Australia v South Africa – Match Report

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Just a few quick (they were meant to be short) thoughts on the game:

• Our passing was sloppy and often impatient. We weren’t as careful and measured in our build up as we normally are under Verbeek. Too often, Grella hit hopeful long-balls up the park that would result in a turnover. Even some of his passing around the middle third was below his usually excellent standard. That said, his beautiful lob pass for Sterjovski was perfectly weighted for the run of the right-winger. The passing of the other midfielders in the middle third was also rather sloppy. I’m not sure why this was the case as conditions and the pitched looked perfect. Perhaps it is just some early season rustiness.
• It was good to see Chipperfield back, although he was culpable for some poor marking that led to the first goal. Defensively, we looked solid although some of the marking in our defensive third wasn’t tight enough. Coyne should have worn McCarthy like a shirt but because he stood off the Blackburn striker, McCarthy had time to deliver the beautiful back-heel that split the Australian defence and allowed Nkosi to run-on and score the opener.
• I think Wilkshire may cement a permanent place at right-back. He was again defensively sound while he also put in some decent balls into the box. The Socceroos have plenty of talent in midfield and Wilkshire would struggle to establish himself here. At right-back, he gets to utilise his big-engine with his over-lapping runs while it is also a position that doesn’t expose his inability to dribble and beat defenders. Since he is usually on the over-lap, he generally has a few yards of space in front of him to deliver a decent cross. And his crosses are better than those of the other potential right-backs (e.g. McClenahan, Griffiths and Zadkovich).
• Coyne had another good game and I am rather amazed that he can’t find a club that is playing at a level that is higher than England’s third division. He was composed while in possession and rarely gave the ball away coming out of defence. He even has the ability and confidence to carry the ball into midfield when there were no passing options available. The only problem was the marking of McCarthy who won several headers inside the box. This was rather sloppy by both Coyne and Neill. In saying this, I think Spiranovic should be fast-tracked into the senior team. Spiranovic has those qualities stated above as well as youth on his side. It is very much a case of the future is now.
• I thought our attacking wingers, Bresciano and Sterjovski, both had excellent games. Bresciano was buzzing and was all over the park. He was very much playing the free role. The disappointing thing was his delivery of the final ball, particularly his crosses given that he had Kennedy to aim for (although he was his set-piece cross that setup Kennedy’s goal). Sterjovski’s first-time lob for the goal was world-class although his general involvement was nowhere near that of Bresciano.
• Scott McDonald scored over 30 goals for Celtic last year but for the Socceroos, he doesn’t look like much of a goal threat. I guess a poacher like McDonald needs good service and a slice of luck to get goals. He only got 45 minutes which may be an excuse. But the style of football should have suited him with plenty of deliveries into the box as well as a big man to work off. I’m not convinced that he has the ability to score goals at the international level.
• As for the substitutes, it will be interesting to see whether Carney or Chipperfield gets the left-back berth for the qualifiers. Carney was at fault for the second goal, allowing the ball to be slipped between his feet. He was also caught in possession on a few occasions. All night, the left flank seemed for vulnerable than the right. Milligan was solid and was relatively untroubled. His performance won’t hurt his chances of getting a contract, hopefully in the top-flight.
• As for the attacking substitutes, Holman didn’t have much involvement although he almost setup Djite with a cross. Djite probably should have done better but I think he had an air-swing. Despite that, he does look much more dangerous than McDonald and was constantly involved during his cameo. Garcia made his debut. Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything particular to comment on in relation to his performance.

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