Attacking duo’s time has come: former Roo
FORMER Socceroo Michael Thwaite has joined the chorus of fans calling for Australia coach Bert van Marwijk to unleash Daniel Arzani and Tim Cahill in Wednesday’s mustwin World Cup clash with Peru.
The youngest player at the Russian showpiece, Arzani starred in his 20 minutes off the bench in the Socceroos’ 1-1 draw with Denmark on Thursday night, while Cahll, Australia’s greatest goalscorer, was unsighted for the secondstraight game.
Van Marwijk’s tactics, which included the late introduction of striker Tomi Juric for the injured Andrew Nabbout, drew widespread criticism post-match after the result left the Aussies needing to beat Peru in their final group game to progress to the round of 16.
Burleigh-based Thwaite, capped 13 times by the Socceroos, said it was time to pull the trigger on Arzani and Cahill.
“I’d like to see Arzani start and I’m sure most of Australia would like to see that. (There has to be) more time for Arzani because (van Marwijk) can see the impact he’s having in each of the games,” the former Gold Coast United captain said.
“When Tomi came on, personally I would’ve liked to see Timmy come on because in those moments it’s what he flourishes on. It was almost like Denmark was waiting for something to happen. In those moments it would’ve been perfect for a guy like Tim.”
Despite picking up a solitary point from their games against France and Denmark, Thwaite said he was “very confident” the Socceroos could still get out of their group.