Socceroos will learn from loss

ANALYSIS FOR Ange Postecoglou, there was regret to go with the pride. A sense of what might have been.

The Socceroos manager saw a “missed opportunity” in Russia after his young side put in a rousing performance against Chile in its final group game at the Confederations Cup, but ultimately failed to secure the victory needed to reach the semi-finals.

After defeat to Germany and a draw with Cameroon, Australia were behind the eight ball, needing to win by two goals to leapfrog the South American champion.

Few gave the Socceroos a chance. But they looked for long periods like pulling it off.

“I thought we deserved to get something out of it,” said Postecoglou.

“I don’t see it as progression, I see it as what we’re expecting at the moment and we measure ourselves against the very best and we’re not quite there yet at the moment.

“We’ll keep pushing forward and making sure we keep developing.

“We needed to face up to them tonight. It’s what we want to be as a team. We’ve tried to be like that against every team we’ve played.”

Showing bravery and composure on the ball, Australia did just that for large spells, after Postecoglou shuffled his pack in terms of selection. Six changes from the Cameroon game and a couple of positional tweaks paid dividends.

Australia, for large spells, out fought and outplayed a Chile side renowned for its work ethic as much as its incisive passing and goal threat.