The final game of this World Cup qualification group stage sees the top two teams with progression ensured facing off in Sydney.
Jordan will be under the helm of the former leader of several English clubs in Harry Redknapp and are coming off a resounding 8-0 thumping of Bangladesh, which will see confidence at a high. The winner of this game will top the group and a draw will be enough for Australia, however, as Ange Postecoglu wants them to develop a killer instinct, one point will not be good enough – especially after the previous game in Jordan.
POPULAR ARTICLES
A-League – What We Learned – Melbourne City 3 Wellington Phoenix 0
How Twitter reacted to Melbourne City’s 3-0 win against Wellington Phoenix
AUSFIFA Goal of the Week – How about goal of the year?!
XBOX AVPL Team of the Week – La Fabrica attackers catch the eye
PS4 AVPL Team of the Week – Imperials striker stars again
The last time in Amman
In what is fast becoming their bogey ground, the Socceroos were caught out by an opportunistic, well-organised and motivated side that triumphed them 2-0. Ange Postecoglu gambled with a setup built around pace, yet they were never able to get in-behind a defensive line sitting very deep. Tom Rogic was closed down every time he had the ball, Massimo Luongo was ineffective and Aaron Mooy was unable to do it all on his own. With the Australians pressing high up the pitch, the defensive pairing of Bailey Wright and Matthew Spiranovic was caught on the counter by Al-Dardour ,who was immense in leading the Jordan line.
https://youtu.be/QIzRaw_wJZ8
Lessons from last Thursday Night
It is hard to feel underwhelmed from a 7-0 thrashing, but that first-half against Tajikistan is certainly cause for concern. The Socceroos were able to generate a lot of chances, but the forward line could not convert as many as they should have. Against a significantly tougher Jordanian side there will not be as many sights on offer and whoever starts will need to convert when presented with a clear opportunity in front of goal. Harry Redknapp iterated in his press conference that his team will not sit back and defend since they need a victory to top the group. In short, the big lesson to take away from the last game is to take the chances on offer.
Leadership void
One of the best parts of this Socceroos team is the youthful energy that the new generation of talent brings to the pitch. Unfortunately, the veteran influence on the side can wane from time to time and in a big game such as this, the team could use a few cool heads to get by. Mile Jedinak has been one of those leaders, but he is in doubt after only getting through 45 minutes against Tajikistan. If his thigh strain is enough to keep him from the starting lineup then someone else is going to have to fill that void and keep going forward. The easy answer is Tim Cahill, who can carry the team on his own if he is given the responsibility.
Projected Lineup
Sticking with what works, Mat Ryan will keep his hold on the gloves for the time being, especially having missed the previous game in Amman. The back four will keep its shape and Brad Smith will be flying high after Redknapp’s praise of him during the press conference.
Socceroos expected starting XI: Ryan (GK); McGowan, Wright, Sainsbury, Smith; Mooy, Rogic, Milligan; Leckie, Cahill (C). Kruse
Player to Watch – Robbie Kruse
Returning to the starting lineup after coming off the bench against Tajikistan, the winger who has seemingly matured a lot during his time in Germany will be crucial to the success of the Socceroos in this game.
Prediction
Jordan will be eager to get another win over Asia’s big boys but, the Australians will be disciplined enough to get themselves home in a tough game.
Australia 3 Jordan 1
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
