World Cup 2018: Impressive display from Socceroos against Czech Republic gives coach Bert van Marwijk a clearer picture

SOCCEROOS coach Bert van Marwijk is more at ease about his team’s World Cup hopes than he was several weeks ago, after their France test run provided a host of solutions.

Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk during the match against the Czech Republic on Friday night. Picture: Toby Zerna

SOCCEROOS coach Bert van Marwijk is more at ease about his team’s World Cup hopes than he was several weeks ago, after their France test run provided a host of solutions.

Fielding what will be mightily close to the team that takes the pitch in Kazan on June 16, van Marwjk declared that he didn’t have time for experimentation and his near full-strength first XI indicated that his mind is almost made up.

A number of selection questions were answered, with only a couple lingering after the 4-0 win against Czech Republic in Austria.

MATCH: Socceroos put four past Czechs

VAN MARWIJK: We can’t be too satisfied

Robbie Kruse, Andrew Nabbout and Josh Risdon were the big winners from the friendly while Mark Milligan stamped his spot in central defence with an assured display with and without the ball.

Nabbout got the nod ahead of late inclusion Jamie Maclaren and Tim Cahill, with Tomi Juric (knee) only resuming full-scale training three days ago.

Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk during the match against the Czech Republic on Friday night. Picture: Toby Zerna

He toiled hard and van Marwijk was rewarded for his most left-field selection in the 54th minute when Nabbout blasted him in classic fashion from just inside the area.

With one of Maclaren or Juric set to be cut on Sunday, the other will have his work cut out trying to displace Nabbout, who may have just booked his spot on the teamsheet for France.

Kruse had only made substitute appearances in the March friendlies, but rewarded for his stellar German second tier form with Bochum, he caused issues with his runs in behind and opened up the space for the midfielders.

Playing off the left wing, Kruse also played a key role in the opening goal, centering for Mathew Leckie to tap in after Tom Rogic helped spread the Czechs out of shape.

Risdon, who now looks the frontrunner for right-back ahead of Josh Brillante and Croatia-based Fran Karacic, whipped in a superb cross and was industrious and disciplined considering his last game (for Western Sydney) was six weeks ago.

Mark Milligan was assured at the centre of defence.

Trent Sainsbury, who wore the captain’s armband for the first time, combined well with Milligan and their composure on the ball and pinpoint raking passes were a feature.

Teenage winger Daniel Arzani debuted with a late cameo for Leckie but didn’t have enough time to be assessed.

The Socceroos played a 4-2-3-1 formation that morphed into a 4-4-1-1 defensively with striker Nabbout dropping deep without the ball.

Aaron Mooy, who setup Leckie’s second, conducted well from deep in midfield alongside the busy Massimo Luongo and while Rogic couldn’t find space that often, his part in the first goal underlined his class.

Mile Jedinak, who was rested having only joined the squad three days ago after his Aston Villa Championship playoff, is a strong chance to come in for the France game which will be a counter-attacking operation, with one of the midfield trio set to make way.

Jackson Irvine, who replaced Rogic on 66 minutes, is another smokey. Either way he will get World Cup minutes.

SOCCEROOS 4 (Leckie 32, 72, Nabbout 54, Jugas OG 80) CZECH REPUBLIC 0

Friendly, NV Arena, St Polten, Austria

SOCCEROOS (4-2-3-1): Ryan; Risdon (Degenek 76), Milligan, Sainsbury, Behich; Mooy, Luongo; Leckie (Arzani 84), Rogic (Irvine 66), Kruse (Petratos 73); Nabbout (Maclaren 61).