Ange sticks to his guns on game plan
ANGE Postecoglou will not bow to his critics, insisting the Socceroos will push on with their ambitious game plan against Syria next month.
Australia were bundled into the high-stakes World Cup playoff route early yesterday when Saudi Arabia clinched Group B’s second automatic qualification spot with a 1-0 win over Japan.
The Saudis and Socceroos finished level on 19 points, one behind Japan, but the Green Falcons went through with a two-goal better goal difference. That result left Postecoglou’s men to rue not making more of a staggering 45-8 shot count in the 2-1 win against Thailand at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Tuesday night.
In the aftermath of that result the knives were already being sharpened by critics of Postecoglou’s three-at-theback approach, which was only adopted midway through this qualification phase.
But the boss declared yesterday he had faced tougher times than this in his coaching career – namely when he was axed as Young Socceroos coach in 2007.
“The Australian football industry chewed me up and spat me out 10 years ago – it doesn’t change my conviction about what I think is right for our game and our country,” Postecoglou said.
“People can have their judgments on me, but I won’t be pushed into the shadows of Australian football history like others by bowing to certain parts.”
It was at 4.52am when Aussie hearts broke yesterday courtesy of a thunderous Fahad Al-Muwallad strike in the 63rd minute of the game against Japan in Jeddah.
Earlier in Tehran, a 93rdminute goal from Omar Al Somah secured a 2-2 draw for Syria against Iran, which was enough to take it to the playoffs behind the Iranians and other Group A qualifier South Korea.
Syria have never made a World Cup, have only made one Asian Cup since 1996 and haven’t played a home game in their country since 2010 because of the civil war.
The Syrians hosted games in Malaysia during this qualifying section and it is understood they will play the October 5 game against Australia there too. Australia’s home game will be played on October 10 with Sydney’s ANZ Stadium set to be confirmed as the venue.
Whoever wins then plays the fourth-placed North American side in a twomatch November tie for the last spot at Russia 2018.
And Postecoglou is adamant his game plan is the best way to attack the playoffs.
“The style and the approach is what works for us and what will work for us,” Postecoglou said.