Australia have held Colombia to a 0-0 draw in London in their second match under the reign of new Dutch manager Bert van Marwijk.
After the poor defeat at the hands of Norway on Saturday, it was a much-improved performance from the Socceroos and one that will earn much praise from the football media.
» REACTION: Socceroos vastly improved after meek Oslo performance
The chances were dominated by Colombia and if not for Danny Vukovic’s saving of the penalty which he conceded late in the game, the Australians may well have tasted defeat. However, even if that was to be the case, there were promising signs in their general play.
Massimo Luongo, Tom Rogic and Andrew Nabbout worked well in combination with Luongo producing some wonderful touches throughout the game and really testing the Colombian defence.
Defensively, things looked a lot better and Josh Risdon did well at right back, a place where the Socceroos have had some troubles in recent times.
Overall, it was a good taste of what to expect in the World Cup. Playing against high quality teams such as Colombia (ranked 13 in the world) and defending like their life depends on it will be the plan of attack during the World Cup.
What the Socceroos showed tonight is that they are able to counter and create a few chances of their own; something me must do better to alleviate the pressure on the defence.
Final score
Australia 0 Colombia 0
The Socceroos face Colombia in the second of their friendlies as they continue building for the 2018 World Cup. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6am (AEDT).
Despite a somewhat disappointing result in Oslo against Norway on Saturday, the Socceroos have much at stake in terms of pushing for World Cup positions and showing the new manager, Bert van Marwijk, they are worthy of a spot in his team.
There weren’t many positives to come from the game played in freezing conditions and the Norwegians put the Australians to the sword after falling behind early.
There will be changes to the Socceroos team as the manager has limited time to observe his squad and will need to settle on combinations by the time the team head to Europe in June.
Today’s game will be a significant test as Colombia are a quality team and looking to fine tune their own preparations for the biggest sporting event on the planet.
Fulham’s Craven Cottage will host the encounter and the Socceroos will be looking for a far better performance against the South Americans whose recent results suggest they will a tough proposition for the Aussies.
Prediction
The Socceromuch-improvedn a much improved performance yet will struggle to hold the flair and skill in the Colombian attack.
Australia 1 – Colombia 4.
Catch all the action on The Roar from 6am (AEDT).
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
"Amazing change in style. We played more like a team acknowledging the class difference between the two teams." That's a telling statement or yours Stuart and precisely what I think BvM brings to the Australian Football camp, (stop dreaming that you are as good as the opposition). I can't wait for Arnold to take over. Arnie has gone on record saying he will maintain all the good work Ange had started with the national team in taking on the opposition and beating them playing football---hopefully he will build on Ange's legacy.
Midfielder
Guest
Just posted this in the Danny thread as well .... OK small confession and never played this card on the Roar before… I played in some teams with very good players and excellent coaches… by accident and a good deed I did for a player I was accepted into a wonderful team as the worst player and spent 20 years in this team… The technical talk we did and planning was like a drug to me I drank in knowledge and what I think is an inner understanding especially in defence. IMO this was an amazing display of what we called cover the middle… we varied our formation depending on the state of the game and the position on the field. The key to our success was across the box we would be very tight and while the wings were important to close down, the most essential purpose of wing defence was not allowing early balls into the box and secondly attempt to make the cross as ineffective as possible. But with four tight in the box and hopefully always at least one free to watch incoming runners and call positions both zonal and man marking we had a defence that conceded very few goals. Two of the players came from overseas one had played for Westham and the other a US international both brutal in organising the defence. I mention this only because I saw tonight for maybe the first time since the 70’s is an Australian team attempt to play a game where holding the centre of the park from the back tightly set across the box and moving forward can be used to launch quick counter attacks and is very hard to break down. Middy was impressed and hopefully I have explained why.
Cousin Claudio
Roar Guru
Another honourable draw. They needed Matty Simon to come on in the 85th minute, Vukovic is a better keeper than Jones and Ryan. Give him a go Aussie Bert.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Amazing change in style. We played more like a team acknowledging the class difference between the two teams. Stop playing out at all costs, kick it long when required, counter when you can and defend with everything you have got. What would Ange make of all this?
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Some of the combinations between Nabbout, Rogic and Luongo were encouraging. Actually possessed the ball in the later stages of the first period as well as we have for a while. Looked like we were trying to counter. A very different approach and interesting to watch. Ange would not have liked much of that performance.
Nemesis
Guest
And, - particularly in the 1st half - your team, Colombia at times had 10 players in your own third. Funny game football. Ebbs & flows. Argentina just got beaten this morning 6-1 by Spain. Germany lost their 1st match since Euro 2016. And, they lost it at home. 3 chances would be fantastic at the World Cup. Some football fans never get to see even 1 chance from their National Team at a World Cup. And, of course, some sports a World Cup is basically backpackers on a Contiki Tour.
Grobbelaar
Roar Guru
You could see that the main focus this morning was shutting out the Colombians, at times we had 10 players in our own third. So from that perspective, Lambertus would be pleased. First objective is always to make the back half as solid as possible. In that context, Luongo's opening and Juric's one shot across the keeper were all bonuses. It could well be that that will be the extent of our chances in our 3 WC games as well, such is the gulf between the socceroos and our opponents.
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Sorry to put a damper on the 0-0 result, but we had nothing in attack to excite me about this result. Massimo Luongo, was the only bright light in this performance today for me. Also keepers did their jobs.
Nemesis
Guest
Commiserations, Mr Aussie Rules. Your lads played well, but not their night. Missed penalty must've made you weep. What a miserable way to start the day for you.
Grobbelaar
Roar Guru
Getting a draw against superior opposition is always a good result.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Australia have held Colombia to a 0-0 draw in London in its second match under the reign of new Dutch manager Bert van Marwijk. After the poor defeat at the hands of Norway on Saturday, it was a much improved performance from the Socceroos and one that will earn much praise from the football media. The chances were dominated by Colombia and if not for Danny Vukovic's saving of the penalty which he conceded late in the game, the Australians may well have tasted defeat. However, even if that was to be the case, there were much improved signs in their general play. Massimo Luongo, Tom Rogic and Andrew Nabbout worked well in combination with Luongo producing some wonderful touches throughout the game and really testing the Colombian defence. Defensively, things looked a lot better and Josh Risdon did well at right back, a place where the Socceroos have had some troubles in recent times. Overall, it was a good taste of what to expect in the World Cup. Playing against high quality teams such as Colombia (ranked 13 in the World) and defending like their life depends on it, will be the plan of attack during the World Cup. What the Socceroos showed tonight is that they are able to counter and create a few chances of their own; something me must do better to alleviate the pressure on the defence. Final Score Australia 0 Colombia 0
AGO74
Guest
Much better. Scrappy and a bit fortunate at times but a draw was probably a fair result. There was a real pace and energy about that game you don't often see in friendlies. This team can be so much better and will need to be better to stand any chance in Russia -the 4 week camp will really enhance this team. Luongo was excellent. He's really starting to shine again in this team after a period of relatively lacklustre form. Nabbout was quiet but still had some nice moments and will be much better for it - he's worth persevering with. Nice to see Vuka get his debut - I think there was a bit of adrenaline pumping at times for him but he will like Nabbout be much better for the run. Good way to finish the international break.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Thanks for being on board for the game and the match report will follow in ten minutes.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Full Time 93' - It ends scoreless in London.
Australia: 0 Colombia: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
93' - The wood-work saves Australia again.
Australia: 0 Colombia: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
93' - Free-kick Colombia. Last chance.
Australia: 0 Colombia: 0
KJ
Roar Rookie
Not the first time we've heard that!
Stuart Thomas
Expert
92' - Another chance to counter is wasted with poor skill from Troisi.
Australia: 0 Colombia: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
91' - Irvine on and Luongo off.
Australia: 0 Colombia: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90' - Might be a little added time. Three minutes it is.
Australia: 0 Colombia: 0