Socceroos well placed to advance to Russia as Ange Postecoglou

FOUR years after first coaching the Socceroos, Ange Postecoglou heads into his biggest game. And DAVID DAVUTOVIC writes one man has remained a key element in the push for Russia.

Tim Cahill is ready for Wednesday night. Picture: Getty Images

TIM Cahill’s international future was under threat when Ange Postecoglou arrived on the Socceroos scene in 2013.

Four years on and three weeks out from his 38th birthday, he remains the team’s talisman as they prepare to put their 2018 World Cup destiny on the line.

Postecoglou’s debut match, a friendly against Costa Rica, heralded a changing of the guard with most of the old brigade swept aside or kept on notice.

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Lucas Neill captained the team in what proved to be his 96th and last Socceroos cap, but Cahill started on the bench as the careers of long-time teammates Brett Holman, Luke Wilkshire, Sasa Ognenovski and David Carney ended.

Tim Cahill and Ange Postecoglou hope to see another World Cup together. Picture: Getty Images

Cahill celebrates scoring the first goal in the friendly against Costa Rica in November 2013. Picture: Getty Images

Mathew Leckie — who had just four caps to his name — was preferred in the striker’s role and Cahill was bracing himself for an impact role.

“All the players are on their toes. We all know it’s a new coach, and no one has a clear-cut position — it’s all up for grabs,’’ Cahill said in November 2013.

“You have to see the bigger picture.

“Maybe this is a shake-up we needed, someone with fresh ambition and with drive to make sure there’s absolutely no hint of complacency. I’m part of this new situation too and hopefully I can have a role to play under Ange and be part of his plans.’’

Leckie had a golden chance to score before making way for Cahill on 52 minutes, the then New York striker taking full advantage and heading home the winner to equal Damian Mori’s Socceroos scoring record of 29 goals.

A-League Confidential’s Matt Windley and David Davutovic preview tonight’s World Cup qualifier between the Socceroos and Honduras

There have been a further 21 goals in 37 games under Postecoglou since — the Melbourne City star defying the age barrier and the coach’s clear preference for youth.

The four year-anniversary of Postecoglou’s Socceroos debut looms as his last if he walks before Russia 2018.

But on the eve of his sternest test yet, the coach appeared as confident as ever in his players and his game plan.

“I’ve never wavered in my confidence or belief in my players because I’ve sensed in them that they’ve always had a belief in what we’re doing,” Postecoglou said yesterday.

“We’ve consistently played at a certain level — sometimes the results haven’t always been (wins), but the performance has rarely dropped through this pretty long qualifying campaign.”

Postecoglou has exposed a host of players to the international scene and the likes of Aaron Mooy, Massimo Luongo and Trent Sainsbury have prospered, as evidence by their professional display in tough Honduran conditions.

Robbie Kruse has been there from the start of Ange’s reign. Picture: Getty Images

Cahill has continued to deliver under Postecoglou. Picture: Brett Costello

But Mile Jedinak and Mark Milligan remain part of the Socceroos’ backbone, and could again line up alongside each other — or at least nearby in Milligan reverts to defence — as they did in their starring roles against Costa Rica and at the 2014 World Cup.

Five starting survivors — Mat Ryan, Robbie Kruse, Leckie, Jedinak and Milligan — remain from Postecoglou’s debut, and nine from the squad in total (Tom Rogic, Ryan McGowan, Mitch Langerak and Cahill).

Rogic, who starred after replacing Mark Bresciano, is likely to start on Wednesday night and his ability to beat players and distribute killer passes will be crucial.

Injuries and limited professional spots for Aussie players have left the Socceroos with relative slim pickings, but four years of exposing youth on the international stage leaves them with enough quality and street smarts to complete operation Russia 2018.

Originally published as Socceroos well placed to advance to Russia as Ange Postecoglou