The Socceroos’ 1-1 stalemate with Cameroon in Saint Petersburg on Thursday leaves Ange Postecoglou’s side in desperate need of a win against Chile in the final group stage round.

Even that might be insufficient for Australia to progress to the semi-finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup.

There were reasons for optimism in the opening stanza, the Socceroos controlling possession and maintaining defensive solidity – an improvement having conceded early in their past two matches.

But the Indomitable Lions’ rapid forward trio of Christian Bassogog, Vincent Aboubakar and Benjamin Moukandjo were a persistent threat, and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa gave Cameroon the advantage on the stroke of half-time.

Australia battled back following the break – perhaps inspired by a stern Postecoglou team talk – and skipper Mark Milligan converted a penalty in the 60th minute to bring the teams level.

Despite opportunities for both nations – and two attacking substitutions from Ange – neither side could seal a much-needed victory.

Here are five things we learned at the Saint Petersburg Stadium.

1. Gersbach stars on the wing

A month ago, Alex Gersbach was on holidays.

Following Brad Smith’s injury, the Rosenberg defender was called up as a late addition to the Socceroos squad.

This morning (AEST), he was Australia’s best – and youngest – player. Gersbach excelled in the challenging wingback position and won the penalty.

“Alex played really well tonight,” said Postecoglou. “That was his first game for a while for us, up against some very good opposition.

“He has a great set of feet, great composure, he did well for the penalty and put a couple of balls in – there was one in the first half just over Tomi Juric’s head that could have been a great goal after a great move.”

Following Aziz Behich’s subpar performance against Germany, Gersbach may well retain his spot in the starting line-up.

2. Occasional attacking spark, but forward line fails to convince

At times, Australia sparkled when going forward. Mathew Leckie and Tomi Juric both missed golden opportunities, while Gersbach made several marauding runs down the left side.

But for the majority of the game, the Socceroos were far too passive in attack.

After shining against Germany, Tom Rogic was largely anonymous and was withdrawn for Jackson Irvine late in the match.

Leckie created several good opportunities but struggled to stay on his feet, while Juric was again unconvincing in his attempts to lead the line. Kruse was similarly disappointing, replaced in the 65th by James Troisi.

Given Chile’s wealth of attacking riches, Australia will struggle to keep them scoreless in Moscow. If the Socceroos are going to beat the South Americans, Rogic, Juric and Kruse need to shine.

3. Cameroon outshoot the Socceroos, Australia wins possession battle

Cameroon put in a better offensive performance than Australia, Postecoglou’s three-man defence struggling to contain Bassogog, Aboubakar and Moukandjo throughout the night.

The statistics confirmed the African champions’ attacking dominance, with Cameroon recording 19 shots to the Socceroos’ five. That only three of these troubled Mat Ryan explains how Australia managed to stay in the game.

Vincent Aboubakar vies for the ball

“The statistics say everything,” said Cameroon boss Hugo Broos in the post-match press conference.

“I think we should have won the game today. Over the 90 minutes we were the best team and we had the better chances.”

Australia did control the game for large periods, finishing with 54% of the possession. But as Postecoglou well knows, possession does not win matches.

 

4. Is Leckie being muted by the new system?

Recent Hertha Berlin signing Leckie was once hailed as part of the cure for Australia’s creative woes going forward.

But the Bulleen Lions youth product has looked subdued in attack during the Socceroos’ Confederations Cup campaign.

Postecoglou’s 3-2-4-1 requires the 26-year-old to play an important defensive role on the flank, and the current frailties in the Australia defence have only added to his duties at the back.

Fatigued after a 30-game season in the Bundesliga with Ingolstadt, is too much being expected of Leckie?

5. All to play for in Moscow

The late game in Kazan saw another 1-1 score line, Chile and Germany playing out an entertaining draw.

Thursday’s results mean that, to qualify for the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup, Australia must beat Chile by two goals or more and hope that Cameroon do not secure a win over Germany.

While Cameroon are unlikely to beat Germany, the Socceroos’ performances in recent months provide little hope that they can comprehensively defeat the impressive South American champions.

But if the history of Australian sport has taught us one thing, it is to never say never.