Brazil show their class2:25
Socceroos: The Socceroos hosted Brazil in their final step before the Confederations Cup in Russia. It was a friendly but it was also a chance for the Aussies to perform against the best in the world.
Diego Souza scored in the opening and final seconds of the game. Picture: AFP
THE Socceroos’ road to Russia 2018 remains on track but they got a lesson in what it will take to make an impact at the World Cup, against the world’s best team.
The clinical Philippe Countinho-led Brazil disposed of Australia 4-0 at the MCG, with Diego Souza netting a brace and Thiago Silva and Taison also scoring.
‘GO HARD’: ANGE ON CRITICISM
SHINING STAR: COUTINHO SHOWS HIS CLASS
THE MATCH: RE-LIVE HOW IT PLAYED OUT
The Confederations Cup now becomes crucial for Ange Postecoglou’s side as they finetune the game plan and finalise their preferred XI for the crucial World Cup qualifiers in 10 weeks’ time against Japan and Thailand.
The Socceroos could not have started or ended the game any worse, though the 48,847 fans remained entertained.
Exasperated Socceroos, from left, Massimo Luongo, Mark Milligan and Trent Sainsbury after Brazil’s opening goal. Picture: AAPSource:AAP
Attacker Giuliano read Bailey Wright’s pass and combined with Souza in a rapid transition with the latter scoring after just 12 seconds.
Few nations in the world, and probably none of Australia’s Asian opposition, would have had the class to ruthlessly expose the opposition like that but it was a harsh insight into the fortnight — and hopefully year — ahead.
The Socceroos did not panic and though under pressure from the world’s no.1 team, they stayed true to their style as Postecoglou persisted with his 3-2-4-1 formation.
Making eight changes from the Saudi Arabia win last Thursday, the makeshift Socceroos settled, though their final ball often lacked quality or were underhit.
The hair up there … Brazil star David Luiz competes with Jackson Irvine. Picture: Michael KleinSource:News Corp Australia
While the Socceroos’ collective improves despite showing frailties, individually there were positives.
Aziz Behich looks to have made the left side his own, defender Trent Sainsbury was composed in the middle of the back three, Mark Milligan led well in Mile Jedinak’s absence and Dutch-based debutant Ajdin Hrustic was positive and aggressive when he came on in attack.
The Socceroos finished with a very young team and looked at their most dangerous when Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic came on, but in the end Mitch Langerak was the only busy keeper, producing several top saves to keep the classy Brazilians at bay.
Thiago Silva was in the right spot as he headed home Brazil’s second goal, past Australia’s Mitch Langerak. Picture: George SalpigtidisSource:News Corp Australia
It was educational for youth development boffins too, for Brazil’s greater skill was obvious but they also possessed greater natural aggression — something that Australian players have lost — headlined by David Luiz.
The Chelsea defender was deployed as a midfielder and was a constant pest, tugging and kicking at Robbie Kruse and company.
And it was on display for Brazil’s second goal when Luiz headed Coutinho’s corner against the underside of the crossbar before Thiago Silva leapt like Superman above a pack of players to head it over the line in the 62nd minute.
Coutinho, the Liverpool star, was on a different level.
Willian jumps on to the back of Taison as the Brazilian is overcome by emotion at scoring his first international goal. Picture: Michael KleinSource:News Corp Australia
While Brazil’s aggressive approach — a high line and press — forced the Socceroos into constant turnovers, Australia had less success with their attempts to assert, often due to Coutinho’s ability to roll players.
He had some handy teammates though, in Bayern Munich’s Douglas Costa and Zenit St Petersburg’s Giuliano.
There is plenty of intelligence for Postecoglou and his coaching staff to dissect as they prepare for intriguing duels with Germany, Portugal and Cameroon in the next fortnight.
Ridiculous skill to go 3 up1:11
Socceroos: Brazil get their thirs goal with some crafty play.
Originally published as Socceroos get world-class lesson in 12 secs
Sport | news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site
