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In our Australia Preview: World Cup 2018, we share our analysis about this Australia team. Australia have hired a new manager after securing its World Cup place and face a challenging group in Russia.
Australia Preview: World Cup 2018
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan, Danny Vukovic, Brad Jones
Defenders: Aziz Behich, Milos Degenek, Matthew Jurman, James Meredith, Josh Risdon, Trent Sainsbury
Midfielders: Mile Jedinak, Jackson Irvine, Robbie Kruse, Massimo Luongo, Mark Milligan, Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic
Forwards: Tim Cahill, Tomi Juric, Matthew Leckie, Andrew Nabbout, Dimitri Petratos, Daniel Arzani, Jamie Maclaren
Manager: Bert van Marwijk
Captain: Mile Jedinak
Best Finish: Second Round (2006)
Likely starting lineup
Analysis
Having just about made their way to this tournament after a narrow playoff victory over Syria, the Australian setup was shrouded by uncertainty.
Despite the progression, Ange Postecoglu stepped aside as coach after four years in charge, with Dutchman Bert van Marwijk appointed on a short-term deal geared towards the World Cup in Russia. With no competitive games played under his guidance, the Socceroos are something of an unknown.
There are areas of the squad that are strong. While it may not have always worked as a trio, there’s a lot of quality in a three of Mile Jedinak, Tom Rogic and Aaron Mooy, meaning the Aussies should be able to hold their own in midfield scuffles against Denmark and Peru.
Elsewhere, the team appears to be reacting to the pragmatic principles Van Marwijk has long held. They drew 0-0 in a friendly with Colombia before turning on the style in an eyecatching 4-0 win against the Czech Republic.
Results such as these will only heighten expectations ahead of the summer showpiece, especially given Australia acquitted themselves well in the Group of Death—Spain, Netherlands and Chile—four years ago. But it’s unlikely they’ll be looking to open games up in Russia.
Instead, we’re likely to see a team sat deep,…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/australia-preview-world-cup-2018
Author : Matt Jones
Publish date : 2024-04-10 19:05:25
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