Analysis: Tony Popovic needs to turn Socceroos’ spark into fire with Japan clash around the corner
New Socceroos coach Tony Popovic wasn’t scared to shake things up in his first match at the helm and while his side played with a spark he needs to make sure it turns into a fire, writes ERIN SMITH.
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The captain relegated to the bench, fresh formation and several shock starters - new Socceroos boss Tony Popovic clearly wasn’t afraid to shake it up for his first match but will the spark turn into a flame or simply fizz out.
While there was a moment of fear when China took an early lead despite the Socceroos dominance Popovic’s men didn’t succumb to the pressure - finally registering a win (3-1) and keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
A new level of energy is always expected when a new coach comes on board -but couple that with the precarious situation of the Socceroos World Cup qualifying campaign - the men really had no option but to come out firing.
Despite Popovic’s brave changes, which included benching captain and goalkeeper Mat Ryan - he faced the same conundrum as his predecessor - the lack of a dedicated striker.
But a composed goal from debutant Nishan Velupillay in the 92nd minute could prove the answer.
Brought into the squad from Popovic’s former A-League side Melbourne Victory - the striker replaced Mitch Duke in the 83rd minute.
And when his first opportunity to score was presented to him - he took it.
Something Duke has really struggled to do in recent times.
The composure under pressure could have Popovic making even more changes ahead of the challenging upcoming game with group leaders Japan.
Scoring and finesse in the final third once again proved the weak link for the Socceroos again.
They had no problems creating chances - they had 17 shots.
They had successful build up play, the midfield used the ball well and Craig Goodwin was a workhorse on the wing.
By the end of the first half they had taken eight shots on goal - the only one on target was Lewis Miller’s header, off a Goodwin cross, which hit the net in the dying minutes of the first half. .
It was the Socceroos first goal of this World Cup qualifying stage.
Adelaide hero Goodwin then delivered the second goal - a simply stunning shot to put the Socceroos in the lead for the first time.
Velupillay sealed the deal with the third.
The win was desperately needed but it was a close match with plenty of patchy moments in attack and defence.
China is ranked 91st in the world - the Socceroos 25th.
Like the first two games against Bahrain and Indonesia - which Australia lost and drew - this match should have been an easy win.
Especially when you consider our next opponents Japan defeated China 7-0 when they met.
China were even missing their leading striker Wu Lei, who is in incredible form scoring 31 goals from 27 games in the Chinese Super League this season.
So while the Socceroos appear to have brushed off their recent poor performances they still have a lot of work to do.
The clash against Japan will be Popovic’s first real test.
Energy and enthusiasm are great and it is certainly an ingredient that has been missing from the Socceroos these past few matches but that alone isn’t going to be enough.
Popovic needs to solve the issues in the final third and add some consistency to the pot.
Socceroos will now board a plane to take on group leaders Japan, in another World Cup qualifier, on Tuesday night.
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Originally published as Analysis: Tony Popovic needs to turn Socceroos’ spark into fire with Japan clash around the corner
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