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The Socceroos looked better as that half wore on (save for that save at the end there by Patrick Beach), but still not … good. They generated zero shots from open play, and had just three touches inside Switzerland’s defensive box. And two of those were headers from set pieces. For a while there it looked like the Swiss were threatening to score every time they went forward.
That was less the case after the first drinks break, but there’s still not enough dynamism in attack. Nestory Irankunda looks like he could make something happen at any time, but we know that already. Australia needs more. Aziz Behich has been tidy, but Jordan Bos’ absence just underlines how important he is in an attacking sense. Cristian Volpato has been a bit dicey, but to be expected given this is his debut. Kai Trewin had a rough 45 minutes.
Most of these blokes are still learning – Popovic won’t put an XI like this out during the World Cup, and this is why.
Souttar is the tall timber involved in almost turning this free kick into a goal, with a header that flies marginally wide. The set piece comes after Yengi and Akanji clash once more, with the former ending up on the grass and Volpato taking the free kick. His delivery is good, and it’s on point to the far post, where Souttar is stationed. Not bad.
Switzerland 1-0 Australia after 44 minutes
The debutant cops Australia’s first yellow card, a couple of minutes after Akanji picks up Switzerland’s first yellow for a foul on Irankunda. Akanji is on the receiving end this time, as Yengi goes in for a challenge but catches the defender on the leg instead.
Popovic, meanwhile, is making it clear he wants to see a higher press, as Australia finally get some ball but struggle to play it out of their own half.
Switzerland 1-0 Australia after 39 minutes
Not for a lack of trying, but every time they get the ball the Swiss counter-press springs into action and they lose it again. This is a really solid test for the World Cup, mind you, because it is something Australia will have to deal with. Better to shake out the proverbial now. Popovic’s side are sitting on 27 per cent possession, with four passes into the final third to Switzerland’s 44, and two passes in the opposition box to Switzerland’s 14.
Irankunda is running running running, but route one ain’t gonna do the trick in this situation. Volpato can’t seem to get into the game.
Switzerland 1-0 Australia after 33 minutes
These hydration breaks can get in the bin. It’s a beautiful day in San Diego, 22 degrees and sunny – perfect football weather, and we’re stopping the game. It makes no sense. Selfishly though I hope the Socceroos have taken the opportunity to reset themselves like they did against Mexico, because they’re getting sliced up by the Swiss on almost every attack.
A lot more than Mat Ryan in last week’s cagier contest with Mexico. Much more pressure in open play.
Oh, wonderful, a drinks break inside the opening 23 minutes. Must be oppressive in that 20-degree San Diego midday heat. Don’t think I’ll ever get used to this. But hey, it’s a timely tactical break for the Socceroos, and Popovic appears to be utilising every moment.
Switzerland 1-0 Australia after 23 minutes
And duly punished by the Swiss. The press box at Snapdragon Stadium is in the north-west corner – so we are camera side, to the left of your television screens – giving us the perfect angle to see that Granit Xhaka pass, and it was glorious. Australia’s right side has been under immense pressure, with Kai Trewin clearly targeted. Switzerland are fantastic. They are moving the ball very well.
Switzerland 1-0 Australia after 18 minutes
You have to admit it had been coming. Despite Australia’s bright start, the Nottingham Forest winger has been in all the right places. He makes a run for Xhaka, which results in a missed attempt at a shot. But then Xhaka gives him another even nicer through ball and the finish is cool and clinical.
Switzerland 1-0 Australia after 14 minutes
He got away with that by the skin of his teeth. It’s again Ndoye, so far chief man of menace for Australia’s defence, who gets one-on-one with Beach. When the goalkeeper punches the ball away, Circati attempts to clear only to almost bury the ball in the back of his own net.
Switzerland 0-0 Australia after nine minutes
