Three minutes after the Socceroos’ heartbreaking 2-1 loss in Kazan, skipper Mile Jedinak pulled his troops aside after shaking hands with the victorious French side.
Addressing them arm-in-arm in a 23-man circle, he delivered a pointed message that received determined applause from a side that had just lost its opening World Cup clash.
Its contents were simple: we’re still on track, and today’s performance proved what we’re doing is working. He reiterated these points minutes later in an interview with SBS.
“We just didn’t have that luck. That’s football, we have to take the positives out of today and move on,” he said.
“If we maintain that form and discipline, structure, concentration throughout, let’s see where it gets us. I can’t fault the boys tonight.”
It was the perfect message from a leader: acknowledge the disappointment and move on immediately. Jedinak’s big-picture response was somewhat in contrast with that of his coach Bert van Marwijk, who lamented the rub-of-the-green in Kazan.
Without question the coach’s mood in front of the players could have been more reflective and, like Jedinak, would have asserted the importance of mentally grasping the next task.
The 2-1 result changes nothing in Australia’s pursuit of progressing from the group stage. Even the more optimistic members of the Socceroos camp would acknowledge that the French game was going to be exceedingly difficult to get something out of.
As it turned out, the Socceroos were hugely unlucky not to, with technology aiding a French opener which is still being debated by Australian and world football fans alike (for mine, it was a penalty). But the 2-1 loss is a positive not just for the admirable performance, but for the fact it was by just one goal.
Group stage progression – as was the case in 2010 – is often decided by goal difference. Former Socceroos keeper Mark Schwarzer reiterated the importance of the one-goal margin post-game.
“Goal difference is massive,” he said.
“We saw it in 2010, that first game killed us losing 4-0 to Germany. You pretty much have to win your next two games.”
Eight years ago the Socceroos finished the group stage equal on four points with Ghana, but their -3 goal difference (compared with Ghana’s goal difference of 0), ensured they were on the plane home early.
If France beat both Denmark and Peru by more than one goal, the Socceroos are in with a big chance of moving into the round of 16 should they turn in strong performances in the next fortnight. And given the relatively lacklustre performance by Les Bleus in last night’s opener, it’s likely their ‘billion dollar’ side will kick into gear in games two and three of the group stage. We can but hope.
Without predicting the thought-process of Bert van Marwijk and his coaching setup, it’s likely they are targeting four points; a win and a draw in the next two games. And the performance in France does nothing to suggest that’s not impossible.
Structurally, the Socceroos were immense in Kazan. Trent Sainsbury’s performance was nothing short of superb – one of Australia’s best ever individual defensive performances. Aaron Mooy was equally immense, clearly receptive to van Marwijk’s preference for a mobile, laterally shifting defensive midfield option. France captain Hugo Lloris paid tribute to Australia’s ‘compact defending’ post-game.
(AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK)
It was defensive poetry in motion for large parts of the game. Certainly for van Marwijk, who reiterated during the Antalya training camp his desire for fitness, structure and discipline. As a coaching gun for hire, he has been contracted to get results, not employ an enduring footballing philosophy. And given his short time with the squad, it’s clear his players have bought into it.
This philosophy starts from the top down; the fact that Socceroos number nine Andrew Nabbout had just four touches to half-time is emblematic of that. Naturally, the playing style adopted in Kazan won’t win many games, but the performance revealed a side with the temperament, fitness and concentration that will be tough to break down.
If the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann struggled to find pockets of space, then so will anything Denmark and Peru can throw up.
Trent
Guest
Unlike you, Worried, I'm not offended by your viewpoint, but... 1) Agreed. That last dive was disgusting, and the ref is a meathead for buying it. Im not surprised by these euro players pulling tjis nonsense off especially against a more attacking side like ours. Just as bad as Alain Prost pulling off his connections in the Formula 1 to his convenient favour...hmm, another Frenchie if I recall lightly. 2) sure penalties arent a favourite of mine, im guessing youve got a problem with Australia being "dudded"... but no problem with our goal coming off a penalty for a handball in the box...that the ref bought, and then double checked on VAR... and how is a goal off a penalty kick any less than a goal off a normal play, a cross, a corner, off the woodwork and luckily behind the line? 3) see point above on VAR. Its not a perfect system, and its prone to the humans watching/reviewing, its better than letting the ref call play on. I bet you'd be spitting chips if that handball that netted us our one goal was missed by the ref, and VAR wasn't there to confirm it clear as day... On a side note of your reply to my other comment, is this comment also too rude, childish and debating of yours that I have to relearn manners off mummy? Ive dismissed what she espoused - see she is narcissistic, and was also neglectful and emotionally and mentally abusive towards me, and cracked down on me with the crap she gave my dad (he isnt a saint either btw) from when I was 8 years old... as a result of both my parent's mistakes Im a much better parent to my son than they aeee to me.
Trent
Guest
Or are you upset I called the french player who took the most obvious dive i have ever seen, replete with the grab the head and act like he was concussed like a little kid, a cheese eating surrender monkey? Dude, Im.smart enough to that the French (as a people) don't surrender lightly, and wouldnt have surrendered in WW2 if the Brits hadnt bailed the mainland and left them to their devices - and for a "surrender" I recall a very intricate resistance instrumental to providing intel and spiriting downed airmen back to England to keep flying. Sorry, I'm scholarly loke that, able to apply a myth where appropriate to draw attention to living up to the stereotype. Or is that level of critical intellect also offensive to you? Just asking...
Trent
Guest
Im sorry, did I swear? Did i belittle anybody? Did I say anybody who disagrees with my opinion a (something)-tard l, or that you have to adhere to it? Seriously what is your problem with what I said? Are you unhappy that i said Cahill isnt needed anymore? That I pointed out our somewhat problematic defence? The number of free kicks given away? The penalty in the box? That I don't buy the "dubiousness" of the penalty 100%, or I can shrug and accept it as one of those unfortunate Footbally things and move on with life - as Australia clearly has already? I think me youre triggered by some imagined slight, and can only guess youre offended by really tiny things for the sake of being offended. Was i too vitriolic for your likings? A little rambunctious or brash in my assertions? Do i not fit your opinions for what constitutes rstional discussion? Tough. Im not here to please you, Im here to give my opinion. You dont have to agree with my opinion or even accept it you can dispute it. But to have a problem with me on spurious and obtuse grounds, and call me "rude" when i was clearly far from rude, obnoxious or offensive (and if you want that, i can give you that to satisfy your masochistic urges), shows you lack the nous to navigate the internet, and the critical thinking to accept viewpoints that disagree with yours. No, I don't need to go back to mum to learn manners - i had manners then and i have manners now (and i am so tempted to slag you off, as you rightly deserve). But I know you have to go back to school to learn how to read, read between the lines, and separate hyperbole from the point being made. Or just go please yourself, whichever works for you. Live long and prosper ?
Worried
Guest
Trent; Talk to your mother, tell her she forgot to teach you manners! Your language & attitudes are disgusting. Time to grow up and put your big boy pants on and behave and speak like an adult!
Worried
Guest
Well I noticed three things: 1. The French played without honour! Unfortunately this will go unpunished and unchanged! 2. Football needs to get rid of the Penalty Kick altogether, too many players playing for Penalties not goals. It wasn't part of the original game anyway! And too many games are now decided by a Penalty that may or may not have been deserved. We need to have rules that allow a defender to challenge without risking losing the whole game. Referees make too many mistakes to allow penalties to continue. 3 VAR is STILL STUFFED! It still requires a human to look at it and decide. Just stick with the Referees decision and move on!
Geoff Foley
Roar Rookie
No we wouldn't have. I see no difference to how we were set up against France and the days of PvB and Holger. And we hardly romped in then. PvB needed Josh's head with 2 minutes left against Iraq B team. Slow, ponderous, and sure, defensively tight, but severely lacking in attacking vim. You have to be proactive in Asian qualifying to get anywhere as most teams will park the bus.
Kris
Guest
What we learned? We learned that most football supporters don't keep up with the rule changes. :)
Trent
Guest
2014 - Germany 4-0 Australia, Cahill on feild, bad Cheesehead manager. 2018 - France 2-1 Australia, Cahill on bench, evidently good Cheesehead manager. Take aways: "Dubious" penalty - there's always one (according to some), but we were gave away free kicks and this penalty in/near the box, so....bad Australia, lift your game in/near the bix, but good Australia, defence worked 9/10 in this tight area French line breaks - come on Aussies, watch your defence! Still...good desparate defences, clearances, dicey Matt Ryan effort (STAY IN GOALS!!!) try to limit need. Cheese eating surrender monkey (can safely say it, it was a white guy) takes 3x dives including last howler. Refs - seriously, stop rewarding pussy plays against Aus because we're not pussy footers, we see you... Um, I'm going to come out and say it, send Cahill home. We held France ($billion team!!!) to a one point lead, and France weren't pulling punches (unless they were, but we'll be able to tell in their next matches) without "choice goal scoring option" who was useless 4 years ago. We can pull in, focus, defend and get goals in our next two matches, also without Cahill. His time passed four years ago, we have alternatives, thanks for your prior services, greatly appreciated, but...i think its safe to say we're big kids now. Final, even if we dont make the 16, but go toe to toe vs Denmark and Peru and come oh so close, i'll be very happy. I might even let the Dutchie coach hang around.
Lionheart
Guest
These are separate and circular arguments that go on throughout the year here on The Roar football tab. My point is a simple one, intended to encourage casual fans at WC time to become more regular fans. Sure, there's heaps of stuff within, around, below and even before the A League that we need to focus on, improve a lot and for maybe for some to follow, but the A League is our only professional league.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Bring on Cahill surely.
jameswm
Roar Guru
It’s sliding doors. That penalty isn’t awarded and everything afterwards changes.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Nah it wasn’t a red.
lunchboxexpert
Guest
Debate on the VAR is interesting in the case of the Griezmann Penalty. Risdon definitely touched the ball as you can see the direction change slightly when his foot is in the act of kicking the ball. Given this, should it have been a yellow card and a penalty? I think it should have been a penalty, but given Risdon touched the ball and didn't appear to intentionally bring down Griezmann then the yellow card was not warranted. In my opinion the Referee used the VAR technology to get the right decision in part (the penalty) but then went too far when he used it too interpret the intent and award a yellow card. Referees must be made aware of the fact that slow motion replays generally make the transgresser look more guilty and what ever the conduct being reviewed makes it look more intentional. This is the nature of slow motion replays, everything appears to take more time. Generally to establish the intent of the transgressor the Referee needs to make their decision while watching the replay in real time, because this is time span in which players are making their decisions and executing their actions.
Swampy
Guest
I thought rogic was rendered fairly ineffective as kante the robot was man marking him. If kante had have picked up mooy I fear it would have been mooy who was deemed ineffective. France must have decided rogic was the bigger threat. Did I mention Kante is a robot?
lunchboxexpert
Guest
Don't worry John, Australia definitely won't be playing the game against Denmark or Peru the way they played against France, expect perhaps for relative short periods with Peru. With this match and with the recent friendlies Australia, under van Marwijk, has demonstrated a surprise flexibility in its game plans and in its approaches to different teams. Good work Socceroos, keep up the good work. And good luck against Denmark.
Swampy
Guest
I am happy they changed that interpretation but you know there is still an option for a ref to make that interpretation that it is a red. Never put it past a ref - 40 years of watching has taught me everything is in play at all times. Griezmann was clearly caught on the leg but the question was if the ball had been played - a penalty was awarded hence it could have been deemed Risdon hadn't played the ball. We later saw he nicked it anyway.
lunchboxexpert
Guest
Great point Me Too. If you want to have the "best" Australian team at the tournaments then typically they will consist of 25% to 50% of players that originated from regional and remote areas, even though these areas contribute only about 10% of the playing population as children. So any sporting code in Australia that wants to be at its best in the future (in say 10 to 20 years time) then it cannot afford to ignore the development and sustenance of the sport in regional and remote areas now. Football is no different and it concentrates almost entirely on the big cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide to the ultimate detriment of its national teams.
AGO74
Guest
Enjoy Punter. You are a lucky man.
lunchboxexpert
Guest
France are likely to demolish Peru, if Peru try to play the same brand of football against France that they used against Denmark. France will simple take the ball off them while Peru is in attack and then create chances on the rebound, some of which are likely to come off. Peru could try to play defensively against France, as Australia did, by denying the French the ball but that is far from Peru's natural game and again they are likely to be soundly beaten using that approach. The problem for Peru is that they and the French have similar strengths and weaknesses that lead them both to having a similar optimal type of game plan, only the French are much better at that game plan than the Peruvians can ever hope to be. My thoughts are that a good game by Peru combined with a poor game by France will still see the Peruvians go down 2-1. France will have to play very poorly for Peru to snatch a draw or a win. I'm expecting a 3-1 result from this game to France.
lunchboxexpert
Guest
Maybe you watched the Spain v Portugal game and are using this as your yard stick by which to measure the quality of all subsequent world cup games? In which cases all the other games would seem very ordinary because that was one of the great games of all time, maybe top 10, definitely top 20.