Ange/Lucas partnership begins with solid showing

And so the Socceroos embarked on a new era under Ange Postecoglou. Most of the focus in the days preceding the fixture concentrated on the future of Lucas Neill. 

While Postecoglou opted for the status quo in retaining Neill as captain, the new Socceroos coach stated unequivocally that no guarantees had been made for future matches.

Socceroos ready for Rio under Ange?

Great teams are often characterised by coach and captain partnerships.

Postecoglou has forged such unions wherever he has been, and he has shown that he is not afraid to remove the captain’s armband when it is warranted too. Postecoglou set up Australia in a 4-3-3 with Mathew Leckie up top and Dario Vidosic and Robbie Kruse his winger partners.

 Jason Davidson was bailed out in the fifth minute as a headed back pass to Mat Ryan had to be cleared off the line by Ivan Franjic. Davidson’s second own goal for the Socceroos was only narrowly avoided.

But the Socceroos were up for it and out to impress Ange as Leckie and Kruse had excellent chances to score denied by Costa Rica captain Patrick Pemberton within ten minutes.

The Socceroos pace slowed as the first half wore on, comfortable in possession but without great effectiveness or penetration.

 As half time approached, the Socceroos midfield sparked into life as Jedinak combined closely with Bresicano and Kruse in a series of one touch passes. Kruse advanced on goal and hit a cross to Leckie when perhaps a shot on goal would have been optimal.

Leckie had a difficult chance with an open goal and on his non preferred foot on the volley but he missed. Tough but Leckie was learning that you have to hit the target at international level.

Soon after half time Neill’s centre half pair Rhys Williams was substituted for Ryan McGowan, who made his home Socceroos debut. But it was another substitute Kenny Cunningham who came on at half time who had a great opportunity to score but the Socceroos captain mopped up.

While there was interest in Los Ticos’ Arsenal striker Joel Campbell, a quiet game patrolling the right wing was a mild disappointment. Davidson’s influence on the game grew in the second half.

Overall Lucas Neill looked very solid in marshalling the Australian defence. An assured performance under pressure and with a different centre half pairing in each half.

Postecoglou rung in the substitutions throughout the second half and it was nice work from two in particular which lead to the goal.

Tommy Oar and Tom Rogic created space down the left flank and Oar earned a corner. Oar’s corner hit Cahill’s forehead neatly and Super Tim does what he does best. In doing so, Cahill became Australia’s leading goal scorer equal with Damian Mori on 29.

A good start for the Postecoglou/Neill era. Plenty to work on, plenty to admire.