Socceroos coach Graham Arnold faces crucial question ahead of Asian Cup knockout stage
Graham Arnold has accomplished the first step in Australia’s Asian Cup mission but the Socceroos coach must now confront a key dilemma, writes ROBBIE SLATER.
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Having accomplished the first step of their Asian Cup mission by qualifying for the round-of-16, the Socceroos’ next task is to ensure that Riley McGree is peaking in terms of form and fitness at the business end of the tournament.
McGree’s importance to Australia’s hopes of lifting the Asian Cup next month cannot be underestimated.
The Socceroos’ lack of creativity was again evident in their 1-0 win over Syria.
Again, we had trouble breaking down a team that sits in and defends in numbers against us.
It’s different when the Socceroos play against top-ranked nations who attack them.
That allows the Aussies to hit them on the counter attack as they leave space for the Socceroos to exploit. That’s why we look, and often play, better when taking on the heavyweights of world football.
Still, we need to find a way to unlock teams that are happy to sit back in a low block and defend for their lives.
Against Syria, our attack too often was too slow and laboured, and lacked imagination.
It wasn’t surprising that the first time someone, winger Martin Boyle, really took on the Syrians, it led to Jackson Irvine scoring the game’s only goal.
Boyle was otherwise quiet, but that moment of courage and intent proved the difference in the game.
There is no doubt that Boyle will get better as the tournament progresses, and that’s crucial to Australia’s hopes.
Even more crucial is McGree’s input.
When he entered the contest against Syria, the Socceroos looked a better team, and it was a similar story when he came off the bench last weekend against India.
McGree is the closest thing we have to a “No.10” in our squad.
What Socceroos coach Graham Arnold must decide now is the best time to inject McGree into the starting side.
The Middlesbrough star has played very little football since injuring his foot in October.
At the very latest, I think he needs to start in Australia’s round-of-16 battle.
However, with the Socceroos yet to secure top spot in their group, which brings with it the likelihood of an easier round-of-16-match, I’d be tempted to start McGree on Tuesday night in Australia’s final Group B game against Uzbekistan, who remain in contention to win the group.
It’s not just McGree I’d bring into the starting team, with his Boro teammate Sam Silvera also deserving to be among the starters.
The combination that has been strengthened at club level between the pair could be just what the Socceroos need to find some much-needed attacking spark in Qatar.
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