Defining moment for daring mentor
THE margins could hardly be finer. Four years’ work could be gone in an instant of humiliation.
Or the era continues, possibly for eight months into the spotlight of a World Cup.
Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou stands at a fork in the road, really for the first time since taking charge of the Australian team in 2013.
For the first time since succeeding Holger Osieck 48 months ago, he faces a game against Syria tonight in Sydney where the result defines his future.
Win, or even draw 0-0, and the Socceroos go through to a final playoff for a place at the World Cup. Lose, and the Postecoglou era is done.
For the first time since 2002 there would be no Australian team at the World Cup. What a cruel epitaph that would be.
Every game of his until now has been sure of a sequel, but Postecoglou’s contract runs until his team’s interest
in the World Cup is over, whether that’s tonight, next month or next June.
His service to his country has been lengthy with various teams.
“I’ve coached my country now for 11 years, I’ve coached my country more than I have club football,” he said
Much has been achieved, from becoming Asian champions to exposing a range of young Australian talent to the rigours and demands of international football.
Yet history would be cruel to the coach who failed to qualify for this World Cup, after attendance at the last three has rather got supporters used to the idea.
His pride in holding the role remains undiminished, fiercely proud of being the guardian of the current generation of players.
“I don’t take it for granted that I’m coaching my country,” he said.
“I don’t know in terms of coaching if there’s a greater honour to bestow upon someone, than to coach your own country.”
Veteran Tim Cahill is shaping as a potential starter up front tonight. The all-time record goalscorer for the Socceroos is seen as the ideal man to unnerve Syria and put the game to bed early.