We may not have seen the change in formation Scott McDonald suggested, but we certainly saw a lot more entertainment and a fabulous performance from the Socceroos in Limerick.
So given limericks usually are five lines in length, in keeping with that here are five things that impressed me about the Socceroos in their emphatic victory.
1: Despite missing Neill, Grella, Culina, Kennedy, Chipperfield and making several more changes during the match, long term worries about a lack of options for Pim Verbeek look unfounded.
The Socceroos enjoyed plenty of quality possession and given many of this selection are inexperienced national team player’s, they looked familiar with each other and comfortable with Verbeek’s rigid 4-2-3-1 formation.
Don’t forget too that the ROI is so far undefeated in six 2010 World Cup qualifiers and in April drew one-all away to group leaders Italy.
Coach Trappatoni also fielded more first choice selections than Verbeek did.
2: Mile Jedenik looked very much at home in central midfield where he regularly broke down Irish attacks and kept his foot on the ball long enough to create attacking impetus for the Socceroos.
3: Rhys Williams. In only his second start for the Socceroos, his poise on the right side of defence was remarkable.
The strapping defender’s fierce shot set up the second goal for Tim Cahill. Williams was exposed a little by the pace of Hunt in the second half, but that was more about positional awareness rather than ability.
4: Tim Cahill. Proved he’s not just a “two yard” specialist.
Now has a sensational 18 goals from just 34 starts for the Socceroos.
He still has many games ahead of him (we hope) but in terms of a scoring ratio that is better than other legendary midfield players such as Sir Bobby Charlton (49 in 106) and Kenny Dalglish (30 in 102).
5: Scott McDonald. He may not like Verbeek’s tactics but today he showed he can adapt to it.
Only played 45 minutes but provided the assist for Cahill’s opener and showed a willingness to move and chase and link effectively with his supporting midfield trio of Cahill, Kewell and Bresciano.
While the score suggests a marvelous win, maybe we shouldn’t be too surprised given the respective rankings.
The Socceroos went into the game rated 16th on the FIFA chart compared to 37 for the Republic, and can’t expect to at least hold that position when the next rankings are released soon.
So with players to come back and still the best part of a year until the World Cup finals, the signs are that Verbeek will be able to develop a squad deep enough to handle the intensity of the World Cup.
It would be nice to see some other players besides Cahill scoring goals, and no I haven’t forgotten about David Carney’s injury time cracker, but after a performance like that there isn’t really anything else to criticize.
And another thing:
Note to UK host broadcaster Sky Sports; Soccer Australia is no more. It was wound up in 2003!
Did you notice the score graphic showing the old Soccer Australia emblem?
How long is it since the FFA swirly whirly logo replaced it!
January 1 2005 comes to mind.
Looks like the old world football powers are still a bit slow to catch on with the changes here in the Antipodes.
Maybe that’s a good omen for South Africa.