Socceroos losing streak continues as Asian Cup preparations begin with a whimper

You cannot accuse the Socceroos of  inconsistency under the new regime of Ange Postecoglou. This morning’s match in Liege saw promising spells of high-tempo football interchanged with aggressive runs from both fullbacks. It put Belgium on notice. But once Belgium began to gain a foothold into the contest, they simply had too much quality to keep Australia at arm’s length. Inevitably, anyone who witnessed our three group games in Brazil would’ve expected a similar result.

What separated then from now was the baptism of fire of two debutants in particular – Chris Herd and Brad Smith. Both have been courted by Scotland and England respectively, and indeed, have familial ties with both nations.

Herd, Aston Villa’s injury plagued utility, started at right back – a position which proved to be a bone of contention for Postecoglou during the World Cup. For many, Luke Wilkshire was the heavy favourite to start  at right fullback, until it became clear he wasn’t in the manager’s plans. Subsequently, Brad Smith was informed only hours before kick off that he was eligible to partake in the match, having his international clearance confirmed.

The positive start quickly evaporated as Belgium’s attacking quartet of de Bruyne, Origi, Mirallas and Mertens found acres of space behind the midfield – exposing the defence. The latter of the four opened the hosts account, his scuffed shot somehow found its way over Matt Ryan’s gloves and into the net from the tightest of angles. Jason Davidson was caught in possession before Kevin de Bruyne, unmarked on the edge of the box, hit his shot into the cross-bar. With Australia caught ball watching, Mertens punished the visitors.

Much like his efforts in Brazil, Matt Leckie was the spark that gave Australia some signs of life. Moments later, Leckie outpaced Dutch central defender Nicolas Lombaerts for pace with a run into the box before the cutting back a perfect ball for Tim Cahill. Unfortunately, the tame shot belied the veterans heroics at the World Cup, and Courtois made the simplest of saves.

Arguably the Socceroos best passage of play came in the 27^th minute. A steady build up of passes led to a direct ball being played to Cahill who in turn played it to Herd just beyond halfway line. The play suddenly opened up with Oar and Davidson making overlapping runs to the left. After receiving a pass of Bresciano, Milligan opted for Davidson who cut back to Bresciano for the shot. Although Defour blocked the attempt, the passage illustrated how well Australia can take advantage of the width of the pitch and stretch the opposition defence.

Fatigue and sloppy turnovers invited too much pressure. The likes of Cahill, Milligan and Tommy Oar were well below their best and found it difficult to get past any defenders. The game lost a lot of its character and fluency once multiple substitutions were made. Luongo looked lively for a short spell, but Axel Witsel’s powerful shot with his weaker foot on the edge of the box put an end to proceedings. Halloran again was found wanting in possession and Josh Brillante enjoyed a stellar 45 minute stint at right back.

Taking on the fifth highest ranked team was always going to be difficult . Despite some moments of promise, the Socceroo’s overall performance leaves supporters wondering. Amongst other things, it seemed unnecessary to give Tomi Juric only five minutes to stretch his legs, having been in great form for the Wanderers.

Commentator Stan Collymore made one observation of note over the 90 minutes – Australia lacks penetration in central areas of midfield. He’s right. Postecoglu has made the wingers and fullbacks his prime weapon of attack to feed Cahill, a tactic which, at best, is just too predictable. Against Saudi Arabia next week, Postecoglou and his troops have no excuses. And with the Asian Cup edging closer by the minute, you’re left to wonder whether or not we really can take home that allusive piece of silverware.

 

@blake_1986

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