1. Turns out there’s life after Timmy after all
Step up, Tomi Juric. The Luzern striker spoke in the week about his own disappointment at his goalscoring record but, having scored six goals in his last six games for club and country, Socceroos fans must surely be more at ease about Tim Cahill’s inevitable retirement than what they’d have felt this time last year.
2. We now have players who can turn the game on its head
The well-publicised ability of Aaron Mooy was only on display in fits and starts against the Saudis as he struggled for the space and midfield dominance that he’s become accustomed to at club level. Of course, the topic of match winners could not be discussed without mentioning Tom Rogic, whose decisive winning goal was one of the best examples of him slowly but surely replicating his club form for the green and gold.
3. Without Trent Sainsbury, we’re toast
Sainsbury was not mentioned much in commentary and, given the state of some of our defending, it’s probably an indication that he was having a decent game. With Ryan McGowan always appearing two metres out of position, Bailey Wright a touch short of pace and Matthew Spiranovic’s international career in tatters, having an in-form and composed Sainsbury in our defensive ranks is nothing short of a godsend.
4. Mat Ryan’s spot is no longer guaranteed
Although he was clearly not helped by some shocking defending, conceding two goals against a team parking the bus does not provide a positive assessment of Mat Ryan’s performance. More worryingly for him, by the time the Japan game comes around, the Socceroos may well have a starting Bundesliga goalkeeper in Mitch Langerak. How long does Ryan remain the first choice between the sticks?
(Patrick-Leigh / CC BY-SA 2.0)
5. Aziz Behich is a better fit on the left than Brad Smith
There does seem to be a sound logic behind playing a more defensive player on one side when the opposite wingback is given licence to burst forward. But for all his attacking prowess, there’s no doubt Brad Smith has struggled from a defensive point of things since the introduction of the ‘Angeball’ formation. Behich’s solid performance, one that was more balanced than that of the former Liverpool man, will certainly provide the boss with a selection headache in the lead-up to the Confederations Cup.
6. Hey, Robbie Kruse didn’t play badly!
See, Robbie? Stop the moaning and you’re a half decent player! Of course, the former Leverkusen man’s selection in every Socceroos squad has become a running joke, but if he can finally get his club career back on track, A-League or otherwise, Robbie Kruse is a shoe-in for the World Cup squad, should we qualify.
7. We need a left-footed centre back
For the sake of maintaining a natural balance in the back three, the left-sided central defender must, well, be capable of using his left foot! That is no slight on Milos Degenek and Bailey Wright, both of whom have been satisfactory in the position, but an improvement there would do the side a world of good. Matt Jurman, anyone?
8. The formation works!
Here me out on this one. Yes, Saudi Arabia had the audacity of scoring two goals away from home. So what? The infamous 3-2-4-1 formation, remember, was introduced in response to our lack of penetration against sides who stick ten men behind the ball.
The result? Seven goals in three games and not a Tim Cahill flying header among ’em! Yes, the build-up play was sloppy to the point of torture at times, but I have no doubt that with one or two personnel changes (Ryan McGowan needs a spell on the bench), it will be easier on the eye.
(AAP Image/Paul Miller)
9. Come back, Millsy
He’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but the absence of Mark Milligan truly showed in Adelaide. Acting as a fulcrum between the defence and the midfield, a player like him can take the pressure off of Aaron Mooy’s shoulders, who can then focus on tasks further up the pitch.
10. We will qualify
Ignore the social media heroes, the Socceroos will be in Russia in 2018. Don’t believe me? Japan are too strong to take a point from I hear you scream? They’ve drawn 1-1 in Tokyo against the might of Syria earlier this week.
Add to that the fact that we always step up against the Blue Samurai, and that a match-up between Japan and the Saudis means that one of first or second-place (or both!) will drop points on the final matchday, leaves me in no doubt that, if we can just take a point on August 31, we will be going to a fourth successive World Cup.
Cleath
Guest
A lucky win. Defence could not play out from the back as they looked nervous to pass to each other. McGowan was a weak link 3 years ago in Brazil WC. He still is. Should never play for Socceroos again. Brad Smith, talented, just never plays regularly. Shouldn't be picked as he has looked out of place the past few games. Leckie is wild. But hard to Mark. We have always had great fast right wingers. Lazaridis etc. he just needs to settle a bit. Juric playing well and is the solution in my opinion. Mooy world class. Never been sold on Ryan. Rogic needs to move to a bigger club and get more big match experience. Now, I can't believe this is isn't talked about more. Jedinak. He needs to be dropped immediately. He is too slow. And hardly ever makes a decisive pass. Turns the ball over numerous times in key areas. His hamstrings need a good stretch. Looks tight and old. Yes he has an imposing beard. And big match experience, and am sure can give a good rev up speech, but he was our worst in 2014 WC. Cost us matches. Teams let him receive the ball because they know he will make mistakes. When was the last time he made a decisive attacking pass? Or actually done anything good? Free kicks? Sure. Penalties. Yep. But we have Mooy and other penalty specialists. Drop him. And As for Ange, he contradicts himself every press conference. He has lost his brain. How can you pick Kruse when he doesn't play? You said no one plays unless they play regular club football. Plus, he is just hopeless. Never does anything right. Never shoots. And gets pushed off the ball with his tiny carcass. I'm the biggest Socceroos fan on the earth. Love them. But we are about to get taught a lesson in the confeds cup. Against the Germans, I expect a 4-0 loss at best. No defence, and if we get pressed- ha. It's all over. I should write articles for this page. Ps. Best articles at the moment on the Socceroos. Gets into them a bit which is both realistic and needed.
Cool N Cold
Guest
The word "good" is relative. Relatively, both Brazil and Argentina are good and much better than socceroos. When a team is good it has a better choice of choosing formation. In general, a weaker team usually plays a more conservative formation, like with 4 defenders. Base on the above the saying “So, as good as Brazil, they have 4 defenders” do not make no sense. If Argentina, last night, can win because of 3 defenders, then supposedly all teams with 3 defenders play better. Again, in general and not in particular situation, a weaker team plays more conservatively with 4 defenders and waits for counter attack. Read around the world, how many weaker teams play 3 defenders? Is socceroos weaker than Brazil and Argentina? As of 1 June 2017, Brazil and Argentina are ranking 1st and 2nd respectively while Australia 48. Anyhow, as good as Brazil, they play 4 defenders.
Midfielder
Guest
more over on http://www.theroar.com.au/2017/05/15/missing-league-try-watching-local-club/comment-page-17/#comment-5723658
Midfielder
Guest
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Midfielder
Guest
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Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
It didn't change. Listen to Ange post interview where he downplayed the win and once again reinforced it was more about continuing with his game plan and persisting with a style of play long term, which can win against the more adept nations. He will continue to persist with a 3-4-3 because that's what he believes is best going forward. For me it was simple: They just didn't turn the ball over as much, nor cough it up in the middle of the paddock where Saudi could mount a dangerous counter attack. It helped that Saudi were gassed in the second half (for any number of reasons), but does not change the fact Australia quite often finish stronger — especially at home.
Nemesis
Guest
"So, as good as Brazil, they have 4 defenders" What has "being good" got to do with 4 defenders? Chelsea won the EPL playing with 3 defenders. Argentina won last night playing with 3 defenders. Some team win with 3 defenders. Some teams lose with 3 defenders. Same with every formation. There is no formation that only wins, or only loses.
Cool N Cold
Guest
"The formation works! Ten thoughts following Socceroos’ victory in Adelaide" The above is a journal title and it can be tricky. Anyhow, the formation did not work for the 1st half. Should the goalie did not give socceroos a gift, the first half resulted in 1-2. Also, despite 4 midfielders, socceroos were outplayed by the Arabians. That is another fact that the formation was not working. It does not mean that the 3-4-3 is totally bad. Every formation has its weakness. It depends on many other conditions and situations. Whether or not socceroos changed to 4-3-3, one thing is for sure. That thing is that the socceroos played behind the ball once leading after Tommy Rogic's wonder goal. That was opposite to what happened in the first half. No formation is perfect. The most important thing is flexibility. The better is a team can switch between 2 to 3 formations from match to match and in a match to reduce predictability. Last night, there was no announcement about the formations of Brazil and Argentina. But, it was so obvious that Brazil had 4 defenders. So, as good as Brazil, they have 4 defenders.
Alessandro Vari
Roar Pro
Bit left field i'll admit, but he's the only left footed centre back I can think of that is playing regularly. Happy to be taken to task on it.
Alessandro Vari
Roar Pro
If i'm honest, i'm a bit in the dark about it as well. I do recall one of the commentators mentioning that Kruse was coming on in one of the central roles. Regardless, I feel the new formation has made us 10x more threatening in the front third, even if we've sacrificed some defensive stability
Alessandro Vari
Roar Pro
Glad you enjoyed it!
Alessandro Vari
Roar Pro
thanks mattq, appreciate it. I just think the fact that Ange has tried something out of left field has made him a bit of a scapegoat.
Alessandro Vari
Roar Pro
Can't disagree with much of that, although I still think that 3 at the back has its place against better sides, tweaks will have to be made so that the two wide players are more defensive than as normal.
Bfc
Guest
Matt Jurman.....? The only positive he brings is a left foot...Wilkinson helped cover up his shortcomings at SFC...
Chopper
Guest
If we changed to a 433 after half time it was not really apparent however if that was the case it proves that Ange does have a plan B. I just thought it was a change in personnel. Regarding the team and the poor first half showing , my view was Leckie was the main culprit for turning the ball over but then he came up with a gem of a cross for Juric's header. I don't think you can sacrifice Irvine on this performance as he is not a midfield creator and both Rogic and Mooy had indifferent first halves and they are specifically the engine room of midfield. Juric however led the line well, was aggressive and a constant threat and deserved his man of the match for me. Defensively we need a Spiranovic or a DeVere alongside Sainsbury but we could take a Wilkinson at a pinch. Just the experience from Wilko would be enough. For the Kruse detractors I thought he was good when he came on and with a goal poacher like Maclaren in the middle could have had a couple of assists. Ange's first up selection of Smith in front of Behich stuffed any chance of Maclaren getting on the field but at least the change had the desired result. Behich played as a wing back not as a full back and although Leckie played deeper in the second half my thoughts were we played 3 5 1 1 for most of the second half and I think that was Ange's plan B
bobbym
Guest
The speed of Japan will cut the Apples apart if they play 3 at the back - 3-0 The Apples are not Chelsea.
Gavin
Guest
Did they change to a 433 in the second half? If so, what position did Kruse move into when he replaced Irvine? I think the formation stayed the same. Happy to be wrong. Anyone?
Nemesis
Guest
Thanks for this article, Alessandro Vari. Nice to read an honest review that doesn't stick the boot in, nor pretend we are world champions.
Waz
Guest
Nice write up. I don't think you can draw the conclusion that the new formation works though - a move to 433 in the second half seemed to be responsible for an improved second half and the result itself.
Eamonn Flanagan
Guest
We clearly need Spiranovic and Milligan, in the 11. Milligan may need to play defence until Spiro returns, assuming he does. The first Saudi goal will give Japan huge hope. We will have to score in Japan, possibly 3, with our poor ball retention and defence. Saudis may not get another point. They lost to a very poor Aussie team and have the UAE away and Japan home to come. Our problems came from our v poor ball retention in first half. So many poor touches in midfield gave the Saudis very easy opportunities. With our defence ball retention is a must. Its in our hands now. Hope confidence isnt shot after next 4 games!! Luongo and Kruse have a lot to offer, Jackson Irvine didnt keep the ball well. Neither did Rogic in the first half but we know he can. Irvine unproven. Luongo a better bet I think. Wright, v slow, Mcgowan and Degenek average at best. Defence remains a major problem. Tim Cahill wont make World Cup squad. Didn`t get a minute at home v Saudis. Must be finished.