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.
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.
Heading into Brazil Australia’s future looked a glass half empty, post-group stage, it’s more like a glass half full.
billyelliott
Roar Guru
Nice article Andrew. Agree that the future looks brighter under Ange, I wonder what he could have achieved if given more time. I think our biggest downfall was a lack of polish, for all Leckie's darting runs, or Oar's contributions neither really looked like they were going to threaten. Time playing against quality opposition will help these players get to the next level. Even though there were lapses at crucial times (read all nine goals) our defence was probably the shining light. Spira has been knocking on the door since 2007 and should have played more than his 26 caps, while Wilko did a good job filling in for an injured Curtis Good. While I'm not a fan of Franjic, I must admit the balance seems good with him on one side and Davidson on the other. Bring on the Asian Cup.
Andrew Macdougall
Roar Pro
Thanks for the comments DT, and I agree on a lot of points. I think Australia showed enough to suggest under Ange things will be ok, Rogic coming into the team will be a massive boost as he can play that creative midfield role and play it well. We can only hope the likes of Leckie, Kruse etc.. kick on within the next four years and emerge at some big clubs. The one player who I would really like to push for a place at the next world cup is Tomi Juric, he has all the tools to be a strong striker who can put the ball into the net. Time will tell I guess.
Deep Thinker
Guest
They need some players making an impact in big clubs in the big leagues. Otherwise, they will continue to get trampled on as they did in this World Cup. They made us all proud because they showed a bit of ticker in what, at the beginning of the tournament, looked like a pretty hopeless position to be in. They even gave the Netherlands and Chile a few nervous moments - which is the bare minimum for any half decent side. For all our attacking style, we only scored 3 goals, including 1 from a penalty. We also let in 9 goals. That means we had the most leaky defense in the world cup. The disappointing thing about it is that most of those goals were soft goals due to either lack of composure, failure to mark world class players or basic skill errors. They really need to find a scorer, a creative midfielder and a few dependable defenders. Badly. Without Cahill on the park, it is hard to see where the next goal is coming from. Robbie Kruse is the best bet but you wouldn't bet your house on him making a big impact at the next World Cup (assuming we even qualify). Ange really needs to show an ability to get the team to play different styles depending on game situation. An attacking mindset is all well and good if we are outplaying the opposition, but if we are getting outplayed, we need to be able to play more defensive, counter-attacking football as well.
brisvegas
Guest
Agree that there is fresh hope. Fulham are in the Championship; they got relegated last season.