This morning saw the announcement of the Socceroos squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. While lacking in experience compared to the last two campaigns, coach Ange Postecoglou has brought in a youthful group with pace; a necessary attribute as we look to break against our more fancied opponents on the counter attack. While Cahill, Wilkshire, Milligan, Bresciano and Kennedy will provide leadership, all eyes will be on rising stars such as Rogic, Taggart and Halloran who can add an attacking flair often missing in Australian squads. With Spain, Chile and Holland in wait, the upcoming friendly with South Africa will provide answers to the suitability of the chosen players.
Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan, Mitch Langerak, Eugene Galekovic, Mark Birighitti.
While Mark Schwarzer has been the man in goals for nearly every match in recent times, others are now given the chance to take the number one spot. Mat Ryan’s impressive season in Belgium has him as favourite to start, while Langerak will be the second choice due to his support position with Borussia Dortmund. Only one of the other options will board the plane to Brazil; Galekovic looks likely due to his outstanding form in the A-league with Adelaide United, compared to Birighitti’s recent move abroad.
Defenders: Josh Brillante, Jason Davidson, Ivan Franjic, Curtis Good, Ryan McGowan, Matthew Spiranovic, Alex Wilkinson, Luke Wilkshire, Bailey Wright.
The defence will be under siege against opponents that bombard the box, and it is here that the squad lacks experience. Wilkshire will fill the right back role and command the line and left back depends on the opponent (speed or power), but the choice of centre backs will come down to the training ground. Good impressed against Ecuador before he went off injured and Spiranovic’s dominant display in the A-League Grand Final has them at the forefront, especially with Wilkinson’s poor effort previously (leading to a goal that lost Australia the match) puts him in question of making the cut. Wright captains a side in England but has never played for his country, so expect the aforementioned to figure prominently.
Midfielders: Oliver Bozanic, Mark Bresciano, Ben Halloran, James Holland, Mile Jedinak, Massimo Luongo, Matt McKay, Mark Milligan, Tommy Oar, Tom Rogic, Adam Sarota, James Troisi, Dario Vidosic.
A strong blend of attack and defence is on show here, a flexible group capable of adapting to most situations. Jedinak’s captaincy and his stellar season with Crystal Palace will place him in the defensive midfield spot, alongside either Milligan or Bresciano who add plenty of steel and experience. If fit and firing, Rogic will be given the role of attacking midfielder as Oar and Vidosic provide technical ability and crossing power. The other options are mostly back-up, but Troisi and McKay could have a large part to play.
Forwards: Tim Cahill, Josh Kennedy, Matthew Leckie, Adam Taggart
Two aerial targets and two speedsters, the squad may fear playing two strikers but it may be the best way to challenge. Cahill will start, with Kennedy saved as a late substitute, while Leckie’s form overseas and elite speed means he could be the weapon to rattle the giants. Taggart is the wildcard; he won the golden boot in the A-League, has pace to burn, isn’t intimidated by the big stage and is a clinical finisher. All four will be sent to Brazil, and all four will see significant game time.
