Ange Postecoglou has received a lot of credit for his work in the opening two games of the Asian Cup, while eyebrows have been raised in the direction of Uli Stielike, but on Saturday night in Brisbane it was the German who deserved the plaudits.
Finally finding something resembling a functioning unit, Stielike’s Taeguk Warriors indeed defended with warrior-like determination, setting up early for a high press that disrupted the Socceroos’ rhythm of the opening two games, then retreating to block and frustrate the hosts.
A classic battle between two of Asia’s finest, this was far from a disaster for a Roos side that dominated large parts of general play, but it does expose Postecoglou’s men to a side of the draw and a quarter-final venue they were hoping to avoid.
The powerful, resolute and organised China side, well familiar with Brisbane and the Suncorp surface, will provide a stern test that the Socceroos must pass to set up a potential semi-final in Newcastle against Japan.
There had been a bit of noise from Robbie Kruse in the build-up about the stadium’s surface, and Postecoglou mentioned the impact this had on his team’s passing in his post match comments on Fox Sports and in the press room.
Australia’s manager and his players must now focus and get the negativity about the Suncorp surface out of their heads, for it’s clear that Alain Perrin and his men will be relishing playing at a place they now see as their lucky charm.
If Brisbane ball boy Stephen White is on duty on Thursday, they might feel even more comfortable.
What they may lack technically China make up for through sheer hard work, and the uneven surface certainly helps level things up from their perspective.
In truth, it wasn’t so much the surface that sunk the Roos on Saturday night, but their own wastefulness and the fact that we saw the real South Korea, the one I was impressed enough with pre-tournament to think they could be the team to beat.
Despite losing two very influential central midfielders in Park Joo-ho and Koo Ja-Cheol on either side of half-time, they defended with real conviction, even if they had to rely on a couple of brilliant Kim Jin-hyeon saves late.
Early on the defensive set-up of Stielike was exceptional, pressing the Socceroos high and making it difficult for the defence to get out through Mark Milligan or Matt McKay.
The flanks too were blocked by excellent defensive work of Lee Kuen-ho and Kim Jin-su on the left and Han Kyo-won and Kim Chang-soo on the right.
Stielike recognised that Australia’s wide-men like to play tight and allow the fullbacks to get forward, but they blocked the avenues of Ivan Franjic and Aziz Behich.
In the first half it was often the clever movement and penetration of Massimo Luongo that gave the Roos the creativity to break into the top third, and had Tomi Juric and James Troisi been more clinical it might have been a less anxious evening.
Instead the Socceroos went behind and then played with tension chasing. Not for the first time this tournament they were caught unprepared at a set piece, but this time the punishment was maximum.
Expecting a Korean long throw, the Roos switched off momentarily when Korea went short, with three players drawn to Ki Sung-yeung, allowing Lee Kuen-ho to drift in behind the ball-watching Nathan Burns and set up front man Lee Jeong-hyeop for an impressive finish at the near post.
Burns got his starting opportunity here, but his defensive lapse was critical.
While Postecoglou’s changes didn’t really have the desired effect, with Juric and Troisi also missing good chances, and Behich struggling, Stielike pretty much got everything right.
Early on, the work of Ki, Park and Koo in the centre of midfield was excellent, Ki and Koo giving Korea plenty on the ball while Park bossed proceedings until a Burns elbow caught him.
Koo in particular will be missed if he doesn’t recover from what looked a serious arm injury.
But it wasn’t just the midfield where Stielike found winners. The work of his back four was arguably the most convincing of a tournament where they have won three games 1-0.
Meanwhile, Lee Jeong-hyeop caused the Roos defence plenty of issues, eventually leading to Matt Spiranovic earning a yellow card that will see him miss the quarter-final.
Postecoglou now has a bit of work to do to get his players focused and his plans and tactics right for China on Thursday.
While it seems likely he will revert to his first choice front three of Robbie Kruse, Tim Cahill and Mat Leckie, he also has to decide if McKay has done enough in the past two games and whether Mile Jedinak comes back in for Mark Milligan.
At the back Postecoglou has indicated Alex Wilkinson will come in for Spiranovic, and it’s likely Jason Davidson will put pressure on Behich.
Having five days to recover, and with six or seven changes likely, Postecoglou will have a fresh team, but more important is that the Roos take a no excuses approach, don’t look too far ahead and focus only on China.
Rob Grêmio
Guest
I disagree. Australia was the team creating chances, we split Korea's defence on a regular basis and really should have scored at least two goals. I was there too and that's how I saw it. By the way, I also thought the Korean defence was more aggressive and physical than usual. An interesting development.
Griffo
Roar Guru
My thoughts also...perhaps share a 'seat' amongst a few thousand. If all 'seated' tickets are sold, and all seats are occupied, the hills will be very bare.
Uncle Junior
Guest
Let's not get ahead of ourselves worrying about possible semi-final opponents. We have to beat China first. Also, everyone seems to assume Japan will cruise through to the semi-finals. The fact of the matter is Japan could be on the plane home to Tokyo by this time on Tuesday. Japan is not guaranteed a spot in the Quarter Finals and they certainly are not guaranteed top spot in Group D. If Jordan scores an early goal, Japan will start sweating about being knocked out of the tournament. And, we need to remember Jordan was the only team to beat both Japan and Australia during the qualifying process for World Cup 2014. Group D has set up to produce a night of high drama on Tuesday, 20 January.
Bfc
Guest
i am a bit nonplussed that some Soccerros have made comments about the playing surface. I would agree with the author...the surface was not the cause of our demise. The ball appeared to 'run' fine in the main and the ground was even watered at HT, so it obviously was not considerd too heavy underfoot? If lawn grubs are the issue...it is not hard to buy a commercial lawn grub spray, so surely the groundsman would have used some? As far as the heat and humidity...it has been very hot and humid in SE Qld for some weeks so no team should have been surprised, but both teams have to deal with the weather...so no advantage to either. We lost because we were profligate in front of goal. So we now need to play China in BNE, and perhaps JPN in a semi...if we are good enough we will win, if not we will not. So it is not all doom and gloom? We topped all the stats except the critical one....goals scored! I would auggest that Ange will not leave out all three of his first choice forwards again...and if Jedi is fit he may revert to a single holding midfielder, allowing two attacking midfielders. Either way, Ange needs to ensure the players do not go looking for excuses....pitch, weather etc...same for both sides. "Cmon Aussie"!
chump
Guest
Was at the game and Australia at no stage played like a team that deserved to win.
Jack
Guest
A lot of our goals since ange have come down the right flank. After all these years needing an lb now we need an rb. All in all sti love the football ange has the guys playing
Realfootball
Guest
Yes, my reaction the moths was likewise moths=caterpillars. Only one place for the caterpillars - in the grass! That many moths meant a LOT of caterpillars. However, I find it hard to believe that the problem could not have been managed.
punter
Guest
JB I cannot agree more, Look at the top teams in the world & see how quickly they can transition the ball in attack to not allow the defence to set. We do not yet have the players to do this consistently against the better teams, yes this is the next step. However, if you don't try, you don't succeed.
Jo
Guest
Speaking of moths, I know the pitch has come in for criticism & being a regular visitor to Suncorp Stadium I wondered why it was in such poor condition. Then it dawned on me - summer/ humidity/ rain equals lawn grubs!! Having had to fight them in our lawns forever in these weather conditions there is nothing the groundskeeper can do about it except let the cycle take its course. So lay off the criticism, it is out of human control.
AGO74
Guest
Yes it's good they have some experience but it's certainly not great. They played less than a dozen games together almost 3 years ago (wilkinson left ccm in July 2012). Ok but not great going into the one of the biggest games we've played Since joining AFC. Spira is our best defender. I still think should have taken him off.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
I agree with the "extremely watchable" tag - it certainly was. However, how accepting will the media/FFA/fans be of an eminently watchable team which lacks results? Oh yes, fans like to say on forums like this that they only care about the former...but...the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Fadida
Guest
How dare the coach not "consult" anyone. Why didn't he get together a panel of former Socceroos and ask them how he should play, and who he should pick ;) On another day we'd win that game by 4 goals.
Fadida
Guest
Agree
j binnie
Guest
AGO - Surely not so much of a problem when one considers Wilkinson and Sainsbury are not exactly strangers both having played at CCM. jb
Fadida
Guest
Nonsense. Better finishing and we'd have won 3-1. Australia were dominant for much of the game. Korea didn't win some sort of tactical battle. They got lucky.
Johnno
Guest
nos agreed. like in rugby you want the RWC you have to beat the AB'S or the Boks.
Johnno
Guest
Roarfan Some of you don't get it, were gonna have to face Japan in either semi's or final, there's no difference. The socceroos are only here to win the Asian cup on home soil, not get a pass mark of makeing the semi's or haveing fancy stats of being runner's up to Japan in the final. Were here to win it, and were gonna have to face Japan most likely to win it. So no point avoiding Japan, or hiding away for pass marks, were here to win it.
j binnie
Guest
Punter - the next step is how to convert clear cut chances into goals. It actually all comes back to a couple of factors,speed in thought,control,& execution. In the past I have criticised Ange's teams (yes even Roar at their peak) for their penchant to start playing "possession passes" back and forth across the back a ploy that only gives teams with the strategy used by Korea,more time to re-group behind the ball and last night it was encouraging to hear pundits like Aloisi spout about going forward under control as fast as possible as the way to break down a packed defence. In the 2 previous matches the Socceroos have greatly improved in that department with quick movement of ball and player creatiing chances that were pounced upon and executed well. Last night they ran up against a better organised team and in this environment,they ,the Socceroos, also have to lift there game accordingly.Yes chances were created but as I said only one showed up a Socceroo not surrounded by white jerseys when making the final attempt at goal. So now our players have to move to the next level and learn how to move a ball and strike well before they are outnumbered and shutdown by men simply motivated by getting rid of the ball at all costs.It is easier said then done but is the next step for Ange and his staff to address. Cheers.jb
The Minister
Guest
Bill you should live in a country with more accessible firearms. That way you could end it relative painlessly.
Hamish Alcorn
Guest
My guess is as good as another's... They might have been 4:2, or 3:1. We still would have fully lost, but we would have been much more excited by watching our team honestly lose against better teams and indeed learn the "football lesson" that such entails. For the experience the team would do better at it the next time, so again in the realm of utterly untestable guesswork, I'm calling that the first of these tests would have been a 4:1 loss and the second a 3:2 loss. Playing cynically, regardless of the opposition, equals not getting better at playing: the key to Ange's philosophy, as far as I can see it.