The Socceroos will need to beat Peru for a chance to progress through to the knockout stages of the 2018 World Cup. It would be a fairytale story if the Australians were to get that far from where they’ve come from.
After working so hard in the qualifying stages for a World Cup appearance, the Socceroos will be desperate for a win, which would be the least to satisfy their campaign with a knockout game looming as a possibility. They’ll be hoping for other results to pan out in their favour, but a win is required first to give them a chance.
A knockout match for Australia is something that the players wouldn’t have been expecting before the tournament. It would be an outstanding result, although they’ll need to believe in it before anything else.
Regardless of whether they get through or not, the Socceroos have done an amazing job in the tournament so far – but they must make the most of this rare opportunity that is up for grabs.
The Socceroos have made the World Cup only five times, four times since 2006. It’s now time for the Socceroos to take the next step forward, and there’s no better opportunity than in this World Cup.
Before thinking about the knockout stage and other results that will need to fall their way, coach Bert van Marwijk must decide how to line up his squad with the loss of striker Andrew Nabbout. Tomi Juric sounds the one who’s next in line for that position but many question whether the Western Sydney Wanderer has a full game in him.
Hovering over him is Socceroo Tim Cahill, a famous name in Australian sport. The all-time leading goal-scorer for the nation – how could you not bring him on in a game that will be on the line?
(Matt King/Getty Images)
Coach Bert van Marwijk’s decision not to bring Cahill on in the Denmark game, which was desperate for a Socceroos goal, was surprising. The Australian goal-scoring record holder must come on for a minimum of ten minutes against Peru if the game requires a Socceroos goal. He has a presence that will freak out the opposition, especially from set pieces, where his dominance is shown in the air.
In the first two games Australia scored only twice, and both goals were from spot kicks by the reliable Mile Jedinak.
Bert van Marwijk said it was unbelievable that we didn’t score. The common problem has been a lack of polish in front of goal, which is what Australia will require to score and get a win against Peru. There is no better man than Tim Cahill, who has the polish to score in a big game.
When Bert van Marwijk was asked about teenager Daniel Arzani, he thought it was “good for him to now play 35 minutes and [he] will see what we will do in the next game”. The minutes he played against Denmark was in the attacking style that the Socceroos will need against Peru.
The opportunities he created were some of the best, if not the best, in this World Cup so far for the Socceroos. In a game where we’ll need goals and some flare going forward, he’d be someone you’d want on the field to deliver to teammates in the front half.
The World Cup is on the line for Australia and the decision to start him will be one of excitement for us and scare for the opposition. Arzani, being the youngest player in the tournament, shouldn’t be a factor in his selection. From what he did in the last game, he deserves to start ahead of some of the other Socceroos who have done their jobs as defensive midfielders especially in the first game against France.
(Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Robbie Kruse sounds the likely player to sit out after a game in which he struggled in attack. Nevertheless, he should be praised for the great job he’s done defensively, which was crucial in the first two games.
Australia must look to play a more attacking game style. It is now the time for them to unleash their attackers in Arzani and Cahill for the goals which they’ll desperately need. The spark that they bring to the team will cause havoc for the opposition.
As a part of the attacking game style the Socceroos must get Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic up higher in attack so their skills can be used in the front half, which will open up some good opportunities.
In order for this to happen the solid defence of Trent Sainsbury and his fellow teammates on the last line of defence must continue.
Until Australia get that first goal they should attack hard and look to put the pressure on Peru early. Once that first goal of the game is scored, that is when they should sit back and be strong in defence while still attacking in the style of the first two games against Denmark and France. Even if Peru score first, Australia should still go to that game style as they can’t afford to be two goals down.
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The other aspect that Australia must continue is the support which has been evident by the see of green and gold in the stands. It has given the Socceroos an atmosphere in favour of them which always helps.
Peru has a large supporter base over in Russia. so Australian fans might need to step it up, even more, this game with their support.
You Aussies supporters are unbelievable. Couple blokes in their budgie smugglers, everyone getting involved in the singing plus the stadium was awash with green and gold jerseys.
You can’t imagine the lift it gives us lads. #proudaussie #playgold #thankyou ??♥️⚽️— Trent Sainsbury (@Tsainsbury92) June 21, 2018
This tweet by Trent Sainsbury shows that the support from the Australians has been influential and motivating for the players.
It is set to be an intriguing spectacle on Tuesday night as the Socceroos will go for a rare opportunity to progress through to the World Cup knockout stage.
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