Ange’s take on Cup loss

ANGE Postecoglou contends Australia’s World Cup results have vindicated his vision and exposed the Socceroos’ lack of progress since he walked away from the job.

He also offered his clearest explanation yet as to why he quit eight months ago, revealing his “feeling of isolation” amid growing discontent around his attack-at-all-costs approach.

Australia failed to score from open play in Russia, finishing last in Group C after losing to France 2-1, drawing with Denmark 1-1 and going down 2-0 to Peru.

In a Players Voice piece rendering his shock resignation even more inexplicable, the Yokohama F. Marinos manager reiterated his sentiments that Australian football has declined, arguing the national team has promise but “must shed our inferiority complex”.

Without directly criticising his short-term replacement Bert van Marwijk, he bemoaned the way “competitiveness and defensive stability” became the Socceroos’ main perceived strengths.