Source : ABC NEWS
The time for talking is done.
Australia has had its final pre-World Cup hit-out, playing a one-all draw with Switzerland in San Diego, which produced a clearer picture of what can be expected from the Socceroos when they face Türkiye in Vancouver.
Australia matched the Swiss for large parts of the game, with a stunning through ball from Cameron Burgess ultimately setting up debutant Tete Yengi for his first international goal.
Tete Yengi (left) celebrates his goal with Socceroos teammates. (Getty Images: Orlando Ramirez)
But it wasn’t all plain sailing, with goalkeeper Patrick Beach making several important saves, while another debutant in Cristian Volpato struggled to get involved early on.
So a week out from the Socceroos opener, what can we glean about Tony Popovic’s side.
Nestory Irankunda should start
Nestory Irankunda is a dilemma for Tony Popovic. Against Switzerland he was easily the Socceroos most threatening weapon, creating several chances, and having one stunning strike saved.
But there is a school of thought that the 20-year old is better served coming off the bench when defences are tiring, allowing him to use his explosive power and pace more effectively.
Nestory Irankunda (right) impressed against Switzerland. (Getty Images: Mike Nowak)
His performance in San Diego will leave Popovic with a lot to think about, especially with Volpato still building fitness and fitting into the squad.
Popovic’s other wing options include Mathew Leckie and Connor Metcalfe, both of whom bring strengths, but Irankunda’s X-factor makes him a headache for defences.
We know the back three, probably
Popovic does not give much away, but his selection of Lucas Herrington, Alessandro Circati and Harry Souttar across defence for a second-straight game suggests he’s settled on those players to prevent goals.
If that’s the case, it’s an incredible rise for 18-year-old Herrington, who will have displaced Cameron Burgess in defence.
Souttar and Circati are probably the first two names on Popovic’s team sheet, with Souttar in particular showing his class against Switzerland as he captained the side for the first time.
Harry Souttar led by example for the Socceroos. (Getty Images: Mike Nowak)
The Leicester defender is writing virtually the same script as he had in Qatar, where he came back from injury to be among the Socceroos’ best players.
“I wish I was fit for longer,” Souttar quipped after the game.
“I know how hard I’ve worked to get back here, twice as well.”
Slow starts need to be addressed
After the loss to Mexico, a lot of the discussion was around how poor Australia was in the opening half-hour, and how good they were for the rest of the match.
Against Switzerland, the Socceroos were lively early on, with Irankunda creating a corner inside two minutes. But they couldn’t sustain it, and Switzerland quickly got control of the game and forced Australia to defend for long periods.
It resulted in a goal to Dan Ndoye following a brilliant pass from Swiss captain Granit Xhaka after 14 minutes, but Switzerland should have had two or three if not for Beach in goal and some desperate defending.
Dan Ndoye gave Switzerland a 1-0 lead over the Socceroos. (Getty Images: Orlando Ramirez)
After the drinks break, Australia worked its way into the game, and eventually found an equaliser through debutant Tete Yengi.
The slow starts must be a cause for concern and a bit perplexing for Popovic and his side, considering how quickly they can turn momentum after the drinks break.
If Australia wants to progress in this World Cup, it cannot afford to let teams have the territory and possession afforded to both Mexico and Switzerland.
Popovic has a week to find a solution.
