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We’ll be ready for Asian Cup, says Ange

Nov 19, 2014
Japan midfielder Makoto Hasebe heads the ball while Australia's forward Massimo Luongo (R) attempts to block.

Japan midfielder Makoto Hasebe heads the ball while Australia's forward Massimo Luongo (R) attempts to block.

Despite guiding the Socceroos to their eighth loss during his 12 games in charge, coach Ange Postecoglou insists his side will be ready for January’s Asian Cup.

While Australia more than held their own in the first half of Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to Asian Cup champions Japan at Osaka’s Yanmar Stadium, Japan turned things up a notch in the second to secure victory and reinforce their status as favourites to defend their Asian Cup crown in January.

Postecoglou was left to rue Australia’s defending from set pieces which resulted in the two second-half strikes from Yasuyuki Konno and Shinji Okazaki before late substitute Tim Cahill headed home a consolation goal in extra-time.

“It was the little details that let us down, which is unacceptable,” Postecoglou said.

“We talk about wanting to progress our football, but if we are going to be that sloppy about a key part of the game, set pieces, then it doesn’t matter what we do, we are going to pay a price.”

After a string of underwhelming performances since the World Cup, Tuesday’s friendly shaped as the Socceroos’ last chance to renew Australia’s hopes ahead of the Asian Cup on home soil.

But while Postecoglou can take encouragement from the Socceroos’ spirited first half performance, the second half shows there’s still a gap to be bridged with Asia’s best teams.

But the coach is certain they’ll be ready for their opening Asian Cup clash against Kuwait on January 9 and says finally being back home after eight games on the road will be a huge advantage.

“We had a plan post World Cup to try and expose some of our less experienced players to a good level of football. We have done that,” he said.

“Tonight’s performance for the most part shows we are certainly going to be ready for that first game.”

Aziz Behich pressed his claims for the left-back role with a strong showing while Trent Sainsbury emerged as another centre-back option.

Forwards Mathew Leckie, Robbie Kruse and James Troisi combined well in the first half but ultimately lacked killer instinct while midfielder Massimo Luongo showed some fine touch.

While Leckie produced the best chance of the opening half it was again left to the Socceroos’ all-time leading goal scorer Cahill to claw one back.

But Postecoglou said there were plenty of positives to take from the match, especially in light of the absence of key players like Mark Milligan, Mathew Spiranovic and Tommy Oar back.

“Our performance for the most part was extremely encouraging, and shows some progress,” he said.

“We have got some players outside this squad who can add to what we are doing. Mark Milligan, Matty Spiranovic and Tommy Oar went to the World Cup and they are all key components of our squad.

“So I guess in terms of some depth and creating some competition that’s a positive thing.”

SOCCEROOS PLAYER RATINGS

MAT RYAN: Was forced to make a few fine saves in the second half and neither goal was a result of a mistake by him. A solid performance. 7

IVAN FRANJIC: The right-back had a good first half getting the ball forward, but struggled to do the same when Japan imposed themselves after the break. 6

TRENT SAINSBURY: In just his fourth appearance he looked assured and solid in the early stages but began to buckle slightly under the pressure in the second half. 6

ALEX WILKINSON: Made a couple of good clearances in the first half but was pulled out of position too easily on occasion. 6.

AZIZ BEHICH: Really pressed his claims for the left-back role with a solid showing and provided the great cross that created Australia’s only goal. 7.

MILE JEDINAK: As always, the rock in midfield. He controlled possession and made several key tackles. 8.

MATT MCKAY: Was energetic and looked busy as usual but couldn’t really penetrate or find that killer pass. 6.

MASSIMO LUONGO: Showed some fine touch and some silky skills in the first half but didn’t really have any impact on the game. 6.

JAMES TROISI: Looked an instant threat with a shot in the opening minute. Combined well with Leckie and Kruse but lacked punch in the final third. 7.

MATHEW LECKIE: His first-half header was the the best chance of the opening half. Was quick and strong but lacked killer instinct in front of goal. 7.

ROBBIE KRUSE: Still isn’t back to his best after a long injury layoff but showed glimpses of his fine form. Failed to make any big impact. 6.

Substitutes:

MARK BRESCIANO: Came on in the 63rd minute for James Troisi. Added composure to the midfield but not his finest performance. 5.

MITCH NICHOLS: Came on in the 63rd minute for Massimo Luongo. Got a decent amount of game time but didn’t really get much of the ball. 5.

TIM CAHILL: Came on for Matt McKay in the 73rd minute. Yet again proves to be Australia’s go-to man in front of goal, clawing one back as a late substitute. 8.

AARON MOOY: N/A

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