Studs Up: Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou employs Guus Hiddink-esque cunning ahead of World Cup playoff against Syria
STUDS UP: Australia will evoke memories of the famous Uruguay win as they prepare for their first World Cup playoffs in 12 years. Ask David Davutovic your questions.
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THE Socceroos will evoke memories of the famous Uruguay win as they prepare for their first World Cup playoffs in 12 years, against fired up Syria.
While the players recalled their memories of that historic night in November 2005, Ange Postecoglou is employing some Guus Hiddink-esque cunning in his planning, having already secured a charter flight from Malaysia.
Like the Dutchman, Postecoglou is taking a holistic 180-to-210 minute approach to team selection, starting with Thursday night’s first leg at Malaysia’s Hang Jebat Stadium.
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The Socceroos have received a late boost with key Syrian defender, China-based Ahmad Al Salih (hamstring) ruled out of both legs.
It was not the desired path, but Australia’s scenic route to Russia 2018 would break Uruguay’s 20-game qualifying record. Wins over Syria and the fourth-place Concacaf side would make it 22 games.
“It does bring back some memories (from Uruguay). The biggest thing for us is embracing this challenge. We’re under no illusions, it’ll be a tough game,’’ veteran striker Tim Cahill said.
Scroll to the bottom to re-live David Davutovic’s Studs Up blog ahead of the World Cup playoff.
Postecoglou, who will on Wednesday night join Frank Arok in coaching his 46th Socceroos game, trailing only Frank Farina (60 games), has used 58 players during his tenure and is confident Australia has the quality to beat Syria over two legs.
“We have unique challenges, players in different seasons, leagues, continents and travelling enormous distances. I’d be a fool if I ignored all those factors when I’m picking the best 11,’’ Postecoglou said.
“It’s not just about saying that these are the best 11 players, let’s put them out there. You take it all into account.
“(Syria) games tend to be a slower tempo, that’s probably why they like playing here. We’ll try and keep the tempo (high) and that’s going to take a physical toll on all players.
“We’ll throw some fresh legs on in Sydney. We’ve shown in the past when we make changes the quality doesn’t drop and style doesn’t change.’’
Cahill, the only playing remnant from the Uruguay wins, fronted the pre-game press conference though Postecoglou wouldn’t confirm whether he’d start as the mind games commenced.
Robbie Kruse’s strong form meant he would likely start alongside key weapons Aaron Mooy, while Tom Rogic could be used as a weapon off the bench. Korea-based defence Matt Jurman is in line to make his debut.
Mark Milligan, who will wear the armband if Cahill is on the bench, is likely to switch between defence and midfield in the two games.
Bailey Wright’s suspension and the Melaka humidity meant that defence was the likelier option, though Postecoglou remained cagey.
“That will depend a bit on the rest of the team. It’s a difficult one because Millsy hasn’t played for a long time with the A-League being in hiatus,’’ he said.
“It certainly less of a physical toll playing in our back three. They’re things that will come into consideration. But he’s in good physical nick.’’
2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING PLAYOFF
SYRIA v AUSTRALIA
FIRST LEG
Thursday night, 11.30pm AEDT
Hang Jebat Stadium, Melaka, Malaysia
TV: Live on Fox Sports 501 and 9GO
SECOND LEG
Tuesday October 10
ANZ Stadium, Sydney, 8pm AEDT
* The winner plays the fourth-place team in Concacaf (Central/North America) in November
TAB ODDS
First leg: Syria $4.25, Draw $3.40, Australia $1.85
To advance: Syria $4.75, Australia $1.16
Socceroos to qualify for Russia 2018: Yes $1.67 No $2.10
KEY PLAYER
OMAR KHRIBIN (SYRIA)
Age: 23
Club: Al Hilal (SAU)
Position: Forward
Caps: 36 (16 goals)
A prolific scorer at club level, Omar Khirbin’s hat-trick in last week’s Asian Champions League semi-final for Saudis Al Hilal underlines his threat. One of Asia’s top attackers, he will be the outlet for Syria’s counter attacks.
ROBBIE KRUSE (AUSTRALIA)
Age: 28
Club: Bochum (GER)
Position: Attacker
Caps: 57 (4 goals)
Kruse is back in a rhythm, highlighted by scoring in three successive games for Germans Bochum since the last qualifiers. He is one of Australia’s few x-factor players and his ability to unlock a defence will be vital.
KEY MATCH-UP
OMAR AL SOMAH (SYRIA) v MARK MILLIGAN (AUSTRALIA)
Syria’s hero from the last game will play a solitary striker’s role and Mark Milligan’s role – whether he lines up in defence or midfield - will be decisive because Syria will attack rapidly. Al Soma, 28, is a key striker for Saudi club Al-Ahli and predatory in the penalty box.
DAVUTOVIC’S VERDICT
A tough, in-your-face opponent for the Socceroos on humid, neutral territory. But with most key players in-form at their clubs they should be sharp and ready to take the game to Syria.
1-1 Draw (Socceroos to advance 4-2 over two legs)
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
QASIOUN EAGLES
4-2-3-1
(Facing down)
Coach: Ayman Hakeem
Alma
Al Shbli Somi Al Masri Ajan
Haj Mohamad Midani
Al Khatib Al Mawas Khirbin
Al Somah
--------------
Juric
Behich Irvine Kruse Leckie
Mooy Luongo
Jurman Sainsbury Milligan
Ryan
Coach: Ange Postecoglou
(Facing Up)
3-2-4-1
SOCCEROOS
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Originally published as Studs Up: Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou employs Guus Hiddink-esque cunning ahead of World Cup playoff against Syria