Luis Garcia says repeat of Chile showing would put Socceroos right in Russia firing line if they qualify

LUIS Garcia says the Socceroos can thrive at next year’s World Cup if they display the same tenacity they showed against Chile at the Confederations Cup.

Massimo Luongo gets the better of Alexis Sanchez in Russia back in June.

LIVERPOOL legend Luis Garcia says the Socceroos can thrive at next year’s World Cup if they display the same tenacity they showed against Chile at the Confederations Cup.

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But the former Spanish international warned Ange Postecoglou’s side cannot expect to use the same blueprint in every game just because it worked so well against the South American powerhouse.

Garcia watched the Socceroos closely in his commentary roles during the tournament in Russia back in June.

Luis Garcia says the Socceroos impressed him in Russia.

The Socceroos drew 1-1 with the then-world No.4 in a physical, high-energy performance that was widely lauded.

Garcia said credit has to go to Postecoglou for his side’s pressing tactics which denied the Alexis Sanchez-led Chileans of any rhythm.

But with the team preparing for a cut-throat qualifier with Japan in Saitama on Thursday, Garcia said the Socceroos had to be prepared to revert to Plan B if need be.

“You cannot expect to play that one way because you done really well against Chile, you have to have a different way of playing,” Garcia said.

“In the competition, you could see the team changing system, but the players showed they are not afraid to do that.

“It’s about adapting the players to the system that you want to play, not the other way around.

“They started the tournament with a bit of doubt, with the new system — three at the back — they struggled a bit.

Massimo Luongo gets the better of Alexis Sanchez in Russia back in June.

“But during the tournament they improved and if they play like they did against Chile, keeping the pressure, they can do well.

“They showed they were fantastic at keeping the ball, quick passes.

“They are chances to do well at the World Cup at this level.”

Originally published as Luis Garcia says repeat of Chile showing would put Socceroos right in Russia firing line if they qualify