Bert van Marwijk’s World Cup mission has just got that little bit brighter. Battered by Norway four days ago, now Australia have a credible 0-0 draw with Colombia to their name after an encouraging evening in London. The Van Marwijk Socceroo era is finding its feet.
Australia’s intensity, rhythm and structure improved remarkably since the 4-1 reverse in Oslo. The extra sessions under
Womens Paul Martin Jersey their Dutch coach, and the introduction of Massimo Luongo and Tomi Rogic into the starting team, handsomely paid off at Craven Cottage against far superior opponents.
Van Marwijk said the Socceroos are starting to learn what he wants from them. “In Oslo we wanted to do the same, but then we only had one normal training,” he said.
“Now we know each other a few days longer and we trained a few days more I think you can see the players are beginning to understand more of what we want and how we want to play. They like to play that way.
“The best combination is that you play in the way that fits the players and also the coach, you could see it especially in the first half. That must become better and better but this is a good start. We played very well in the first half. In the second half it became more difficult because of the qualities of Colombia. But I think in the second half we also had good character to bring the 0-0 tonight.”
The Socceroos made five changes from the starting XI that struggled against the Norwegians, with Brad Jones making his first international appearance in four years, and Josh
http://www.shopjaguarsnfljerseys.com/Paul-Posluszny-Jersey Risdon and Tomi Juric also handed starts. Andrew Nabbout was moved from the No 9 role to the right wing, with Juric leading the Socceroo attack, while Aaron Mooy was ruled out with an injury suffered before the game.
They faced a side filled with attacking strike and fearsome talent – from Bayern Munich’s James Rodríguez to Monaco’s Radamel Falcao, Milan’s Cristian Zapata and Arsenal keeper David Ospina. José Pékerman has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, something to surely inspire envy in his Dutch counterpart.
But Australia more than held its own against a side with a legitimate chance of lifting the Jules
Geoff Swaim Youth jersey Rimet trophy this June.
In the fourth minute Jones was called into action after a dangerous Rodríguez cross onto the head of Mateus Uribe. The Socceroos were far more settled with a different back four than the one they fielded in Norway, but were still chasing shadows in the early stages. Colombia’s superior touch and speed on the ball was telling.
However, Australia grew into the game and rose to the challenge. On 16 minutes
http://www.officiallachargers.com/WOMENS_YOUTH_NIGEL_HARRIS_JERSEY.html Aziz Behich’s cross was deflected into the path of Luongo, but his shot was blocked clear of Ospina’s goal. A key
Brandon Marshall Jersey Mark Milligan tackle prevented Carlos Bacca going through on goal nine minutes later.
As the first half wore on the Socceroos frustrated La Tricolor with their aggression and physicality. In the 33rd minute Rodríguez was wasteful, mis-hitting Johan Mojica’s cross. Then Matthew Leckie could only head over Colombia’s goal from the impressive Luongo’s corner kick.
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