As the Asian Champions met the World Champions on Wednesday night in Kaiserslautern, few could have predicted the dominance the Socceroos would impress on the match.
Germany looked shocked at times by a vibrant and fluid attack and Australia can feel unfortunate not to have grabbed a victory.
Yes, the Die Nationalmannschaft rested some key players, but the Socceroos were similarly without no less than four regular starters. It was an inspiring performance, and here is what we can take out of the result.
There is life after Cahill, and is does not depend on a striker
While much has been made of Tim Cahill’s eventual retirement, whenever that may be, and his eventual heir, Ange Postecoglou has ensured it won’t be too hard a hit. Concern before the Germany game was about where the goals were going to come from without a fully fit number nine in the squad.
Yet Postecoglou’s preference of an interchanging front three worked to devastating effect against the hosts. Mathew Leckie started at the point of attack, though often switched with James Troisi, who put in his best ever Socceroos performance, while Nathan Burns also often drifted out from his place on the right-side of a three-prong attack.
This fluidity allowed the team to cause Germany all kinds of problems in the final third, Leckie’s pace in particular a valuable asset. If the Ingolstadt flyer can improve his finishing and first touch then the Socceroos will have some player on their hands.
Postecoglou praised his front three in the post-match presser, saying they will only get better, and also reserved plaudits for Tommy Oar, who also looked lively when introduced off the bench. It would be good to see Oar play from the start against Macedonia, while Tomi Juric might not even have claims to start even if declared fit.
A traditional number nine is an invaluable asset, but in the modern game it is no longer essential in the starting line-up. The front trio’s finishing has to improve to keep it that way, however.
“If they didn’t believe, now they will”
Probably the most striking comment from the post-match interviews, captain Mile Jedinak was referring to the team’s belief, but it was also likely referring to the entire Australian public.
Before and during the Asian Cup there was still a lot of doubt in this side. Even afterwards, there were comments on The Roar and elsewhere questioning why Ange Postecoglou and the FFA were picking friendly matches against the best in the world.
The answer is now clear – because we are good enough. Postecoglou has instilled a belief in the national side never previously seen. It has rubbed off on the players, and they are playing with appropriate confidence. The Socceroos outplayed Germany for large sections of the match in Kaiserslautern and proved their quality at the highest level.
Australia should be disappointed
Ange rightfully pointed to the performance over the result after the match, which is of course the outcome that matters most in friendlies. But victory was there for the taking and letting it slip just 10 minutes from the death hurts.
The team can be proud, as can supporters, but Jedinak probably summed it up best when asked whether the Socceroos should have killed the game off.
“I think an element of us has to see it that way,” he said.
“If we really are going to take it up to the next level you have to be a little disappointed that we didn’t hold on, considering the amount of opportunities we had.”
Again, a telling comment from the Socceroos captain, and spot on. The performance should be the overriding factor taken from the draw, but it also needs to be used as future motivation the next time the team comes up against a world football power.
Disappointed may be too strong, because the performance was near faultless, but if the Socceroos are to rise to the top then it is a natural and appropriate feeling.
The Socceroos will improve further with a settled defence
Mat Ryan has been an ever present between the sticks under Postecoglou, but the four men in front of him have been ever-changing, mainly thanks to injuries. Yet another back four was forced onto Postecoglou against Germany due to injuries to Trent Sainsbury and Matthew Spiranovic.
It was astonishingly the 13th different back four combination Postecoglou has used in just 18 games. Luke DeVere, in his debut, was Alex Wilkinson’s sixth central defensive partner under Ange, and it showed.
DeVere looked undercooked more than anything, his fitness clearly lacking after only just returning to regular first team action. He was rusty in the opening half but soon settled, and a lung-busting run to chase down Lukas Podolski late on represented a brilliant recovery.
Wilkinson spoke of his desire to stick around as Ange’s first choice, and to be fair he hasn’t done much wrong to get shafted from the first XI. However, it also be hard to argue against continuing the Sainsbury-Spiranovic partnership that flourished in the Asian Cup, if they can both stay fit.
Friendlies are a tough gig for fringe players
While managers at times use exhibition matches as a way to try new combinations and experiment with personnel, more often they stick with the tried and tested and then introduce newbies off the bench.
So it was for Aaron Mooy, who struggled to get into the rhythm of the Germany match after entering the fray in the 69th minute. A few stray passes and a few turnovers meant Mooy was far from impressive, but he cannot be judged on that performance.
A starting berth against Macedonia would go a long way for Mooy proving he is up to international standard, and also give him the confidence and time to make his mark. Similar with Bozanic, it would be great to see the duo get more of a run next week.
Mitch
Guest
"I still think his performance against Holland at the World Cup was quality, so think he needs to be in there." I don't think so Oly. That no 10 positon belongs to Tom Rogic and Oliver Bozanic may be a fairly decent player but he will never be Tom Rogic.
oly
Guest
Wow that is tough on Bozanic. How long did he play? 10 minutes? I still think his performance against Holland at the World Cup was quality, so think he needs to be in there.
j binnie
Guest
Punter-. playing with a back three is not new as you suggest and I don't think that is where the problem lies in the system as it is being tried today,it is obviously in the transition when 5 midfielders have to decide who is going to do the defensive duties if and when a team,endowed with the right players especially those endowed with pace and control ,decide to attack the flanks out wide.In theory it is then that the wide defenders in the "back three" should be forced out wide and the 5 man midfield can exploit the spaces. That of course is in attack mode,but in defense mode problems can start to occur if those same midfielders decide not to "work back" as hard as they do going forward. Van Gaal appears to be still chasing the necessary balance at United with constant team changes but it is debatable if he is actually playing with a fixed 5 man midfield though he appears to be using Fellaini and Mata more and more against men whom he has paid lots of money for in his signing spree.United are gradually climbing the league table so it may be that Van Gaal is getting his message through .Whether Low will attain something better only time will tell. Cheers jb
bemused
Guest
Must remember that the Jedi hasn't played much since Asia Cup.
Punter
Guest
Great post JB. Chile is probably the best exponent in the world of the 'back three' & Australia caused them untold problems during WC. Australia while clearly a fair way from the level of the world champions, showed great character & took it to the Germans all night long. I was so impressed how Ange & boys were not daunted playing the No 1 in the world. Now while the Germans did have some big names on the sidelines, their forward line would be the envy of most in Ozil, Rues, Goetze. We now have a pretty good system & the players believe in it, hopefully we can see a few more develop into international class Socceroos between now & 2018. We are still lacking creativity in the final third.
Brick Tamland of the pants party
Guest
Matt Ryan's distribution is world class for a keeper, without a doubt. He is full of confidence and flying, shame the world cup came a year too early.
nearpost
Guest
5 things, 7 actually: Matt Ryan distribution and saves are sensational - is he better than Schwarzer - if not, Ange must rejoice as without Ryan's feet the system doesn't work so well does it (ask Young, Valaphi, Eugene, Vukovic, Covic etc etc.) Bozanic not up to the level - again. Devere, Ange knew he has the potential, can push into the squad. Could Devere partner Sainsbury and Spironovic boot out our Captain in time Jedinak - is he really good enough to keep the ball at this level? We simply see too many mistakes in every game from Jedinak - note the free pass he hit to German striker when they were already 1-0 upp. Jury still out despite his great goal, and Ange's unwavering support. I'd love to hear Ange's comments on Jedinak. Oar can contribute - we knew that. Leckie is fantastic - but he needs to score - we knew that. Davidson - despite high energy and many great contributions - doesn't play for WBA for a reason - he can't defend.
j binnie
Guest
Janek - Don't know whether you noticed or not but Germany,besides trying out a few fringe players were also attemptingto try out a new system of play which seems to be in vogue just now in Europe and popularly described as playing with a "back three".Those with longer memories will remember Louis Van Gaal has been stuggling to get his players,both in the national side in Brazil and his latest Man U. team to try and adapt to this system which is aimed at gaining numerical control on the park in the area where 70% of the action takes place,midfield..Also with more than a few players either retired or due to retire from the WC winning team ,and recent results pointing to this, could it be that Germany and Low,like Ange and Australia,are in a re-build mode? That aside.the Socceroos played against their chosen opponents and played well with Leckie and Triosi,both gifted with pace and Burns with skill,constantly able to confront that "chosen "back three" and more than holding their own. Low will face more questions out of this trial than will Ange but let us not forget there were some pretty big names sitting on the bench for the German brigade and it only took the introduction of 2 of them to quickly bring the game back to equality. A thoroughly entertaining trial game that was a credit to all taking part and no doubt pleased the very large crowd attending. jb
AL
Guest
A pleasure to watch, great to see our Socceroos play well. The only National team that is inclusive of all Australians.
RIP_Enke
Guest
He is also playing for a contract on a way as well, that would have inspired him a little as well.
Rob Gremio
Roar Pro
Towser, Osieck was right about Troisi - he was pretty ordinary during the Asian Cup - but he had a decent game against Germany. I still think that Oar is a better player, but if Troisi can build on the performance he put in the other morning, then I will be happy to be proved wrong. Troisi's performance was probably a result of the confidence boost he received from scoring the winner in the Asian Cup final, and Ange's show of faith in him before that. Maybe that is what he needed to kick him along. Time will tell.
canman
Guest
Well articulated - The approach by Ange, far more than the result, is a further example of the strengthening of the code in Oz. The monkey as well and truly disappeared.
Kaks
Roar Guru
It is enjoyable to finally watch Australia again and know that; 1) You should be in for some attacking football that doesnt involve hoofing it up field all the time 2) You could win and not "can we hold on for a draw?"
Towser
Guest
Perhaps Ben we need to look at the coach for creating that hunger and belief. I would add to that for Ange a complete understanding of the Australisn sporting mentality with a deep understanding of football and how to successfully combine the two ingredients. No better example for me than Holger Osiecks remarks about Troisi and Ange's picking of the same player and Trois's positive response on the park.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
We have a hunger and belief that has been missing for some time.
Lionheart
Guest
Good comment. I think we need better coaches in the A League, Ange was an exception.
Griffo
Roar Guru
I would have thought the Asian Cup, with 11 or so scorers including Cahill would have put that questions to bed. It is a transition period for our attack. While much focus is on stiffling Cahill, the others are getting some much needed experience to relieve the pressure off Cahill to score. Against Germany, without Cahill, that is bearing fruit and giving confidence to the side that they can do it without him. Also I thought the quick gathering before the match bodes well for the World Cup qualifiers. The luxury of a week or two in camp won't always be there, and the team delivered against a quality side, even without some of our regulars. I think Ange has that in mind and can only be confident (a key word during his tenure) that for this qualification campaign we should hit the ground running.
Stadia Cooperoz
Guest
What is pleasing is that the second wave scorers are stepping up. Have to refer back to Mark Schwartzer's comments and other A-League critics too. The A-League is acting as salvation for careers that have stalled in Europe so players can find their niche or get their mojo back and have another go. Troisi, Burns, Juric Leckie and many more. This performance is an affirmation of many things that are good about the game in Oz including Ange's progress. .
Alan
Roar Guru
Thought Germany were awful. Australia good. They should beat Macedonia surely. I'm expecting a win, nothing less.
bobbym
Guest
and we play a better game without Timmy.