Czechs bounced out 4-0
THE Socceroos’ journey to the World Cup looks rather more assured, after a clinical 4-0 defeat of the Czech Republic in the Austrian town of St Polten last night.
Surviving several early scares as Australia tried to implement coach Bert van Marwijk’s intensive defensive tutorial of the past week, two goals for Mathew Leckie, one for Andrew Nabbout and an own goal completed a very satisfactory day at the office.
Offering a significantly improved display on van Marwijk’s first two games in charge two months ago, his team showed they have begun to grasp his methodology ahead of their first World Cup game with France on June 16.
Facing a Czech side that failed to qualify for the World Cup, Australia visibly grew in confidence — even as its energy levels dipped in the wake of 10 days of intensive training.
The key to the win was Australia owning pivotal moments in the game — starting with the goal-saving Trent Sainsbury sliding tackle and Mat Ryan save that repelled two early Czech incursions as an early goal threatened for Karel Jarolim’s side.
Implementing van Marwijk’s mantra of defending space, the Australians were wide open initially and were cut apart for those chances.
But the pleasing aspect was the way the structure tightened as the game unfolded. By the time Leckie opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, it was an even contest.
The first goal met with an approving nod from van Marwijk, as much for its conception as its value on the scoreboard.
The Dutchman has talked many times of the need for quick transition, and Tom Rogic’s astute pass from near the penalty area out wide allowed Josh Risdon to hit a dipping, snarling cross towards the far post.
Arriving there was Robbie Kruse, with the presence of mind to return it back across goal — where a sliding Leckie took full advantage.
Against France, ruthless execution of any half chances will be essential — and Nabbout showed exactly that in firing home his debut international goal.
It had the air of several that Nabbout scored for Newcastle this season, seizing a loose ball out wide and cutting into the Czech box. As the defence back-tracked, Nabbout struck an unerring shot across goalkeeper Thomas Koubek and inside the far post. But Australia wasn’t done yet. Leckie grabbed his second, fed by Nabbout, and finally Jakub Jugas sliced a cross from the substitute Milos Degenek past his own goalkeeper. Now bring on Hungary next weekend.