Ange Postecoglou is a philosophical man. Far from being the ‘grump’ he was touted as heading into the Saudi Arabia match, the Socceroos boss is merely a realist.
Postecoglou has standards. A vision. It’s why he refuses to ride the wave of emotion most Socceroos fans (for lack of a better word) are on.
The pre-match wishlist was headlined by the need for a result. Our yearn to simply taste the riches of victory had superseded the demand for winning in style which has burdened the Socceroos for some time. We said victory would be important for team morale, but really we just despise defeat.
But while many Australians will take pleasure in the 3-2 win (we won, guys, we finally won!), Postecoglou may have a cons list far greater than its antipode.
Perched atop the list of positives is Massimo Luongo. In his first start for the Socceroos, the midfielder did a sterling job at allaying fears of life after Mark Bresciano.
Indeed, the latter’s second half substitution for Luongo indicated a changing of the guard that leaves Australians full of promise.
The Swindon Town talent was arguably the best on ground and deservedly earned the plaudits of his boss. It was Luongo’s brilliant first touch, his reading of the play and ability to get in between the Saudi Arabia lines that made him a clear standout.
He was industrious in his approach and offered a much needed link between Mile Jedinak, whose distribution was admittedly below par, and the front line.
The success was made all the more impressive by Luongo’s pre-match assertion that he is less comfortable in the no. 10 role. He settled in with ease and has offered both of his manager’s immense luxury.
Despite the caveat of facing a sloppy defence, Luongo couldn’t have made a better impression and was fortunate not to cap his field day with a goal of his own, first for the opener which Tim Cahill bundled home, and then with a header from Mathew Leckie’s cross on the hour mark.
Leckie was another bright spark for Postecoglou, with his attacking intent again proving he is quickly becoming a mainstay of the starting XI.
The post-mortem is far less intense than that following the Belgium defeat, but there would have been plenty of questions on Postecoglou’s clipboard.
The backline will again be the focal point of scrutiny, particularly with the late chances gifted to Saudi Arabia. But the most worrying issue with the defence – which must include Jedinak on this occasion – was the incredible turnover rate.
They are mistakes that can be forgiven when players are taking risks, but possession was mostly surrendered with the likes of Sainsbury and Jedinak under minimal pressure and attempting a simple pass.
Having Herd and Davidson playing high lines also put greater pressure on Sainsbury (who replaced the injured Alex Wilkinson early on) and Bailey Wright.
Davidson’s forays forward during the World Cup were to great success and there was minimal trouble down his side, but Herd was often caught out as the result of a cheap turnover in the front third, forcing him to motor back as Saudi Arabia countered.
Many of the mistakes went unpunished thanks to the stagnancy of the Saudi attack, but it will weigh heavy on the mind of Postecoglou.
Perhaps benefit of the doubt is required here. Sainsbury’s early introduction meant this was one of the most inexperienced defensive lines the Socceroos have played.
Postecoglou admitted the shape had been lost in the second half, something that was explicit to the naked eye. Carl Valeri’s goal-line intervention prevented serious embarrassment in the 81st minute as Valeri, Wright and Sainsbury all tracked the same Saudi Arabia striker.
With international football limited before the Asian Cup, there is no guarantee the Socceroos defence will be at full strength as a unit.
The injection of new faces over the past twelve months has sounded out the intention of Postecoglou to discover greater depth in all areas.
Tomi Juric was injected for the last 25 minutes, although it would have been pleasing to see him start over Tim Cahill, who definitely need not prove himself in Aussie colours.
Postecoglou won’t be happy, but he will be content. And that’s a far cry from the disappointment of the Socceroos’ last five matches.
He said before the match that “we’re on a bit of a journey and other people might be in a hurry, but I’m just worried about the destination.”
That destination is clear, but progress is essential at each stage. A win might be enough for some, but it’s time to start polishing off the performance.
Bondy
Guest
That'll be a good hit out Fuss ..
AZ_RBB
Guest
Squeezed right in between MVFC v SFC and MVFC v Brisbane.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
The FFA has just announced that the National Team will play Asian power nation, Japan in a friendly on 18 November 2014 in Osaka. Trip to Japan .. may be willing to break my "don't go to friendlies any more" mantra. Full story: http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/article/socceroos-to-meet-japan-in-pre-asian-cup-friendly/41bnflh6tgqk1tey9nkr9mc3j
Griffo
Roar Guru
Of the squad just dispersed this week, one lineup that would have been interesting to see would be this: Ryan Herd Jedinak Wright Smith Brillante Luongo Leckie Oar Davidson Juric Knowing Herd seemed a bit underdone, Halloran could slot in for Juric or Davidson...and there are others not in the squad who may make an appearance in October.
Alessandro Vari
Roar Pro
Jedinak is good when played in a certain way, that being as a ball-winning midfielder who does as little running and passing as possible. Thats how Pulis used him at Palace and he was brilliant, hes a shadow of who he was last season. A midfield 3 of Jedinak, Brattan/Brillante/Herd and Luongo would be perfect.
Alessandro Vari
Roar Pro
i'd have smith over wilkinson any day of the week. He's a vital cog in one of the greatest club teams this country has ever seen
Leonardo
Roar Guru
Off Topic #3: In the US, Major League Soccer has overtaken Major League Baseball for the first time with record average attendances in Aug 14: http://www.insideworldfootball.com/world-football/football-americas/15189-us-breaks-crowd-records-as-soccer-hits-baseball-out-the-park-over-the-weekend The 109,318 fans who watched Manchester United beat Real Madrid in Ann Arbor, Michigan set an all time domestic US attendance record for a football game. 25 million registered football players in the US and growing.
Griffo
Roar Guru
RBBAnonymous - yeah I had checked him previously, some good YouTube clips of him. The one attached to the Football Central article (about 55 minutes long) showed the detail he goes down in terms of how players should be positioned to open the play (and not revert to bad habits picked up in younger years). An amazing coup for Sydney United to get someone of his calibre in for some knowledge transfer if only briefly (having contacts helps and why not? Great going guys). Dr Jozak (PhD; football thesis no less) may just be the right person for the right time for us to see what detailed youth development is. Not official as far as I know, but at $2million a year for 4 years I think he's going to have to deliver but for what my $0.05 counts I would be cheering if he gets it, particular for the angle the TD role is going to be in that timeframe solely focussing on youth development. The alternative is a underling of Bergers, on the cheap, with no TD experience. C'mon FFA, you have to invest in youth and the future. There are no shortcuts and short-term quick fixes and box checking. Niké is your sponsor, heed their advice - Just do it! 8-)
Leonardo
Roar Guru
Those guys are good and funny. SBS will do very well to get Santo, Sam and Ed to do an A-League Fever program.
Leonardo
Roar Guru
For the Asian Cup Neill will be 36, Cahill and the Og 35.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
One thing that does concern me a little is that all of our analysis assumes the Saudis are witches hats. I see no mention of any names, nor who in their side was having a good game and who not. Analysing our players' performances without putting into the context of the performance of the opposition reduces its efficacy.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Just on the appointment of Romeo Jozak. He came out earlier in the year and was invited by Sydney United to have a look at their youth set up and to run some courses. Word got around and apparently a few A-league coaches like Popovic discovered he was in town and he went to the course run by Jozak. He is very well respected and has run training courses throughout Europe and has frequently visited the states and also run courses there. If you have a look on youtube there is heaps of videos of the way he conducts his courses and his coaching philosophy and techniques. It is an amazing appointment and his philosophy is in keeping with the good work done by Han Berger. If you get a chance just do a search of his name on youtube and have a look at some of his work, bodes well for the future.
Bondy
Guest
Midfielder That Sunday night timeslot will run into or against live premier league games on Fox I'd suggest . I've always championed for a Thursday night football programme " warm them up for the weekend " so to speak . The SBS woggy academy of speaking is great .....
whiskeymac
Guest
Good post griffo. I second it. Motion passed 're confidence to the td role and some possible playmakers coming through...
Fadida
Guest
Agreed, though Ange does like his defenders to pass the ball out. A player who gives the ball away easily in the last line is a concern. CB is the only spot that suits his skill set
conchie
Roar Rookie
I read this crap the other day and i thought how pathetically small minded you people are, i think you all deserve each other. I wonder if you actually read what you write ..... BOG is not Australian, it is Victorian, That would make the ute not iconically Australian but just from Geelong, that would make the surf life saving reel not iconically Australian but just from bondi beach in Sydney The Hills hoist from a suburb in Adelaide etc etc Small minded is probably overstating the mindsets involved here.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Sorry but Craig Foster is a ridiculous caller of the game. Dont want him anywhere near a microphone calling a game in the A-league.
Midfielder
Guest
Sorta on SBS ... https://soundcloud.com/workingdogaus/sbs-academy-of-woggy-speaking
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Thanks, Middy. Never realised there was an ALeague only Monday night show. Thought it was part of Monday night's TWG. But the Sunday night show is not a preview. It's to be called "Extra Time" and will be highlights & discussion. However, the Sunday BEFORE the opening game, the Sunday night show will be a Preview of the ALeague season.
Midfielder
Guest
Hill & Foster are a great calling team and that is what I had hoped for ... but Mr put you to sleep is still calling.