Socceroos v Kuwait: why Australia fans can be excited ahead of Asian Cup 2015 kick-off

IT’S game time. There’s high expectations about the Socceroos, but a tinge of anxiety too. Here’s why Ange Postecoglou’s side are ready to impress.

Australian Socceroos Team Photo Session

IT’S game time.

A bumper summer of sport in Australia kicks off with the opening game of the Asian Cup tonight, as the Socceroos host Kuwait.

Back in June, green and gold fans were holding their breath anxiously ahead of the World Cup, looking for signs and benchmarks for success against some of the world’s football powerhouses.

This time, it’s us in the box seat and the expectations are vastly different.

The barometer is simple: a semi-final finish is a minimum expectation.

But there’s a tinge of anxiety too. So much of the tournament’s success and ability to cut through into the mainstream sporting conscious will depend on the Socceroos’ performance.

Aside from two gallant World Cup displays, it’s been tough going for Socceroos fans over the past year.

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But Postecoglou knows what’s at stake as he’s settled on the group of players he feels can excite a nation.

“The impact that it can have will be far reaching, particularly if we have a successful tournament,” he said.

“Even if things don’t pan out for us, once people see the talent that is coming through this country and the quality of the footballers - there are going to be some fantastic stories played out and some fantastic matches no doubt.

“I think it will capture the imagination.

“I’m hoping at the end of this month that football becomes even a bigger part of that landscape.

Here’s why we’re confident it’ll be a different story over the next month.

IN FORM AND BUILDING NICELY

Ahead of the World Cup, the Socceroos squad was in flux, with surprises as late as the final culling of players just before the tournament started.

This time, it’s different. While Postecoglou experimented throughout 2014, the combination selected for January was almost predictable thanks to a combination of form, with the likes of Nathan Burns making a late run, and talent, with Terry Antonis and Tomi Juric irresistible selections.

James Troisi is in some of the form of his career; Robbie Kruse is bursting at the seams to make amends for his Cup anguish and the likes of Mat Ryan, Tommy Oar and Matthew Leckie have gone back to their clubs after the Brazil learning curve and improved markedly.

Indeed, there are doubts over the back four, but Aziz Behich, Trent Sainsbury and Chris Herd have entered the fray to ensure Jason Davidson, Alex Wilkinson/Matthew Spiranovic and Ivan Franjic cannot rest on their laurels.

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The narrative has been rather subdued: no pre-tournament injuries, dummy spits or controversies. Preparation, it seems, is going to plan after six months of rigorous planning from Postecoglou and his backroom staff.

In fact, it feels almost too calm and friendly down in Socceroos camp as player after player sings from the Postecoglou hymn sheet, while also wondering if they’re going to make the first XI.

Chris Herd labelled training as more intense than EPL sessions; Mark Bresciano is backing James Troisi for a breakthrough tournament; Robbie Kruse is looking for redemption; Matthew Leckie has bounced back from a World Cup hangover; Tommy Oar has come clean on a difficult World Cup… The closest it’s come to lighting a fuse is Trent Sainsbury declaring he wants a centre-back spot off one of the Cup incumbents.

But beneath the mandatory media sound bites, competition for places is as fierce as it’s been for some time – and that can only be a good thing.

As Matt McKay pointed out, James Holland and Oliver Bozanic are gone from the World Cup 23, with the Roar midfielder battling it out with up to five colleagues for one, maybe two, available midfield spots.

Similarly, the likes of Ivan Franjic, Jason Davidson and any of the Roos attacking players have genuine competition for their spots. Even Mat Ryan, a virtual shoo-in, has seen Mitch Langerak get Bundesliga game time in the lead up to the tournament. It augers well.

ATTACKING INTENT

It’s time to entertain and take the initiative on home soil, and word on Postecoglou’s XI hints at such an intent.

In a difficult group, it’s fortunate that the competition starts against Kuwait, arguably the least intimidating of the three Group A rivals, before possibly more cagey contests against Oman and South Korea.

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It had been suggested 4-3-3 was going to be in vogue, but the tried and tested 4-2-3-1 is not out of question either. The difference? Mile Jedinak’s holding partner will likely have a greater license to get forward, particularly for the game in Melbourne, where the aim will be to set the tone for the tournament with a swashbuckling display. Matt McKay and Mark Milligan started World Cup matches, but could be usurped by the likes of Massimo Luongo, or later in the tournament, Terry Antonis, with Mark Bresciano and James Troisi in the mix further forward too.

Up front, it’s about pace, penetration, width and supply to the main man, Tim Cahill, up front.

ATTACKING EXCITEMENT

Leckie burst onto the scene in Brazil but lacked a final ball, while the cupboard was bare for Australia down the other flank.

This squad, however, has no shortage of players who, if they can fulfil their potential, have the ability to excite.

There’s every reason to look forward to watching Leckie and Kruse bursting down the wings.

Burns, although an international novice, brings goalscoring form to the table, while Antonis, Troisi and Tomi Juric are arguably upgrades on similar options at the World Cup and will be confident against Asian-based opponents.

Oar, meanwhile, after an impressive FC Utrecht campaign, can be deployed more centrally, where he has succeeded this term.

CAHILL FACTOR

He’s scored at every level anyone has ever asked of him. He’s bound to do it again at key moments this month.

Cahill stirs fear in opponents from this region and his presence up front will provide a tangible and unquantifiable bonus for the Socceroos.

It will also help the variety in Australia’s play: we know Postecoglou likes to dictate possession; but with Cahill lingering up front, players will know an early ball – Ryan McGowan against Netherlands, anyone? – will be right on.

There’s one unknown – and it’s the same question asked before the World Cup: will his teammates be good enough to supply him with the killer ball?

Originally published as Socceroos v Kuwait: why Australia fans can be excited ahead of Asian Cup 2015 kick-off