Australia defended very well for long periods against France, frustrating the European giants with a well-organised defensive block.
This has become the defining feature of Bert van Marwijk’s tenure. Whereas under Ange Postecoglou, Australia defended through pressing and trying to win the ball high, now the strategy is about being compact, structured and getting numbers behind the ball quickly.
This often involves moving quickly into a 4-4-2 shape, with the No. 10 and No. 9 quickly blocking central areas of the pitch, looking to deny the opponent from playing through these areas.
The two central midfielders, Aaron Mooy and Mile Jedinak against France, rarely stray from their position in front of the back four both with and without the ball, so there is always a solid shape down the centre of the pitch to protect against counter-attacks.
They also have an important role when the opponent controls possession for long periods. In these moments, the two No. 6s block passes into players behind them, between the lines. Against France, with their fluid front three of Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, this was crucial.
(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
The three forwards constantly interchanged fluidly between their positions, positioning themselves in pockets of space behind Australia’s midfield line Mooy and Jedinak’s role was to screen, by constantly scanning over their shoulder and adjusting their position to block passing lanes from deeper midfielders into more advanced players.
This can be more difficult than it sounds. It requires midfielders to focus on two sources of information – one in front, one behind, and make decisions quickly according to what they see.
Clever forwards will adjust their position in the moment when their screener looks away or at the ball, and so the screener must scan again to block the passing lane.
Blocking forward passes is easier when there are more numbers behind the ball, which is something Australia did well. Matt Leckie and Robbie Kruse, hard-working attackers selected for their ability to cover high distance diligently, dropped back alongside the 6s to create a midfield line of four.
This is what creates a ‘block’ – getting organised in a defensive shape, being compact as a unit and protecting key spaces, in this case, the midfield zone, between the lines.
This benefits the centre-backs, too. Trent Sainsbury and Mark Milligan very rarely had to step forward out of their position to press players between the lines. This meant they weren’t being dragged out of shape at the back, which can create gaps for forward runs and forward passes.
Noticeably, the key defensive moments were from balls played in behind – for example, Trent Sainsbury’s superb over-the-head control inside the penalty area from a lofted ball into the box – rather than perhaps a centre-back having to dash forward to intercept a pass into an attacker.
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On the same note, it’s telling that France’s second goal came when they were able to drag a centre-back out of position. The introduction of Olivier Giroud caused real problems for the two No. 6s, who now had to block passes into both a No. 9 playing high (Giroud) and a No. 10 between the lines (Mbappe).
Additionally, Giroud cleverly positioned himself in the same receiving line as the No. 10, as to block the view of the centre-back who might have to step forward and press the player between the lines.
This was the one time France were able to play quick combinations – breaking through Australia’s midfield screeners to be able to drag a centre-back out of the defence and create gaps to penetrate into.
This becomes particularly pertinent considering the tactical identity of the next opponent, Denmark.
Denmark’s 4-2-3-1 revolves around Christian Eriksen as the No. 10, who moves intelligently between the lines and is adept at finding space to receive. Mooy and Jedinak will need to be very aware of the playmaker’s movement, as this is Denmark’s primary route to goal.
As with Giroud, the positioning of the No. 9, Nicolai Jorgensen, might be key. Positioning on the same side as Eriksen could create space whereby the No. 10 can get free by moving into a new line of pass away from Jedinak or Mooy in front of him, in the moment when the No. 6 looks at the ball, and Jorgensen can occupy the centre-back to prevent him from stepping up to close down Eriksen.
Alternatively, if the centre-back does step forward, this is the moment to look to get in behind.
The positive for Australia is that these moments are few and far between. Whatever your opinion of the new style of play, it is hard to deny that the side have transitioned to it very quickly.
Australia’s defensive block is very hard to beat – albeit with a few opportunities for opponents to exploit – and the tactical ‘battle’ between Eriksen and Australia’s 6s will be key to this crucial group game.
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
So your point is: we play for a penalty in the first 4 mins, get one, score, then defend our box for the remainder 86 mins... :)
Fadida
Guest
Missing the point again. No one is suggesting 10 men behind the ball. We don't need to win 5-0 either.
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
I can't see how we can win with 10 men camped in our own box for 90 mins. Are you waiting for a miracle? You do realize at some stage we are going to have to go forward to win this one don't you to progress out of the group?
Kangas
Roar Rookie
We will be solid for 60 minutes, trying to strangle Eriksen influence , then unleash arzani and Cahill and win 2-0
Griffo
Roar Guru
Depending on how much he’s recovered, this might be the game where Jurić needs to start. I think Arzani subbing Kruse at some point is the go to change, while Cahill vs Maclaren will depend on how well Denmark deals with crosses. Cahill has the better scoring record but Maclaren is faster... Other than that can’t see much change from France game, except Luongo for Jedinak...
The Phantom Commissioner
Roar Rookie
I think the friendlies where very good prep for the Danes. Adam Szalia (6ft 4) for Hungary and Michael Krmencik (6ft 2) so i think the lessons have been learnt from the Norway game.
Fadida
Guest
Great coaching Caltex. Convert to a system that the team haven't trained for, and that one didn't suit these players under Ange. You realise Southgate has utilised this system with England for a dozen matches? Do you also realise that a 1-0 win still gets 3 points, so we don't exactly have to "go for it" now do we? The last thing we want is to concede the first goal and have to chase the game. Erickson will destroy us on the counter.
Lionheart
Guest
I'm just picturing those little Lego men characters. Nice post, except for that bit in brackets.
Perry Bridge
Guest
Just don't want to let Denmark score early and then build a lego wall in front of goal........ (go Denmark!!.....leg godt).
Kris
Guest
Australia 0 - Denmark 0 France 2 - Peru 0 Australia 1 - Peru 0 France 1 - Denmark 0 = Australia through on GD. The beauty of that scenario is that France would eliminate Peru before we play Peru. So maybe we get a run at a team that is already eliminated.
MQ
Guest
Another consideration is the current points and order of games. France and Denmark already have their 3 points tucked away, and they meet in the final game. They can both afford to get draws against Peru and Australia respectively (meaning they both have the luxury of putting the onus on their opponents to commit numbers going forward and go for it). If they both get their draws, it means that they can both play out a nil-all draw in the final game, safe in the knowledge that they have both progressed to the knock out stage. Not saying that's the way it will pan out, but it does allow both to employ a safety first policy, and both nations have tools to take advantage of any space left behind the defensive lines of their opponents. If Australia gets the one point against Denmark, and Peru manages to defeat France, it would mean that the group would be completely wide open and Australia could still qualify with a 2 goal win against Peru (or even a 1 goal win, depending on score lines, etc) Unfortunately, since we play first, we can't count on that scenario.
MQ
Guest
Good post, agreed.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Nice analysis, Tim.
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Neither does Gareth Southgate, but they still won.
James
Guest
And thats why youll never manage a team. Australia doesnt have the players to manage a 3-5-2.
Lancey5times
Roar Rookie
Probably makes sense to have them both on the ground at the same time. I'd start Kruze and Juric them sub them both after 55 minutes for Azzani and Cahill. Or just do what I've wanted for a year and play Rogic at 9, Mooy at 10 and Jedinak and Luongo in front of the defence. I know this won't happen though
Kris
Guest
Exactly. France wanted to play through the middle, so we played narrow and deep. We dared them to put the ball out to the flanks with our fullbacks tucked right in - and France refused to take the bait. We basically gambled - we will back ourselves to defend the middle and dare you to go down the flanks and put in a cross we can't deal with. Until Giroud came on it was going to work a treat because France refused to attack our wide positions - and wouldn't have won a header even if they did put in a cross. Denmark will happily attack us from wide positions and love putting in crosses to their two big target men. If we play deep and narrow against Denmark we will be in lots of pain. Norway beat us 4-1 with Kamara getting a hattrick - 2 from running at the left back position. Denmark also won't want to dominate possession - they only had 47% possession against Peru and had fewer chances (5 v 15). So I guess Denmark would love if we played narrow and pressed giving them counterattacks. So I guess we will have to look to control possession more and build up attacks a bit more patiently; play the full backs wider. I wonder if Jurman comes in at CB and Milligan steps out into the number 6 role, and Mooy pushes forward into Juric's role. The extra height of Jurman against the Denmark big blokes, Milligan rounding up Eriksen in that number 10 space.
Franko
Guest
Can't see Rogic running out another 90 mins so Luongo should either start ahead of him or replace him on the hour. Feel like Juric should start ahead of Nabbout, and Cahill needs a run.
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
We need a win, so I'd do a Southgate and go for it, with a 3-5-2.
MQ
Guest
The author talks about how tight we are in the middle of defence, but let's not forget that players such as Poulsen and Sisto are equally comfortable out wide as playing through the middle - so defending our flanks will be every bit as important as safeguarding the middle. The other thing to note is that Denmark has already wrapped up a very valuable 3 points against a good opponent. In the game against Australia, they don't need to over commit. How adventurous will Australia be in coming forward? One thing for sure, Denmark's counters are lightning quick, so don't be surprised if they remain patient and rely on a few of those for the whole 90 minutes, safe in the knowledge that a draw will do them just fine. They'll put the onus back on Australia to try and do something. For those interested in such stats: - Australia has now last four consecutive world cup games and has conceded at least two goals in every game - Australia has played 9 European opponents in the history of the WC, with 1 win, 1 draw and 7 losses.