Socceroos v China: five key areas in the Asian Cup quarter-final in Brisbane

BEFORE the much hyped potential clash with Japan comes a make or break quarter with China tonight. Here’s five crucial factors to influence the match.

(FILES) This file photo taken on January 9, 2015 shows Mile Jedinak of Australia (L) reacting after he scored a goal from a penalty with Matthew Leckie (C) and Tim Cahill (R) during the first round Asian Cup football match between Australia and Kuwait in Melbourne. Inspirational captain Mile Jedinak is set to return for Australia as the Socceroos and undefeated China battle for a place in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup on January 22, 2015. AFP PHOTO / FILES / MAL FAIRCLOUGH IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE

THE business end of the competition begins.

There’s been a bit too much talk of “the Japan semi-final”, because before that, the Socceroos have to overcome China, through to the knockout phase of a major tournament for the first time since 2004, with a record of three wins from three.

Asian Cup organisers will be delirious to have a quarter-final beamed out to Chinese television audiences, but Australia fans will hope to ruin that spectacle.

Here’s five key factors to influence tonight’s clash.

Listen below for a comprehensive preview of the Socceroos’ clash with China from our Fox Football Podcast team.

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THE MIDFIELD

The major selection talking point revolves around Australia’s midfield. Mile Jedinak will be in and Massimo Luongo would appear a certain starter ahead of him due to his influential displays. But who will join them?

Each candidate has their own unique qualities.

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Matt McKay and Mark Milligan have done admirable jobs thus far, but Ange Postecoglou may look for a more ruthless, creative strategy, like he did on opening night. That brings James Troisi back into favouritism, although he hasn’t quite produced the finished product just yet in this tournament.

Popular candidates amongst foxsports.com.au users are Mark Bresciano and Tommy Oar – but neither has started a game yet and it would surprise to see them selected here.

Regardless of who is picked, the Socceroos cannot afford another sluggish start and if the side dominates possession, as you would expect at home, then Postecoglou will look to his midfield to up the tempo to move a well organised China outfit.

THE PITCH

Sadly, one of the factors that may curtail that ambition is the maligned pitch in Brisbane. Simply, it’s not conducive to the style of play Postecoglou dreams of his teams playing.

But Australia will need to mix a touch of pragmatism in there too; there’s pace and a physical presence up front and the balance between that and getting bogged down needs to be struck.

DEFENSIVE CONCENTRATION

The skipper’s return is a huge boost to the structure of the side. He can keep the ball retention moving, while also providing confidence to the back four with his physical presence. There’s even a theory that Mark Milligan could be retained alongside Jedinak to provide further defensive insurance.

There’s uncertainty over the left-back spot and Trent Sainsbury will have a new partner in defence, although at least there’s history with Alex Wilkinson from their Central Coast days. Despite vast improvements, the Socceroos have still been guilty of the odd defensive lapse in the tournament – and they have been punished.

“The concerning thing (about the goal against South Korea) was one ball pretty much took four, five players out of the game,” Fox Sports football expert Ned Zelic told the Fox Football Podcast.

“That’s where we need to be closer and more compact and know our roles.

“There were three players in one line – that’s where you need to be staggered, be in a position to cover for each other and reduce those spaces.

“That’s where teams like China, with good technical ability, will exploit if you give them that time and space on the ball.”

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CLINICAL FINISHING

The big three are likely to return and that’s got to bode well for the Socceroos. Robbie Kruse and Mathew Leckie have shown flashes of their best in the group stages and this is the stage for them to really make their mark.

While we were enjoying the fact that Tim Cahill has only scored one of the side’s eight goals thus far, it’s vital service remains impeccable to the Socceroos’ deadly finisher. At worst, he should attract plenty of attention, which might free up others to bury home some scraps.

If Ivan Franjic and Aziz Behich/Jason Davidson can really stretch China’s defensive setup, then Kruse, Leckie and Luongo, clever players who are playing in a more narrow area, can get into space and find areas in between the lines or in behind the defence to pick apart the Team Dragon rearguard.

The fullbacks have crucial roles to ensure China can’t frustrate and stifle the Aussies’ attack, and exploit an area that DPR Korea almost found joy in during their group clash in Canberra.

THE SLEEPING GIANT

It can only be good for football to have the Chinese into the final eight. But are they good enough to expose Australia if the Socceroos’ waiver?

“North Korea was excellent in the second-half (against China), throwing men forward, putting China under pressure, knock a few long balls in as well,” Zelic said.

“They had numbers around the ball and made it really hard for China to play out … that’s where I think we can really gain a lot.

“Throw men forward … and try regain possession in advanced areas.

“The fact Ange loves attacking football, it’s pretty logical he’ll try something like that.”

But, Zelic added: “You have a problem if you’re not close to the ball and they break the lines. Then you’ve got problems.”

Originally published as Socceroos v China: five key areas in the Asian Cup quarter-final in Brisbane