If the Socceroos’ 1-0 win over Costa Rica raises Australia’s expectations, bring it on coach Ange Postecoglou says.
Postecoglou began his time at the Socceroos helm in triumphant fashion with a Tim Cahill goal securing victory at Allianz Stadium on Tuesday.
Cahill headed his way into the record books in front of over 20,000 fans, equalling Damian Mori’s all-time Socceroos goal-scoring record of 29 goals.
It was a clear start to a new chapter for the Socceroos, who looked like a revived outfit.
They largely delivered the attacking, possession-based game Postecoglou likes to play and didn’t allow the Costa Ricans to get into any real rhythm with the world No.31 side not registering a single shot on goal.
And with only seven months until Australia play on football’s biggest stage – the World Cup in Brazil – Postecoglou says he won’t shy away from the pressure of any lofty expectations the encouraging display may create.
“Let them get carried away,” he said.
“I don’t think we’re about talking ourselves down.
“And if I’m not afraid I don’t think anyone else should be, because ultimately if we don’t make giant strides ahead I’m the one that’s going to take that responsibility.
“I said at the start of the week I wanted to leave this camp with belief in the group and belief in the nation that we’re going to be better moving forward.
“So if this raises people’s expectations, that’s great.”
Clearly wanting to assess some of the younger players, Postecoglou started Dario Vidosic and Mathew Leckie up front while the likes of Josh Kennedy and Cahill sat on the bench.
While the duo showed promising signs in attack, it was veteran Cahill who finally broke the deadlock in the 69th minute with another vintage moment of aerial brilliance as he climbed past the Costa Rican defence to head home and put Australia 1-0 up.
Robbie Kruse was a real thorn in Costa Rica’s side the entire game, while Crystal Palace skipper Mile Jedinak and Mark Bresciano were solid in the holding midfield roles.
The Socceroos defence, heavily criticised after recent thumpings by Brazil and France, looked the most solid it has in a while.
Lucas Neill, who became Australia’s longest-serving captain on Tuesday wearing the armband for a 61st time, partnered well with Rhys Williams in the centre of defence with Jason Davidson at left back and Ivan Franjic impressive at right back.
Postecoglou praised his side and hoped the win gave them back some much-needed belief.
“I couldn’t fault the players’ endeavour and their willingness to embrace what we’re trying to do – they were fantastic,” he said.
“It was our first time together and we’re trying to adjust how we do things, so full credit to them and that goal gives them that reward and hopefully some belief moving forward.”
Wellington Phoenix’s Carlos Hernandez and Kenny Cunningham came on as second-half substitutes for the Costa Ricans, whose squad had been depleted by injury and were largely left wanting in most aspects of the game.
“I think the Australians have really progressed,” Costa Rican coach Jorge Pinto said.
“I like the way they move the ball, they’ve got some quality players.”
Socceroos player ratings:-
MATHEW RYAN: Rarely needed as Costa Rica didn’t put a shot on target, but a clean sheet is a clean sheet. Rating 7.
LUCAS NEILL: Some anxious moments but his organisation of an inexperienced defence justified him becoming the longest-serving Socceroos captain. Rating 6.
MARK MILLIGAN: Reliable and hard working in midfield, rarely put a foot wrong in another dependable display. Rating 7.
MATHEW LECKIE: Was clearly out to impress and did so. Played with pace and was a constant threat up front. Rating 8.
ROBBIE KRUSE: Shrugged off heavy marking from the Costa Ricans to be a constant attacking threat. The stand-out. Rating 9.
RHYS WILLIAMS: Started brightly in central defensive posting next to Neill, with some shrewd long passes, but faded before being subbed. Rating 6.
MILE JEDINAK: Solid game alongside Bresciano in the midfield holding role. Found space, created chances and frequently chopped off Costa Rica attacks. Rating 8.
JASON DAVIDSON: Shaky start to his audition to become a long-term solution at left back. Looked a tad green in the role, perhaps trying too hard. Rating: 4.
MARK BRESCIANO: Typically crafty and creative, a solid performer who again proved his class. Rating 7.
IVAN FRANJIC: Eye-catching at right-back. Made some daring forward runs and was sound in defence. Rating 7.
DARIO VIDOSIC: Started nicely but drifted out of the game in an attacking role along the left-flank. Rating 4.
Substitutes:
RYAN McGOWAN: Replaced Williams in the centre of defence in the 48th minute. Solid without being spectacular. Rating 5.
TIM CAHILL: Replaced Leckie in the 52nd minute and scored the winner. Remains the talisman. Rating 8.
TOM ROGIC: Replaced Vidosic in the 61st minute and was enervating in midfield, showing superb skills and attacking intent. Rating 7.
TOMMY OAR: Replaced Bresciano in the 61st minute, some nice touches but needs more game time to flourish. Rating 6.
JOSH KENNEDY: Replaced Kruse in the 76th minute. Had little impact, but he remains a point of difference. Rating 5.
MATT McKAY: Replaced Milligan in the 76th minute. Solid, but had few opportunities to impress. Rating 5.
