Big call looms for Cup D-Day
SOCCEROOS coach Bert van Marwijk faces the biggest selection call of his brief tenure — who will be his front man for Tuesday’s World Cup decider?
Australia needs a win against Peru in Sochi and France to beat Denmark in the simultaneous kick-off, while goals and even bookings could become factors as the Socceroos try to reach the knockout phase for just the second time.
Andrew Nabbout, who’s started up front in five of the six games under the man who gave him his Socceroos debut last March, will miss the Peru clash after dislocating his shoulder against the Danes.
Tomi Juric is favoured to replace Nabbout after coming on in the opening two games in Russia, amid growing calls for record goalscorer and talisman Tim Cahill to be unleashed from the start.
Last-ditch call-up Jamie Maclaren is the only other recognised striker in the 23man squad.
Swiss-based Juric, who’s scored eight goals in 37 games, said he was ready to start if called upon.
“I’ve prepared every game the same,” Juric said.
“We’ll see now what the boss thinks, who’s the best for the team. I just have to knuckle down and keep doing what I’m doing.”
“I can’t change (what’s
happened). I’ve just got to keep my head down and work.
“I feel good, no problem. It’s what it was in the first place — just a little maintenance that I had to sort out for myself but it was never an issue.”
Van Marwijk continued his stubborn stance regarding selection queries, but admitted the team needed to be more ruthless if it was to advance from Group C.
“I will not discuss with you here about our line-up. You saw in the end players are tired, we are fit enough to play in the third game,’’ van Marwijk said.
“At this level to create so many chances against Denmark. I must be satisfied about the way we play and creation of chances. Only thing we have to do is put the ball in the goal.”
Optimistic Nabbout did not rule out playing again in Russia, although it appears a long shot after a second shoulder dislocation.