The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Fox has talked transfers
Behich and Souttar to face Messi as Socceroos reach last-16
Liam Fox has revealed that Dundee United chiefs have already held meetings regarding January reinforcements. And the Tannadice head coach is adamant he will “ask the question” if he spies talent that he believes will spark a surge up the Premiership standings.
United, who sit at the foot of the table, signed nine players during the summer.
The likes of Steven Fletcher, Aziz Behich and Jamie Mcgrath were high profile arrivals with international experience, while fees were paid for Glenn Middleton, Dylan Levitt and Mark Birighitti.
As such, Fox and Tangerines sporting director Tony Asghar are not expected to be handed a warchest when the winter transfer window opens.
Writing in United’s annual accounts for the year ending June 2022, owner Mark Ogren did not rule out further spending.
However, he pointedly added: “Our expenditures must be commensurate with our revenue as it is imperative the club is both successful and financially sustainable.”
Fox said: “We have had some meetings about January. I will certainly be asking the question when the window opens.
“If a player comes up who I think will improve our team, then I’ll be interested.
“Every manager always wants to bring in people to enhance the squad and make their team better. I’m no different.”
Nevertheless, Fox is keen to emphasise that there is “no panic” despite United’s precarious league position.
The Tangerines illustrated signs of progress prior to the World Cup hiatus, with 4-0 victories over Aberdeen and Kilmarnock particular highlights. However, a run of five defeats from their last six fixtures underlined the work still to be done.
“Is there a major panic? No,” continued Fox. “But I will always ask.
“Whether I get it or not is a different story. But if there’s someone I think will make us stronger, then I’ll push for it.
“Then it will be up to Tony and the chairman to decide whether they’re right and if it’s doable for the club. That’s the role of sporting directors and chairmen. My job is to ask the questions.”
Aziz Behich is set to become the first Dundee United player to feature in the knockout stage of a World Cup finals.
Behich, 31, turned in a tireless, diligent showing as the Socceroos claimed a stunning 1-0 triumph over Denmark yesterday.
The result saw Graham Arnold’s men upset the odds by qualifying from Group D ahead of the Danes and Tunisia. France also qualify despite their shock 1-0 defeat by Tunisia.
Ex-dundee United academy kid Harry Souttar was also sensational for the Aussies.
Mathew Leckie notched the only goal of the game, firing low past Kasper Schmeichel in the second period.
Delirious Australia boss Graham Arnold beamed: “These boys came into the World Cup with a great mindset.
“We’ve been working on this for four-and-a-half years; the energy, belief and focus.
“And I could see in their eyes that they were ready.”
Behich, now with 55 caps to his name, has played every minute of the tournament so far and will be a nailed-on starter in the next round, fitness permitting.
In doing so, he would make a bit of Tangerines history. While a plethora of Tannadice greats from David Narey to Paul Sturrock have represented their nation in a World Cup, they never made it beyond the group phase.
Dusan Pernis did reach the last-16 with Slovakia in 2010 but remained an unused substitute throughout that tournament.
Arnold’s men, who finished the group behind France on goal difference, will face either Poland, Argentina or Saudi Arabia in the second round on Saturday.
With the Socceroos starting the day in second spot courtesy of their win over Tunisia, the onus to attack was on Denmark.
The Danes were initially positive and dominated possession against a team 28 places below them in the Fifa world rankings, only to be frustrated in a forgettable opening period.
Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan tipped over from Mathias Jensen and unconventionally turned away a dangerous cross from marauding left-back Maehle, while Christian Eriksen dragged an effort wide.
Socceroos coach Arnold had spoken pre-match about “putting the game on the map a bit more” back home, as well as his desire to make the Australian public smile.
While his compact side were content to sit in and keep things tight, Middlesbrough’s Riley Mcgree tested Schmeichel during a rare foray forward to show they could cause problems on the counterattack.
The pattern of play persisted into the second period before a goal in the other Group D game left both sides in danger.
News of Tunisia forward Wahbi Khazri opening the scoring against France appeared to have filtered through to the Al Janoub Stadium just before Leckie latched on to Mcgree’s through ball to race clear and finish with aplomb.
The Melbourne City forward ran almost half the length of the pitch and twisted and turned Joakim Maehle before calmly finishing beyond Kasper Schmeichel.
Denmark needed at least two goals to avoid leaving Qatar early but, with their lack of cutting edge, even an equaliser seemed unlikely.
They offered little in response, albeit they were denied a penalty by an offside flag when Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal pointed to the spot following Souttar’s adjudged foul on Dolberg.
Australia endured a major scare 19 minutes from time when substitute Dolberg tumbled in the box before the penalty decision was swiftly overturned.
The spirited Socceroos, led impressively by Scotland-born centre-back Souttar, defended doggedly and survived six minutes of added time.