Coach Van Marwijk chases first Australia win
LONDON: Bert van Marwijk aims to get Australia’s World Cup preparations back on track in Tuesday’s friendly against Colombia in London.
Australia manager Van Marwijk endured a miserable start to his reign as the Socceroos were routed 4-1 by Norway on Friday.
The Dutch coach, who has taken over from Ange Postecoglou, saw Jackson Irvine give his side a 19th minute lead in Oslo. But a hattrick from LA Galaxy striker Ola Kamara and Tore Reginiussen’s strike sealed an emphatic win for Norway, who are ranked 20 places below Australia and did not qualify for the World Cup.
It was the worst possible way for van Marwijk and his players to get acquainted ahead of the World Cup, which starts in Russia in June.
There is little time for van Marwijk to make his mark before Australia face France, Denmark and Peru in the finals, having qualified by eliminating Syria and Honduras in play- offs.
The 65-year- old has three more friendlies and a 30- day training camp in Turkey to shape his new team.
Their next opportunity to develop some momentum comes against Colombia at Craven Cottage, the home of English championship club Fulham.
Van Marwijk, who led the Netherlands to a runner-up finish at the 2010 World Cup, concedes there is plenty for Australia to work on before they can dream of a strong run in Russia.
“I learned a lot with this game, that we are not ready yet,” Van Marwijk said.
“I already knew that before. It’s good when you lose, you see the players in these circumstances.
“We made too many mistakes, especially defending. When you lead 1- 0 and normally we have a man extra in midfield, when you lead 1- 0 you must have the control, especially in the midfield.
“We didn’t do that. We lost the ball too easily and too much in that area.”
Van Marwijk’s starting lineup is a work in progress as he considers his options for Russia. — Reuters