Forward-thinking Ange Postecoglou is gearing Socceroos up to make an impact at the World Cup, says David Davutovic

ANGE Postecoglou’s radical tweak of the Socceroos’ formation has sparked plenty of debate but David Davutovic argues it will have the team better placed to make an impact at the World Cup.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has sparked plenty of debate by changing the team’s formation.

SOME of us have short memories, so let’s rewind four years for context.

The Socceroos were a picture of complacency, pragmatism and arrogance. Holger Osieck, like Pim Verbeek in 2009, booked a World Cup place but as both their contracts and healthy qualifying bonuses stipulated, that was the sole focus.

Osieck was so focused on Brazil 2014 that he stuck with his trusted veterans for friendlies when Mitch Langerak, Tom Rogic and company should’ve been blooded.

The consequences were ruthlessly exposed with 6-0 losses against Brazil and France.

STRONG SHOWING: Better late than never for Gersbach

EQUATION: How Roos can make Confed Cup semis

Ange Postecoglou has seemingly put qualification at risk by making his most radical formation tweak since taking over in 2013, but under his attacking mantra and with few Australians playing in “the big five” world leagues, there would be fragilities regardless.

The 4-2-3-1 at the 2014 World Cup was as pragmatic as Postecoglou gets, with a heavy reliance on Mark Bresciano as the No. 10 (attacking midfield) and Tim Cahill up front.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has sparked plenty of debate by changing the team’s formation.

The system evolved to a 4-3-3 for the Asian Cup and beyond, adding a 4-4-2 variation that enabled him to cram more of his talent-laden midfielders into the first XI.

Last March, Postecoglou shocked us by fielding a back three for the first time as the nervy Socceroos drew 1-1 away to Iraq.

Stinging criticism came after Brazil (4-0) and Germany (3-2) losses, with further backlash after Friday’s 1-1 Confederations Cup draw with Cameroon.

The Socceroos have also won both qualifiers since (against UAE and Saudi Arabia), to remain in a good position to qualify for a fourth consecutive World Cup.

If it turns into a debacle, Postecoglou may return to a back four and a heavy loss against Chile could affect his thinking.

But the individual and collective progress made in the six games under the 3-4-2-1 system indicates Postecoglou will persist.

Postecoglou changed the formation for two reasons — question marks at right-back and beefing up midfield.

He’s balancing results with one eye on the next international window with the decisive qualifiers against Japan and Thailand, and the other eye on Russia 2018.

Australian midfielder Tom Rogic in action for Australia against Cameroon on Friday morning.

While the players are slowly adapting to the system (and much strain is placed on the three defenders), the Socceroos may only be two to three specific additions away from becoming balanced and threatening in this formation.

A ball-playing defender such as Matthew Spiranovic, Rhys Williams (or Mark Milligan when captain Mile Jedinak returns) would make a huge difference, adding composure and options to carry the ball from defence.

So too would another x-factor option alongside Tom Rogic. Robbie Kruse has been dangerous with his forward runs, but another skilled, explosive type would be priceless and Central Coast-bound youngster Daniel De Silva, 20, is a perfect fit if he can stay fit.

Norway-based Alex Gersbach, 20, was outstanding in his third Socceroos game on Friday, providing balance and a quality supply of crosses.

We can whinge, but 13 of the 16 players who’ve taken the field in Russia have benefited from the international exposure handed to them by Postecoglou.

Central Coast-bound midfielder Daniel de Silva could provide an X-factor for the Socceroos.

Forward-thinking Postecoglou is gearing this team up to make an impact at the World Cup and the high-risk strategy will leave Australia better-placed to cause opponents issues at the World Cup, while being familiar with four formations.

The issue remains qualifying. The Postecoglou era has been exhilarating. He is bold, brazen almost. It’s uncomfortable viewing at times.

Like most things in life, you don’t appreciate it until it’s gone and Postecoglou doesn’t have a macro brief from FFA either, but we are blessed to have a coach who truly has the game’s best interests at heart.

Whatever happens over the next 12 (or five) months, Postecoglou will leave the Socceroos in much better shape then he found them.

Have faith in Postecoglou, his meticulous coaching staff and the young and improving squad.

[e-mail]