Ange vows to stay on track
A DEFIANT Ange Postecoglou has vowed to persist with his bold approach in Russia despite a 4- 0 wake- up call from Brazil on Tuesday.
The ambitious Socceroos coach said he would not change his attacking strategy for anyone, declaring that they wanted to win the Confederations Cup, which includes heavyweight duels with Germany and Chile.
Despite being ranked No. 48 in the world and few players in Europe’s top leagues, the Socceroos copped stinging criticism after the No. 1- ranked Brazil, led by the unplayable Philippe Coutinho, ruthlessly exposed Australia’s gaffes.
Just hours later, Japan dropped points to Iraq which leaves the Socceroos well placed to make the 2018 World Cup, with two qualifiers left.
Postecoglou, who accepted responsibility for the Brazil defeat because he had an eye on the Confederations Cup, said he wouldn’t compromise his values, stating they aimed to lift the intercontinental trophy.
“We want to win it. After last night it sounds ridiculous but I took this job intending to be as ambitious as I can and I want to be ambitious for Australian football,’’ Postecoglou said.
“When you’re ambitious you either have spectacular failures or successes. I’m not going to coach in between. Let’s go there and see what we can do. The first game is critical – if we get a result against Germany, we’re a chance.
“That’s going to be our intent. I want us to win a World Cup one day. After last night people think that’s a century away. I don’t think so and I don’t think there’s any failure in trying to ( achieve) it.”
Japan conceded late to lose away to Iraq – who play their home games in Tehran – leaving them just one point ahead of Saudi Arabia and the Socceroos ( both on 16 points).
The Socceroos’ next qualifier is away to Japan on August 31, before hosting Thailand five days later on the same day Japan and the Saudis do battle.
“I’m sure they’re sitting there this morning reassessing their curriculum and everything else because if you draw to Iraq it’s an absolute disaster. Korea lost as well,’’ Postecoglou quipped in reference to criticism the Socceroos have copped in similar circumstances.
“It’s a reflection of football in the region and football worldwide, it’s a tough road to play. Japan would’ve played in extreme conditions, 38 or 39 degrees. It’s not easy.
“It wasn’t a surprise to us, we thought they’d get a tough game over there. And as you get to the tail end, people talk about the pressure being on us over the last couple of games in particular, but the pressure’s on the other teams as well.”