Olympics: Olyroos v Ivory Coast

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The Olyroos’ Olympic campaign came to a disappointing end after we were bundled out with a 1-0 loss to the Ivory Coast. Australia’s lack of precision and quality finishing in the final third really cost us the game as we did carve out numerous chances, particularly in the first half.

With the Elephant’s only needing the draw, they were content to give us possession and play on the counter, a trademark of their football which has been used to punishing effect against both us and Serbia. During the course of the game, they created several good chances on the break with their best opportunities all being created by either Kalou and/or Gervinho. Late in the second half, it would be the latter that would put away the vital goal that sealed Australia’s fate.

Lack of Bite

As for the Olyroos, it was their inability to finish off the chances they created that proved to be telling. Basically every attacking player made critical mistakes in the final third, whether it be playing the wrong pass, taking too long on the ball, putting in a poor first touch or hitting a poor shot. Rukavytsya was probably the most culpable although Sarkies, Bridge and Celeski all had their moments of poor decision making. Rukavytsya’s pace may cause problems in the A-League but at the international level, more than great pace is needed in order to convert opportunities to goals. Sometimes it was his decision making that let him down while on other occasions, it would be his technique. His partner, Bridge, got his first start of the tournament and generally did well playing the link-up role between midfield and attack. The one problem I have with Bridge is that he doesn’t look like much of a goal threat. Maybe this is because he is often dropping deep to get involved in the build up. His average of around one goal every five games in both the A-League and for the Olyroos also suggests that he just doesn’t score enough for a striker.

Engine Room

During the first half, Celeski was involved in creating most of our chances. He really thrived in the free-role he was given, linking up well with McClenahan on the right while also causing havoc when he drifted in centrally. Unfortunately, Rukavytsya and Bridge couldn’t capitalise on the chances he forged. He was a lot quieter in the second and Australia’s attack really suffered without his driving impetus. As for Sarkies, I thought he was the least involved player for the Olyroos. He had his moments but as with Troisi, these moments are often sporadic with him unable to exert a constant presence in the game.

I thought Milligan had his best game of the tournament. His passing was definitely better tonight and his combination with Musialik has improved significantly since the Serbia game. His defensive work let him down a bit. With the Ivory Coast playing on the counter, I thought he would stay back to cover the centre-backs while letting the rest of the team sweep forwards (mainly because I don’t think he provides that much in an attacking sense). He was caught much too high up the park and this allowed the opposition to run directly at the defenders when breaking. Musialik had another excellent game and has really improved during the course of the Olympics. While his technique doesn’t look as silky as Riquelme, he rarely misses his target while his composure when pressured with possession is another of his excellent qualities.

Great Wall…Almost

Spiranovic and North both had excellent games and generally had Gervinho in their pockets until Australia really started to push numbers forward. Kalou was troubling everyone and it often took a last ditch challenge or block from one of these two to stop him. McClenahan struggled at times, particularly when Kalou drifted onto his wing, but was generally solid in defence. Like the other potential right-backs for Australia, Zadkovich and Griffiths, his ability to contribute in an attacking sense is limited. He doesn’t have the ability to beat defenders but he can put in a decent cross if given space. As for Federici, it was a much quieter game relative to the first two and he couldn’t do anything about the goal. He is another that has improved his standing after this tournament.

Coming up is a look at the squad in terms of their outlook for the Socceroos.

The Olyroos’ Olympic campaign came to a disappointing end after we were bundled out with a 1-0 loss to the Ivory Coast. Australia’s lack of precision and quality finishing in the final third really cost us the game as we did carve out numerous chances, particularly in the first half.

With the Elephant’s only needing the draw, they were content to give us possession and play on the counter, a trademark of their football which was used to punishing effect against both us and Serbia. During the course of the game, they created several good chances on the break with their best opportunities all being created by either Kalou and/or Gervinho. Late in the second half, it would be the latter that would put away the vital goal that sealed Australia’s fate.

Lack of Bite

As for the Olyroos, it was their inability to finish off the chances they created that proved to be telling. Basically every attacking player made critical mistakes in the final third, whether it be playing the wrong pass, taking too long on the ball, putting in a poor first touch or hitting a poor shot. Rukavytsya was probably the most culpable although Sarkies, Bridge and Celeski all had their moments of poor decision making. Rukavytsya’s pace may cause problems in the A-League but at the international level, more than great pace is needed in order to convert opportunities to goals. Sometimes it was his decision making that let him down while on other occasions, it would be his technique. His partner, Bridge, got his first start of the tournament and generally did well playing the link-up role between midfield and attack. The one problem I have with Bridge is that he doesn’t look like much of a goal threat. Maybe this is because he is often dropping deep to get involved in the build up. His average of around one goal every five games in both the A-League and for the Olyroos also suggests that he just doesn’t score enough for a striker.

Engine Room

During the first half, Celeski was involved in creating most of our chances. He really thrived in the free-role he was given, linking up well with McClenahan on the right while also causing havoc when he drifted in centrally. Unfortunately, Rukavytsya and Bridge couldn’t capitalise on the chances he forged. He was a lot quieter in the second and Australia’s attack really suffered without his driving impetus. As for Sarkies, I thought he was the least involved player for the Olyroos. He had his moments but as with Troisi, these moments are often sporadic with him unable to exert a constant presence in the game.

I thought Milligan had his best game of the tournament. His passing was definitely better tonight and his combination with Musialik has improved significantly since the Serbia game. I thought his defensive work let him down a bit. With the Ivory Coast playing on the counter, I thought he would stay back to cover the centre-backs while letting the rest of the team sweep forwards (mainly because I don’t think he provides that much in an attacking sense). He was caught much too high up the park and this allowed the opposition to run directly at the defenders when breaking. Musialik had another excellent game and has really improved during the course of the Olympics. While his technique doesn’t look as silky as Riquelme, he rarely misses his target while his composure when pressured with possession is another of his excellent qualities.

Great Wall…Almost

Spiranovic and North both had excellent games and generally had Gervinho in their pockets until Australia really started to push numbers forward. Kalou was troubling everyone and it often took a last ditch challenge or block from one of these two to stop him. McClenahan struggled at times, particularly when Kalou drifted onto his wing, but was generally solid in defence. Like the other potential right-backs for Australia, Zadkovich and Griffiths, his ability to contribute in an attacking sense is limited. He doesn’t have the ability to beat defenders but he can put in a decent cross if given space. As for Federici, it was a much quieter game relative to the first two and he couldn’t do anything about the goal. He is another that has improved his standing after this tournament.

Coming up is a look at the squad in terms of their future outlook for the Socceroos.

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