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Socceroos' silver lining: The future looks bright

28th June, 2014
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Tim Cahill is reportedly on the verge of coming home. (Photo: Paul Barkley/LookPro)
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28th June, 2014
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A darting Matthew Leckie run at a scrambling defence, Jason Davidson tracking back to put in a last ditch saving tackle.

Two players don’t make a squad. They certainly don’t make a future, but they are major pieces of a puzzle as Australia heads into the 2015 Asian Cup.

That is the silver lining which creates hope across Australia: the Socceroos under Ange Postecoglou are unquestionably heading in the right direction.

While many will see the 2014 World Cup campaign as a failure for Australia following three straight losses, it’s the future stars that this World Cup campaign was centred around that look most promising.

Under Postecoglou, the Socceroos have moved into a more attacking style of play. Not surprising, given the Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory teams he managed prior to the national job.

He has given players freedom to express themselves, a freedom allowing a Leckie or Troisi to thrive.

“We have been positive and backed ourselves and had belief. We have pushed some of the best nations in the world,” Postecoglou said.

In goal, Matt Ryan performed admirably. Some goals conceded were questionable, but at 22 the Club Brugge man looks to be a long term Socceroo.

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Performances against Chile and Holland have also drawn scouting departments across Europe to look at the young and talented Socceroos squad, with Leckie bumping his price tag upward following a good World Cup showing and attracting interest from some major European clubs.

Adam Taggart – while not having the impact at World Cup level he would have hoped – will benefit from the experience. The former Newcastle Jets front man recently signed a 3-year deal with Fulham in the English Premier League.

With Robbie Kruse and Tom Rogic yet to return from injury, the Socceroos look primed for a tilt at Asian Cup glory in 2015.

However not all Socceroos shone on the big stage. Tommy Oar struggled after all the hype surrounding his entrance; Ben Halloran looked dangerous but didn’t quite deliver.

A 3-0 loss in the final group game to defending champions Spain highlighted the troubles that still face the Socceroos: holes in defence and man-marking both contributing to the result.

Defensive lapses were not just limited to the Spain game. The first 15 minutes against Chile attest to this. There’s plenty of work ahead for Postecoglou and his men.

This time though, Postecoglou will have more than four friendlies to prepare.

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Heading into Brazil Australia’s future looked a glass half empty, post-group stage, it’s more like a glass half full.

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