players were spent.
He blames fatigue for basic blunders in a 3-0 loss to Spain in the last match of their World Cup campaign.
“These guys, this has been a massive effort both physically, mentally, emotionally – three massive games,” Postecoglou told reporters.
“But that is the level that we have to perform at, there’s no hiding from it, that is the levels we have got to reach.
“They really struggled, particularly after the first 10, 15 minutes, to have the effort that was required.
“And we lost our discipline, our decision-making wasn’t great, we gave the ball away far too cheaply, which we haven’t been doing in this tournament.”
Postecoglou said his Socceroos were dominated by Spain after a bright opening – and the statistics from the encounter at Curitiba’s Arena da Baixada support his summation.
Spain launched 46 dangerous attacks, Australia just 11.
The Socceroos couldn’t muster a shot on target, while Spain recorded 11 – three of which hit the net.
All of Spain’s goals slipped through a leaky Australian defence; the Socceroos’ midfield was overwhelmed; and without suspended striker Tim Cahill there was no real threat in attack.
“Obviously it’s a disappointing way for us to finish the tournament,” Postecoglou said.
“But full credit to Spain. After the first 10-15 minutes where we played pretty well, Spain got into a rhythm and dominated the game.
“We really struggled after that to get into our game ourselves.
“We just looked a little bit tired, having to play three world class opponents.
“And in the end we struggled.”
The Socceroos were ranked 62nd entering Brazil, the lowest of any nation in the tournament.
And they exit at the group stage without a point, with the Spain loss following defeats to Chile 3-1, and the Netherlands 3-2.
“We came into this tournament with the right intent and we were positive and backed ourselves and had belief,” Postecoglou said.
“We have pushed some of the best countries in the world.
“We’re not a top 15 nation right now. And that is what we have got to try and be in the next four years, we have got to push on and try and bridge that gap.”
Australia, from 13 games in four World Cup finals campaigns, have two wins, three draws and eight losses.
Dingo
Guest
Spain had played the same number of games hadn't they? Weak excuse, I think it had more to do with Spain being much better than us.
Griffo
Roar Guru
'Fatigue'? I don't know about that - you are in a (potential) seven-game tournament - I think the deflation from the Netherlands effort was more to do with the dead rubber nature of the Spanish game than fatigue. Sometimes pride doesn't have the same meaning as getting points into the next round. While we are heading in the right direction, there is still much to improve. Ange has shown he can plan and prepare. I have no doubt he has already began formulating plans in lieu of the Asian Cup in six months time.