Squad focuses on Cup defence

THE ritual bloodletting and blame game that comes with a World Cup exit is under way in earnest, but the Socceroos believe they’re on the right path to succeed at their next major task — retaining the Asian Cup.

Australia were knocked out of the World Cup on Tuesday night in Sochi, falling to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of alreadyeliminated Peru.

The result left the Socceroos with one point, earned with a 1-1 draw to Denmark.

It’s an improvement from the 2014 tournament, when Ange Postecoglou’s swashbuckling side won plenty of fans but lost each match.

And it’s a third straight group stage exit, following the 2010 heartbreak of missing out on goal difference.

That’s one win and two draws in three World Cups. And as a result, the fingerpointing back home has been savage. A lack of youth development, the misuse of Tim Cahill and other squad members, and the tactical upheaval caused by Postecoglou’s resignation have all been cited for the early exit.

Bert van Marwijk’s preplanned departure spares him from more scrutiny of his decisions during his short tenure.

Mark Milligan, repurposed as a centre back to be one of the Socceroos’ best in Russia, described Australia as worthy competitors. “I don’t think at any stage during this tournament we were dominated by another team,” he said.

“We fought tooth and nail to create our chances and we always just seemed to be a second off. It’s disappointing but I’m still extremely proud to be a part of this group.”

Perhaps the truth is that Australia isn’t one of the best 16 footballing nations.

The Socceroos now turn their gaze to Asia. The tournament starts in Abu Dhabi on January 5.

Graham Arnold will lead a new-look side to the United Arab Emirates to compete for a title that Australia can realistically aim to win. “The last time we played at home, we took every advantage and we ended up winning,” striker

Tomi Juric