Brave? Unlucky? Perhaps, but Russia has exposed the Socceroos to the brutal World Cup realities
AUSTRALIA were ruthlessly exposed against Peru — but the 2-0 defeat lifted the curtain on a bigger problem for the Socceroos, which reared its head in brutal fashion in Russia.
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THE brave Socceroos were exposed to the brutal realities of World Cups, with a 2-0 loss to Peru killing off hopes of a famous knockout berth.
The Socceroos had so many near chances, but the lack of cutting edge and quality of final pass, plus rare concentration lapses were ruthlessly exploited by a proud Peru.
It was a strong finish to cap off an impressive tournament, but the history books will show that Australia finished bottom of Group C with one point, leaving Germany 2006 as the only time the Socceroos advanced from the group.
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Was Bert van Marwijk’s philosophy — though the game plan was tweaked for Peru — better suited to France and Denmark?
Did the players run out of steam — three high-octane World Cup games were a massive ask for someone like Josh Risdon, who hadn’t played since mid April?
Is Australia’s player pool too shallow and did this team do as well as could be expected of them?
Is the A-League doing enough to aid the Socceroos — a player of Daniel Arzani’s talent should have come into Russia with a much bigger platform than 15 senior starts?
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There’s elements of truth to all of them, but all will be dissected in the latest World Cup post-mortem, as well as the short-term tenure of van Marwijk, the third Dutchman to lead the Socceroos into a World Cup.
The 1974 World Cup is the only other time the Socceroos have come away with one point, ahead of Brazil 2014 (0), but behind 2006 and South Africa 2010 (both four points, but they didn’t get out of the group in 2010).
Never have the Socceroos had so much continuity throughout the three group games, with Bert van Marwijk making just one change.
The confidence and rhythm that creates was evident from kick-off as the Socceroos looked superior, producing some delightful attacking combinations.
Mathew Leckie continued on from the Denmark game and burrowed through the Peru defence several times.
Aaron Mooy and whipping boy Robbie Kruse were combining beautifully as Aziz Behich got in some dangerous attacking positions.
Tom Rogic was the player that’s most benefited from van Marwijk’s backing. He’s progressively improved each game and produced his best half, involved in most of Australia’s dangerous forays.
Rogic’s fast feet saw him skip past four Peruvian defenders but couldn’t finish, before releasing Kruse, which led to Australia’s best chance — virtually cleared off the line by Peru.
But somehow Peru managed to get in behind, as Trent Sainsbury was millimetres away from clearing. Nonetheless the Socceroos still should have cleared danger, as four Socceroos gravitated towards Christian Cueva in the box.
It enabled Andre Carrillo to ghost in off the back post and sufficient time to strike it first time — the finish was sublime.
Van Marwijk would have fumed, for positional discipline and concentration has underpinned their impressive Russia 2018 campaign.
The second goal conceded had a tinge of bad luck, as Guerrero’s shot took a heavy deflection off Mark Milligan.
Tim Cahill was sent on in the 53rd minute, closely followed by Daniel Arzani, and it coincided with Australia’s most dangerous period in the game.
Cahill causes havoc in the box, and did so again, aided by their desperation.
He was oh so close to getting a historic goal, and one which would have given the Socceroos hope.
The closest of which was a centred Behich volley, which was just inches away from Australia’s record goalscorer.
At a World Cup, those inches, centimetres even millimetres are the difference.
THE 5 KEY MOMENTS IN SOCHI
THE TEAMSHEET – 90 minutes before kick-off
With so much intrigue around the Socceroos’ first XI, the first big moment was the release of the teamsheet. And as expected, Tomi Juric got the nod ahead of Tim Cahill to replace injured Andrew Nabbout up front. Juric was busy but couldn’t score.
PERU STRIKE – 18th minute
Watford winger Andre Carrillo ghosted in on the back post to produce a stunning volley after captain Paolo Guerrero got in behind the Socceroos defence and flighted him a teasing cross.
ROGIC MAGIC – 27th minute
Trent Sainsbury carried the ball forward to create an overload and the ball landed with Tom Rogic, whose magic feet somehow danced past four Peruvian defenders. But the fifth – keeper Pedro Gallese – thwarted him.
LECKIE THWARTED – 34th minute
Robbie Kruse was released down the left by Rogic before centering for fellow winger Mathew Leckie, but desperate defender Christian Ramos got a toe in a split second before Leckie, stopped a certain goal.
GUERRERO DAGGER BLOW – 50th minute
Peru’s captain and spiritual leader found space inside the box and, aided by two deflections, struck a left-foot snap shot past hapless Mat Ryan, who had no chance after it clipped Mark Milligan.
Originally published as Brave? Unlucky? Perhaps, but Russia has exposed the Socceroos to the brutal World Cup realities
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