Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos have kicked on under Ange Postecoglou with injection of youth

FIFTEEN month ago Robbie Kruse was the second youngest starter. Now his current sleeping arrangements best illustrate the radical pace of Socceroos regeneration.

(L-R) Mathew Leckie, Tim Cahill, Jason Davidson and Robbie Kruse of Australia celebrate beating United Arab Emirates in their AFC Asian Cup semi-final football match in Newcastle on January 27, 2015. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS --IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE

ATTACKER Robbie Kruse’s Asian Cup sleeping arrangements best illustrate the radical pace of Socceroos regeneration.

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The Socceroos are predominantly young with a mix of experience.

Rewind to October 11, 2013, Kruse was the second youngest starter (behind James Holland) in what proved to be Holger Osieck’s last game.

Aged 26 and with 37 caps to his name, Kruse is now one of five players who didn’t have to room share at the Asian Cup, the solo arrangement a luxury afforded to the five most experienced players.

Just 15 months on from the 6-0 mauling by France, Kruse looks set to be just one of three players who started in the Paris debacle, along with Tim Cahill and Mile Jedinak, with Mark Bresciano or Matt McKay possibly a fourth.

Mathew Leckie made one of four substitute appearances under Osieck against France - he came on with 21 minutes to go, with Australia trailing by six.

”The France camp was a bit strange, the feeling was low,’’ Leckie said.

”I hadn’t been in too many squads before that, I was in and out. Holger picked me here and there but I was never in his plans.

”Even when I was playing at lot at Frankfurt I wasn’t getting picked.

Robbie Kruse is now one of the most experienced Socceroos players.

”I was just focusing on doing well at my club rather than the national team, because I didn’t know if and when I was going to get picked.

”Now I’m at the Asian Cup, if I look back 18 months, I didn’t think i would be a part of it at all.

”I hadn’t started a game when Ange (Postecoglou) took over so the change worked out well for me.’’

Osieck’s lack of foresight meant that Socceroos stalwarts and legends, such as Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill, Brett Holman and Luke Wilkshire, had inglorious exits.

How the Socceroos’ defence has changed.

Ange Postecoglou gave no assurances and the lack of communication with senior players was in stark contrast to Osieck’s regular dialogue.

Schwarzer then Holman retired within months, while Neill and Wilkshire were not picked.

With few players featuring in Europe’s top leagues, the new era could have turned ugly, and the collapse against Ecuador last March (lost 4-3 after leading 3-0) was a warning sign.

While there were some nervous FFA executives at the 14-minute mark of their World Cup opener in Brazil when Chile went 2-0 up.

But this Asian Cup has justified Postecoglou’s big picture strategy.

Left-back Jason Davidson scored an own goal on his Socceroos debut against Scotland in August 2012, and was unsighted for another 14 months - a half-time sub for David Carney in Paris, with France 4-0 up.

“Under Holger I scored an own goal on debut, it wasn’t the dream start to my Socceroos career. After the game I was very distraight,’’ Davidson said.

“But my dad (former Socceroo Alan) gave me confidence and said everyone makes mistakes, the ones that keep pushing and grinding become successful.

Massimo Luongo has made a big impression in a short time.

The Socceroos new generation have taken hold under Postecoglou.

“With the younger boys it was hard to get a chance (under Osieck). Once Ange came, he really started to give younger boys a go, and we’re very grateful and fortunate.’’

Massimo Luongo was continually overlooked for Australian youth sides, but was plucked from League One for his debut in Postecoglou’s second match, the 4-3 loss to Ecuador in London last March.

“I thought I would get a few minutes on debut but it felt amazing and made me think I want more of this,’’ Luongo said.

”I was confident he would call me in for the next few camps, even though I didn’t play again until Belgium (in September).

”When I got my chance I’ve been fearless and played my game.

”I don’t think I owe him anything. I’m so grateful he brought me in, but all the boys are performing.

”I listen to him, if he tells me to do it, i do it. I’ve played more than i’ve expected (at the Asian Cup) and with every game I feel more comfortable.’’

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos have kicked on under Ange Postecoglou with injection of youth