Socceroos players generally have no idea what coach Ange Postecoglou is thinking at the best of times.
But after a second-string side nearly toppled Chile at last month’s Confederations Cup, the pecking order that most had established in their minds has been blown to smithereens.
Postecoglou has plenty of food for thought heading into Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Japan in Saitama.
Does he go for his best players on paper, like Tom Rogic and Aaron Mooy, who are in-form, fresh and confident?
Does he send out a team of fighters like the side whose furious pressing and in-your-face defensive tactics rattled the South American champions?
Or does he try to strike some sort of balance between the two?
“Football is sometimes not about what the best XI is, it’s about what team can get the job done,” said attacker Robbie Kruse.
Kruse is one of only four outfield players who survived the mass changes made by Postecoglou between the Cameroon and Chile games in Russia.
“I think different players suit different games, tactics – it’s just the way the game is.
“In saying that we’ve got such a strong squad … every single player stood up, it gives the coach a lot of headaches, so it’s something I think will help us in the long term.”
Postecoglou has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, having spent the past few years trying to establish depth in the Australian ranks.
That job is now complete – the hard part is figuring out which players are best suited to each situation.
Players gave up trying to read Postecoglou’s mind long ago.
“You never know with the boss – sometimes you feel like you might be playing but then you don’t know,” Kruse said.
“You find out game day, but he keeps everyone on their toes.
“Everyone prepares as if they are going to play – it keeps a good atmosphere in the team where no one is guaranteed a (start).”
Australia hasn’t beaten Japan since 2009 and has never beaten them at home – but nor have Japan beaten Australia in a World Cup qualifier.
Kruse, for his part, has a reasonable claim to face the Samurai Blue.
The 28-year-old has three games under his belt after joining German second-tier side VfL Bochum after a rocky period at club level and has looked the goods in his past few runs for the Socceroos.
He said he was keen to repay Postecoglou’s faith for picking him even when he wasn’t playing regularly in the past.
Atlas
Guest
Was hard to leave Luongo out tbh. Its a toin coss, I just went back to that Chile game and had to give credit to Troisi. Really excited for Amini getting a run in the Thailand game. It is nice having a CM on the bench that can come on an generate impact and it sounds like either Troisi or Luongo. Just need the lads to find familiarity in the system... the triangles are all there for some nice passing movements.
chris
Guest
I recently watched Levante play against Barcelona and they look like a very good side. I hope he goes there and gets regular game time. He has shown amazing patience over his career and I think he is deserving.
Mark
Guest
I doubt it. We maintain the outdated obsession with having a designated captain for our national side who must be selected and play regardless of merit. Injury, retirement or a new coach are the only things that will get Jedi out of the squad.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
I hope we get the 2-2, as it takes goal difference out of the equation. If we do lose tomorrow night then we risk the final position coming down to goal difference. Given the Saudi's start their game against Japan after ours has finished they will know exactly how many goals they need to directly qualify and can plan their game around that target.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
I believe he was injured for the Confeds and the preceding WCQs.
Caltex TEN & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Yes Stuart, that's not a bad line up, you could replace Torisi with Luongo and there is your dream team.
Caltex TEN & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
That's a good question Stuart, I would think many would hope so, but I will reserve my judgement after I see how Spira performs, if selected. I am just puzzled to why he has been over looked for so long, and what's his form like now, as I have not seen him play since he went AWOL to China.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Caltex, do you think Spiranovic and a quality performance could be the death knell for Jedinak?
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Nice theory, I would love to see a Socceroos team with Luongo, Mooy and Rogic in full flight. Not sure if there is room for all three in a starting line-up however.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
It was a nice way to wake up today. I didn't follow the result live, I thought the Saudis had far too much to lose. Aaaaahhhh, the beauty of football, thanks U.A.E, still a lot of work to do however, not there yet.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
100% agree, no point going to Japan and sitting and defending. Must attack and believe that they have the goals in them. This is going to be an epic first 45, with both teams realising how important it is. I've tipped a 2-2 in the preview. Might be bold, but I truly think both teams have an incentive to attack.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
I agree Ben, I've called a 2-2 draw in the preview for tomorrow night. Feeling lucky to be blogging the game. Can't wait. I've included all the club sides of the Japanese players just to enunciate the class in their team. The Socceroos are up against a formidable team yet should we dream. Nice to be in with a game to go. Ange could experiment a little against Thailand and give Mabil etc a run.
Mark
Guest
He could do much worse than Levante as well. They look like they won't be total pushovers. Should have enough quality to stay up. Very interestingly, if he does sign, his first game may be vs Madrid at the Bernabeu. Nothing like being thrown into the deep end to see how well you can swim.
Caltex TEN & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Agree Chris D, 3-4-3 is not a defensive system. However, if Spiranovic is starting and if he is anywhere near the old Spiranovic player we use to know, the defence will be a lot stronger.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
A draw doesn't help Japan; it is as good as a loss. The only result that changes the equation for Japan is a win, so they will be going for it.
Atlas
Guest
Toying with line ups; if you wanna go with 3 CB's id go Degenek, Sainsbury, Spiranovic. But i like being able to have Milligan back there for high passing fluidity/accuracy. Irvine and Troisi can press/bully for ball back. Mooy can pull the strings, Rogic can weave magic.... Potent mid. -Ryan -Miligan –Sainsbury – Spiranovic -Gersbach – Mooy – Irvine – Troisi – Leckie - Rogic - Juric Sub Kruse on for Rogic, Cahill on for Juric and then toss up between a Luongo into midfield or a Smith into wingback dependent on the situation. Gegenpress hard an hopefully play with attacking fluidity... weakest Japan has been in a long time. We could do it here; turning point that gives us the belief/momentum to go into the WC.
chris
Guest
Interesting to read that Langerak won't be making the trip. Personally I hope he leaves Stuttgart who have shown amazing treachery by replacing Mitch as first choice keeper.
Chris D
Guest
You're probably right Cal. Personally I don't believe our team is suited to a defensive game and hope we do go at them
Caltex TEN & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Chris - I don't think a draw is Ange's style. He will throw out all caution, and go for a full frontal attack.
Torchbearer
Guest
If Australia beats Japan they are through to the World Cup...!