Questions the Socceroos must answer before the Asian Cup

Australia, the defending champions of Asia, have always been an Asian football powerhouse since leaving the Oceanian Confederation in 2006.

They made the quarterfinals in the 2007 Asian Cup, were runners-up in the 2011 Asian Cup, and were most notably, winners of the latest Asian Cup in 2015.

They also played some friendly matches, mainly against lesser opposition, and only conceded one goal in their past four matches. Despite this, there are still some questions to be asked about Australia’s chances before our crunch match against Jordan.

Is there a problem with Australia’s defence?
Australia’s defence was exposed by a long ball over the top against South Korea, highlighting that Australia’s defence is especially vulnerable at the moment, especially if Mark Milligan is shifted in a different position.

Most of Australia’s defenders lack game time, especially Trent Sainsbury, Aziz Behich and Alex Gersbach.

Instead, perhaps changing their defensive structure and having three (five on the transition) at the back could be better (it seems to be working well with the Glory and the Phoenix).

Having an extra man back would also help significantly with dealing with long balls, and it gives the opportunity for Aziz Behich and Josh Risdon to go further forward, the latter an excellent performer in recent matches defensively and offensively.

Behich has also been complimented on his performances in recent matches as well.

How significant will the injuries be?
Daniel Arzani, Australia’s hot prospect and best player in the 2018 World Cup is out due to an injury.

He offered plenty off the bench, especially against Hungary, Denmark and Kuwait. Brandon Borrello who was very promising in Second Division Germany, which led to the signing from Bundesliga side SC Freiburg has been injured for more than half a year.

Australia’s best midfielder, Aaron Mooy, is out for the Asian Cup after two and a half impressive years at Huddersfield Town, one and a half in the Premier League.

He has been one of Australia’s most important players in recent years and his injury will be a huge blow to Australia. Matthew Leckie, who is possibly another guaranteed Australian starter is currently unavailable.

He scored often during World Cup Qualifying and a brace against the Czech Republic earlier last year. His speed, versatility and occasional goals will be missed in the Socceroos attack.

How does Australia fill a hole like Mathew Leckie? (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Are there enough midfielders?
Arnold’s decision to only call up five midfielders is certainly controversial. Midfield has been one of Australia’s strengths in recent years but omitting Terry Antonis is very questionable.

Three of the five available midfielders have to play, unless if Milligan is put in or if there is a change in Australia’s formation.

Are there too many attackers, and not enough quality?
Arnold has added seven attackers to the Asian Cup squad, possibly one too many. Kruse has only scored one goal since 2015 despite regular game time and after some disappointing performances, many question if he deserves to be in the squad.

Jamie Maclaren, a disappointment in Scotland, hasn’t managed to score yet for his country and hardly touches the ball.

Andrew Nabbout hasn’t scored yet in Japan, and Leckie is currently out. So that leaves Ikonomidis, Boyle and Mabil. While this partnership could ‘bizarrely’ work, all of them are the least capped attackers in our squad and lack international experience.

Does scoring in friendlies mean we will score in the Asian Cup?
Australia has scored thirteen goals in their last four friendlies, 4-0, 1-1, 3-0 and 5-0. In addition, Oman, who Australia defeated 5-0 is ranked 82nd in the world and Lebanon, who Australia defeated 3-0 is ranked 81st.

Assuming the rankings are accurate, Australia should technically thrash most of their opponents.

However, with large opposition crowds, opposition players giving it their all, and potentially unusual playing surfaces, these three factors change Australia’s chances of scoring dramatically.

Especially as they are already not particularly good at it.

Defending their Asian Cup crown will be no easy feat for the Socceroos. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Could the champions curse come into play again?
How many of us predicted Germany to go out in the group stages? Or Italy in 2010? And France in 2002? Australia, the former Asian Cup Champion, could be its next victim.

The Socceroos were drawn in a difficult group, with Syria, Jordan and Palestine, challenging teams in all of their respective ‘pots’.

Syria (pot 2) is 74th in the world (6th in Asia), Palestine (pot 4) is 99th in the world (16th in Asia), and Jordan (pot 3) is 109th in the world (19th in Asia).

These are some of many questions that would hopefully be answered at the end of the Asian Cup, or earlier. However, if you believe you know the answer, feel free to write it in the comments section below.