Tajikistan vs Socceroos highlights: World Cup Qualifier scores, blog

MATCH RESULT: Tajikistan 0-3 Australia

Three games, nine points – that’s what Australia expected, and what has is delivered as the Socceroos won 3-0 at Tajikistan in a game that has put them on the doorstep to progress to the next round of World Cup qualification.

Three second-half goals did not tell the story of the tough tussle that emanated from a frustrating first half for the Socceroos, who could not break down an obdurate Tajik defence, and despite a host of chances, could not direct one to threaten the goal. Tajikistan themselves had a number of opportunities to advance down the pitch, but could not muster a sustained threat on the Australian goal.

Similar frustration followed in the second period, until Mark Milligan broke the ice with a tap-in that rolled past Tajik keeper Alisher Dodov for Australia’s first, silencing a previously raucous home crowd. That changed the game and the tactics, as Australia enjoyed an easier ride until fulltime, during while Tim Cahill scored the 40^th and 41^st goals of his illustrious Socceroos career.

The win takes Australia to the top of the Group B standings ahead of Jordan, who they meet next month in Amman in a game that will possibly see either side secure early progression for the next round of qualifiers on the journey to Russia 2018.

MATCH PREVIEW

Australia can extend their lead at the top of Group B, as they once again travel to the mystery of Central Asia to face Tajikistan in Dushanbe. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 11:00pm (AEST).

Under the new format of qualification in the Asian confederation, where the process for World Cup entry doubles with the Asian Cup, it was inevitable that Australia may experience an easier initial time in their path to Russia 2018. But few would have imagined how easy the Socceroos would have had it against Bangladesh – one of the teams to enjoy prominence courtesy of the new qualification process.

5-0 in any language constitutes dominance, but if anything did not go far enough to establish just how dominant the Socceroos were. But it was Bangladesh, and it was in Perth.

As established by Kyrgyzstan on Matchday 2, the Socceroos can’t simply assume anything by Tajikistan’s ranking of 158 and expect an easy three points. It didn’t come in Bishkek, and it may yet again be tricky 1000 kilometres south in Dushanbe.

Changes are expected for Ange Postecoglou’s team from the one that romped their way to victory against Bangladesh. The return of Tim Cahill for the likely omission of either Nathan Burns or Tom Rogic may see the Socceroos take a more long ball and direct approach to this game, which is due to be played on the artificial turf at Pamir Stadium.

Cahill’s presence, along with the incisive runs of Mathew Leckie are likely to be Australia’s two main goal threats. The focus for Postecoglou may likely in asserting numbers in midfield to ensure a possession-based game and not exposing Australia on the counterattack.

Therefore, a return for Matt McKay could be an option, or otherwise Tommy Oar may be required if width is needed to form a supply line of attack for Cahill. The back four against Bangladesh spent more time in attack than defence, but should expect sterner work against the Tajiks, while Adam Federici will see a second consecutive start in goal.

For Tajikistan coach Murbin Ergashev, there is little point of pondering tactics other than how to stop Australia. Having not played in Matchday 3, the Tajiks will have the advantage of the know-how of the artificial threat, the expected vocal home support plus extra days preparation for the match, while their opponents make the arduous journey from Perth.

The good news for the Tajiks is the relative experience of their team, with nine of their 23-man squad boasting more than 20 caps. Of the two teams, the Tajiks can be expected to adjust to the playing environs of the artificial turf quicker, while as their neighbours Kyrgyzstan showed, Australia can be exposed against to pace and short accurate passing around the final third. The team is almost entirely home-based, with Kazakh-based defender Davron Ergashev and Russian second-tier Gazovik’s defender Farkhod Vasiev the exceptions.

Of concern though to the Tajiks is both the recent poor form, where they only have one point from their two qualifying games so far, as well as the paucity of their own goal threat. Midfielder Fatkhullo Fatkhuloev is the leading scorer with eight goals, while striker Dilshod Vasiev has only scored six times during his 40-cap career.

But the challenge for Tajikistan is to ensure they can assert some control to proceedings, and belie their recent form of losing at home to both Syria and Jordan, while drawing away at Bangladesh. Given the meekness of the Bengalis’ capitulation at Perth, that could see Australia lick their lips should they score early.

Once again, anything other than three points will be construed as failure for Australia. A greater challenge awaits in Matchday 5 in October, when the Socceroos travel to meet Jordan. Prior to that, Australia can go a long way to progression to the third round with another victory here.