‘Old school’ Mile Jedinak to soak up Honduras, World Cup pressure

THOSE two words sum up the reason why Ange Postecoglou has rushed Mile Jedinak into the Socceroos squad for the World Cup playoffs with Honduras, writes Tom Smithies.

Socceroos head coach Ange Postecoglou has named his squad ahead of the Honduras clash.

• TEAM: Socceroos squad named to face Honduras

TWO words sum up the reason why Ange Postecoglou has rushed Mile Jedinak into the Socceroos squad for the World Cup playoffs with Honduras.

Jedinak is “old school” — a gnarled old pro whom nothing fazes. With the stakes so high, with the pressure likely to be close to unbearable at times, Jedinak is the rock to whom Australia’s hopes will be anchored.

Never mind the fact he had played only 45 minutes of football since June before last weekend; never mind the absolute absence of any match fitness as a result. Never mind the fact that at 33 there are significant questions over his mobility at international level, especially in Postecoglou’’s attack-heavy system.

Socceroos head coach Ange Postecoglou has named his squad ahead of the Honduras clash.

There is a feeling that Jedinak’s force of personality is needed in Honduras, when Socceroos officials anticipate a tumultuous, aggressive welcome, on and off the pitch.

The Australian captain radiates a feeling of calm, and when the going gets tough he has the respect of his teammates.

It’s hard to overstate the importance of such a leader in what will be unique circumstances for the Socceroos. The knowledge of the stakes being played for can unsettle most players. The fact is, over two legs, it is win or bust, the glory of a World Cup or the ignominy of a place in history as the team that fell short.

Australian captain Mile Jedinak could be the difference between World Cup success or failure.

The fear is that without the requisite mental fortitude the tie could be lost before the end of the first leg. It is so important to bring a positive result back to Sydney — or at least avoid bringing a negative result — and playing a smart game over there will be crucial.

With Mark Milligan suspended for the first leg, we can expect Jedinak to play, on the assumption that his experience and the emotion of the occasion will be enough to get him through.

It is a gamble, of course. But with so much at stake, it’s one that Postecoglou feels he has to make.

Originally published as ‘Old school’ Mile Jedinak to soak up Honduras, World Cup pressure