For most national sides post World Cup friendlies are just occasions to get together, have some fun and reflect on the tournament that was, an "after party" so to speak. Australia though has no time to waste, the Asian Cup is just around the corner and time is precious. It was always going to be tough to play against a side which is going through a golden generation and are on a high after just reaching the quarter finals at Brazil 2014. The Socceroos were outclassed, out-muscled and outplayed but once again we didn't embarrass ourselves and kept the scoreline respectable.
The Socceroos came out onto the pitch with a familiar set up. The formation was 4-2-3-1 with a starting lineup of Ryan, Davidson, Wilkinson, Sainsbury, Herd, Jedinak, Milligan, Oar, Bresciano, Leckie, Cahill. Australia set out to play the way we've been trying to play ever since Ange Postecoglou took charge, with an attacking flare, trying to keep the ball and create passing triangles that generate space. However, the problem is that when we play sides of Belgium's quality the analysis is simple, we're just not good enough. Belgium played their trademark fluid, free flowing, attacking football that had Australia under pressure for most of the match. The waves of attacks were relentless and with a bit of luck and hard work we kept the scoreline respectable. You also have to realise that Belgium probably did not take the match too seriously as it was only a friendly. Australia always gives 110% no matter what, something to be proud of, especially as we prepare for the Asian Cup on home soil.
There's no need for an in depth analysis of the match, the patterns were predictable and there were no major surprises. Australia had a few chances but overall were not really threatening. Mathew Leckie once again was the best performer and the most positive player. The defense as a whole was again the weak point. We seem to really struggle against skillful opposition that can attack at speed, something that Belgium does very well. Last but not least, we were really lacking presence in the midfield, something that re-occurs every time we play a top footballing nation. Mile Jedinak and Mark Milligan having poor performances. There were three main positives to take out of this match, firstly the scoreline itself, it was kept respectable. Secondly, that we were still able to produce chances even in a tough match like this one. Lastly, three new players were given debuts, Trent Sainsbury, Chris Herd and Brad Smith, as we look at all our options and the regeneration of the squad continues. Belgium were brilliant for most of the match, they generated plenty of chances and on another night could have scored a few more. Comprehensive player ratings on Goal.com at http://www.goal.com/en-au/news/4020/australia/2014/09/05/5084968/player-ratings-belgium-2-0-australia.
It's always tough to play against the top nations but I believe Australia must continue doing it, it's the only way we'll improve. The main problem is that while most Australian players aren't playing in the world's best leagues we will not be able to be competitive. That's the main reason why the 2006 golden generation was so successful, most were playing consistently in the top leagues around the world. Now the focus turns to the Socceroos' next friendly on Tuesday morning against Saudi Arabia where we should put on a better showing and the opposition will be more similar to what we expect to come up against in the Asian Cup in January.
Catch Saudi Arabia vs. Australia LIVE on Fox Sports at 4:45am, Tuesday 9th September
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