Mark Schwarzer: Aussies have to remember World Cup is a middle-distance run, not a sprint
REMEMBER the tale of the tortoise and the hare? Well legendary Socceroos goalkeeper MARK SCHWARZER says Australia can learn a valuable lesson from the famous story.
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IN their heads, the Socceroos will be counting down the hours now until their World Cup kicks off on Saturday night (AEST), especially those for whom this is their first such adventure.
When they arrive at the stadium for the game against France and take their seats in the dressingroom, the magnitude of the event can be overwhelming as you sit and think about a whole country’s hopes riding on your shoulders.
But from experience, there are some crucial things to hold on to for the latest crop of Australians bidding to shine on the world stage.
THE CONTEXT
The World Cup is about three games minimum, not one. Bert van Marwijk keeps saying his only focus is that opening game against France, and I understand why. But the players have to remember that this is a middle-distance run, not a sprint.
The key is still to be in contention by the end of the game on Saturday night. In 2010, we got hit 4-0 by Germany in our first game and the effect was disastrous — on our mood, prospects and confidence.
Every run, every tackle, every battle against France matter right to the end, regardless of the score. Even if France does prove too strong for us, carrying a convincing, intensive performance into the next games against Denmark and Peru will be essential if we are to progress from the group.
THE OPPOSITION
Undeniably, France is one of the World Cup favourites — how could a team with such talents not be? But I think there is some encouragement for Australia in the way some of its key men have been playing in club land.
But the players have to remember that this is a middle-distance run, not a sprint.
Take Antoine Griezmann out of the side and many of the French team have struggled for form in the past six months. There’s also a bit of pressure on the coach, Didier Deschamps, which has hardly been relieved by an unimpressive 1-1 draw with the US last Saturday night. The Socceroos have to believe they can add to that pressure.
OUR TEAM
We have strength in depth in goal, a wonderful thing to see, but Mat Ryan will deservedly be the No.1.
Ryan has a big role to play in the way Van Marwijk wants us to attack. His strength is quick, accurate short and medium-range passes as we look to move the ball around rapidly.
Mark Milligan gives us plenty of experience at the back and he deserves a chance after playing just once at three previous World Cups. Millsy has been a victim of his own versatility at times. Being given a definitive role by Van Marwijk will clear his head and give him confidence.
I think Mile Jedinak has to play against France. It seems as if Van Marwijk might have been edging towards having Mass Luongo paired with Aaron Mooy, but the midfield was considerably improved against Hungary last Saturday once the captain came on at halftime.
People remember Jedinak’s performance in the second leg of the playoff against Honduras, but his role in the raucous atmosphere of the first leg was just as pivotal. He had hardly played for six months through injury, but he was immense, offering steel and simplicity.
Going forward, Tom Rogic has been excellent for Celtic and seems to have got stronger.
Physically he has matured, and though the Socceroos may not have played to his strengths in the past couple of years, I think Van Marwijk’s system suits him.
THE VERDICT
I’m quietly confident this team can be the first to make the knockouts since we got out of the group in 2006. I think it’s important to put the performances in the warm-up games in context — I wouldn’t get too carried away with either, for different reasons.
The 4-0 score against the Czech Republic looked good, but came against a team that didn’t make the World Cup and slacked off near the end.
A week later it looked like the Aussie boys were very tired in the 2-1 win over Hungary. I can empathise with that. In 2006, we were run into the ground by Guus Hiddink in the preparatory phase and we struggled to put away Liechtenstein in a friendly. I remember everyone was just really flat.
But I imagine the training loads will ease off considerably now, adding freshness to the core fitness. Also, the fact the boys are now in Russia will add a level of adrenaline of its own. Once we flew into our base at Ohringen in Germany in 2006 and left our camp in Holland behind, everyone automatically went up a level.
Now it’s the turn of another generation. We have to believe they can do it. Just as importantly, they have to believe they can do it.
I’m looking forward to watching the Australians but also every game as part of the Optus coverage of this World Cup, alongside several of my former teammates in the green and gold. I think we can bring the fans a new level of coverage.
FORMER SOCCEROO BRETT EMERTON’S FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH
GOLDEN BOY
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN, France
It’s hard to look past Antoine Griezmann and France because that’s who the Socceroos face first up. They’re a team full of stars, including Kylian Mbappe, but I expect Griezmann to have an excellent World Cup. The Atletico Madrid forward is coming off a good La Liga season and at Euro 2016 he won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s leading scorer.
CAPTAIN DEAD-EYE
HARRY KANE, England
The England skipper had an excellent season for Spurs in the Premier League, narrowly missing out on the Golden Boot to Mohamed Salah. England are flying under the radar this time and that might work in their favour. Normally, expectations are high before a World Cup and they eventually succumb to the pressure, but this World Cup is different.
OUTRAGEOUS CUP DEBUTANT
ISCO, Spain
The Spanish midfielder is an undeniable talent. He’s burst on to the scene and has done well for Real Madrid, and I expect that to translate at the World Cup.
DESERT WARRIOR
MOHAMED SALAH, Egypt
He’s had an unbelievable year for Liverpool in the Premier League. A lot will depend on the quality around him, but he is vital for Egypt’s chances of doing anything meaningful at this World Cup. Hopefully, he makes a full recovery from the shoulder injury he picked up in the Champions League final.
THE NEW WORLD
DANIEL ARZANI, Australia
I’ve enjoyed watching him in the A-League and I hope he’s not just there to make up the numbers. But knowing Bert Van Marwijk – I played under him in Holland – he isn’t scared to give young players an opportunity. Arzani is definitely one for the future, but I hope he gets some minutes during the World Cup.
- Brett Emerton represented the Socceroos at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, as well as Dutch club Feyenoord and Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League.