The Socceroos are finally back on home soil and the pressure is on for them to win their first Asian Cup.
Can they do it? That’s the $64 million question. Australia remains a team in transition, one that has been broken down and remodeled by Ange Postecoglou’s design.
Since Postecoglou took over he has got rid of the deadwood, blooded a large amount of rookie players and attempted to fast-track the regeneration of the Socceroos.
There’s been some successes, including the first half against Ecuador in London, the first half against Japan in Japan and comebacks against Chile and the Netherlands, but we are yet to see a dominant 90-minute performance.
A new defence has been constructed and the boss has tried to get as much experience into his charges as quickly as possible. Growing pains were evident at the World Cup, when the Socceroos were handed a nightmare draw, and expectations were low.
But they have risen considerably for Asia’s showpiece. Nothing less than spot in the final, like they achieved in Qatar in 2011, is warranted.
Injury has ruled out a few players for the Asian Cup, such as Tom Rogic, Rhys Williams and Josh Kennedy, but Australia can welcome back Robbie Kruse and Trent Sainsbury who were unavailable in Brazil. Kruse in particular could be a key contributor in this tournament if on song.
Flying the flag for the golden generation are veterans Tim Cahill and Mark Bresciano, and it won’t surprise to see both start against Kuwait. Both still possess the skill and finesse to make an impact, though Postecoglou must use them wisely.
A-League forwards Tomi Juric and Nathan Burns are battling it out for a spot in attack, with Burns in sensational form, while on the wings Mathew Leckie, Kruse and Tommy Oar are the options.
Captain Mile Jedinak and Melbourne Victory midfielder Mark Milligan are likely to anchor the side in the middle, with Aziz Behich on the left of defence and Ivan Franjic on the right.
Unlike at the World Cup, Postecoglou has more depth to choose from this time round. Two out of Matt Spiranovic, Sainsbury and Alex Wilkinson will partner in central defence, while Premier League players Jason Davidson and Chris Herd are other options on the flanks.
James Troisi is pushing for the number 10 role while Terry Antonis, Massimo Luongo and Matt McKay are also in contention for midfield spots.
In goals will be Mat Ryan, fresh from a stellar Europa League and Belgian Pro League campaign. Ryan learned a lot from his time in Brazil and has taken his game to a new level of late.
I spoke to the 22-year-old goalkeeper this week and he said the Socceroos’ preparations in Melbourne had been excellent.
“Everything is going really good. Everyone is finally in and we are working hard. The boys have just been doing a bit of conditioning, doing drills etc. that will reflect the way we want to play and it’s all at a high intensity,” he said.
“Everyone’s really excited. The chance to play a major tournament on home soil. The mood is upbeat and everyone is working hard.”
Most of the work the Australian team has done has been about reinforcing how they want to play against the opposition.
“The coaching staff has made a couple of little changes in certain drills focusing on playing in tight areas and passing between lines. But nothing really we haven’t done before,” Ryan said.
Positive, proactive, possession-based football is Postecoglou’s mantra. Taking the initiative from their opponents and attacking them. Neat passing, overlapping fullbacks and a fluid front third.
Kuwait, Oman and South Korea will present vastly different challenges than the green and gold faced at the World Cup or in friendlies against Belgium and Croatia. Kuwait and Oman may tend to sit back, soak up pressure and try and catch the Socceroos on the break.
The Koreans may dominate possession and take the game straight to the home team. They have enough technically proficient players to trouble Australia. How the four teams in Group A line up and the tactics they each employ will be fascinating.
The Socceroos need to get off to a fast start in the Asian Cup and wins against Kuwait and Oman first up are a must. Positive results and good performances are essential in the first two games if they want to top their group.
The final group game against South Korea, certainly a tricky encounter, will be vital if an easier passage to the next stage is to be secured. Recent matches against the Taegeuk Warriors over the years have been close affairs.
Win Group A and a meeting with China, Saudi Arabia or Uzebekistan would be next, and then possibly Iran, Iraq or Qatar. Finish second and it gets a lot tougher, with a semi-final against our arch-rivals Japan looming.
The Socceroos are finally on Australian soil again after many, many matches abroad. The hope is that being on home soil in familiar conditions will help lift them to great heights.
The Asian Cup certainly presents the Socceroos with a very rare opportunity, the chance to claim silverware at a major tournament Australia is hosting. The flow on affect for the local game, the A-League included, could be huge.
Is Ange’s armada ready to make history? Let’s hope so.
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Hi guys, latest mail is that Milligan won't start. Jedinak as sole screener. Troisi and Luongo to start in front him, possibly Bresc instead of one of them. Much more attacking formation.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
"Captain Mile Jedinak and Melbourne Victory midfielder Mark Milligan are likely to anchor the side in the middle" I hope not. Ange has seen this partnership on several occasions in the past - the two are far too similar to be playing alongside eachother. Milligan is a replacement for Jedinak, not a partner. I'd rather see Antonis or Luongo alongside Jedinak, with Bresc or Troisi further ahead.
Pete
Guest
I don't see the point in playing both Milligan and Jedinak in the midfield. You'd be better playing Luongo who plays as an 8 along side Jedinak. Maybe when we play Korea (and if we don't need a win) or Japan you might put Milligan and Jedinak in the same team, otherwise you need someone with a little more forward push. Especially against Kuwait we need to make a statement and it shouldn't be a defensive one.
j binnie
Guest
John- This is a good "pick-em-up" discussion piece you have written and it is to be hoped the players get a chance to read it and absorb what you are trying to get across,however there are a couple of things you could have left out for by including them you raise doubt in what is supposed to be a "get them ready for the job at hand " booster. We all hope that the team does well in this competition,if football is to continue to gain popularity it is essential that we have a successful Socceroo team on the field ,that's where it matters most. There are a couple of things you said that leaves some doubt in what you really think are their chances.After analysing the World Cup performances you went on to say, and I quote "but they have risen considerably since" and in that simple statement a reader would begin to question your offering. I am afraid the results attained since the WC do not raise any opinions as to how the team is performing and if Ange has managed to cure the outstanding problem he has been facing,how to put the ball in the back of the net. If he has fixed that then we have a chance to perform against Asia's best,if not???????? That is the worry that most realistic pundits of the game hope has been over come.That brings us to your closing words, "Let's hope so". Cheers jb.