Australia’s match against France is just a few days away. With the French among the favourites for the tournament, what can we expect from the Aussie side – and how will they line up?
Goalkeeper: Mat Ryan
Was outstanding for the Socceroos in the first half of the friendly against Hungary. It’s a no brainer that he is the number one goal keeper for the national team.
Left Back: Aziz Behich
Has started both friendlies and put in a decent shift both times, playing ninety minutes in each game.
Left centre back: Trent Sainsbury (Captain)
An outstanding defender who possesses leadership qualities.
Right centre back: Mark Milligan
Has been a revelation at centre back in the two friendlies that the Socceroos played in.
Right back: Milos Degenek
Should replace Josh Risdon, as Risdon was a bit susceptible defensively in the Socceroos last friendly game against Hungary.
For the short time that Degenek was on the field in the friendly against Czech Republic he was proficient both from an attacking and defensive perspective, specifically he was involved in setting up the fourth goal with his cross going into the back of the net thanks to an own goal from the opposition.
Left wing: Daniel Arzani
Arzani showed his quality by almost single handily helping the Socceroos defeat Hungary. Arzani is a prodigious talent who the Socceroos need to be involved in the game from the start as he appears to be the Socceroos biggest weapon.
Daniel Arzani of Australia (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Left side central midfield: Aaron Mooy
One of the Socceroos most important players, the Socceroos need to get him on the ball on a regular basis if they are to get a result against France.
Right side central midfield: Massimo Luongo
Plays his role for the team with no fuss.
Right wing: Matthew Leckie
Leckie is a good option on the wing as he is able to cut inside and hit the back of the net, which he showed with two goals in the friendly against Czech Republic.
Attacking midfield: Jackson Irvine
Was an important player in the middle of the park for the Socceroos. He helped to change the game against Hungary.
Striker: Tim Cahill
In the short time he was on the field in the game against Hungary he was able to change the game.
Substitute: Mile Jedinak
Played his role reasonably well coming off the bench against Hungary.
Substitute: Robbie Kruse
More suited to playing as an impact player as a substitute.
Substitute: Tom Juric
Capable of making an impact off the bench.
Griffo
Roar Guru
Cahill I think made the Hungarian keeper think twice about going for the ball after his foul soon after coming on. Perhaps the second goal for us was as much about Cahill looking large for the keeper and defender as it was for Irvine’s run and pinging it in the 6-yard box for the onrushing veteran. Oh and Arzani’s pass was ok before then, too.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
Cahill scored a brace against Syria to help get the Socceroos to the world cup. I believe he is a better option to start than Nabbout or Juric.
Fadida
Guest
I'm not sure there is any recent evidence to suggest that. He may have an impact for 15 minutes but there is no way he can start
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
Milligan had to adjust to a different position so I think he did well. There is always the option of playing Jurman.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
Cahill is probably the best option up front in my opinion as he ties up opposition defenders.
me too
Guest
i must have been watching a different game to the author. milligan's performance raised big question marks to me. and i turned from preferring luongo starting back to jedinak must start. the czech game seemed to settle some questions but the last game re-opened them - the starting players in question - risdon, milligan, rogic, nabbout, luongo. subs that have come into contention - jedinak, arzani, irvine, degenek. cahill as a starter? only in a hail mary catch them early scenario. he is best in the last ten when his legs can still outjump tiring defenders.
Fadida
Guest
I'm a Milligan fan but he was anything but a "revelation" against Hungary. He was every bit as poor as Risdon was. Actually he was worse. His errors were under no pressure. Cahill changed the game? I think he had as many touches as he did fouls. One. He's got about 30 minutes in him so there's no chance he'll start