Five things we learned: Australia v Germany

It is uphill from here. Australia looked slow and defensively frail against a youthful Germany side in Sochi on Monday evening, suffering a 3-2 loss at the hands of the world champions.

An early goal to Lars Stindl led to a sustained period of German pressure and it seemed that the Socceroos were in for a torturous evening as they began their Confederations Cup campaign.

But Australia eventually bounced back, Tom Rogic finding the net with a beautiful strike from distance and Tomi Juric picking up the scraps of a free-kick.

While two German goals in between ensured that Die Mannschaft were never really troubled, there are positives for Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou.

Here are five things we learned at the Fisht Stadium.

Australia v Germany pic special

Substitutes bring attacking threat

After an insipid attacking performance in the first-half, Postecoglou replaced Massimo Luongo with Robbie Kruse during the break and then swapped Rogic for James Troisi midway through the second stanza.

These changes had immediate effect, with Kruse and Troisi both creating headaches for German keeper Bernd Leno.

“As much as we had defensive problems, when we got the ball we were too static in our movement,” said Postecoglou of the attacking substitutions.

“Robbie makes decisive runs in behind and we thought we could cause them some problems.”

Robbie Kruse was a half-time substitute

Striker Juric was largely anonymous throughout the 90 minutes, aside from his second-half poacher’s goal, while Rogic showed moments of brilliance but lacked the opportunities to fully utilise his attacking prowess.

The Socceroos only managed one shot on goal in the first-half.

If Australia are to beat Cameroon later in the week, increased creativity going forward will be essential.

Australia v Germany pic special

Russia is putting on a show, but where are the fans?

Preliminary reviews of the tournament have been overwhelmingly positive, from players, media and fans alike.

The organisation has been smooth, helpful stadium signage is abundant and the volunteers are cheerful.

Which made it all the more unfortunate that the Fisht Stadium was barely half-full for the Socceroos game.

The crowd at the Fisht Olympic Stadium

The 28,605 fans created a tepid atmosphere, typified by a Mexican wave that went up when the game had barely begun.

If early signs here are anything to go on, the 2018 World Cup should be special. Let’s just hope the fans – and the Socceroos – turn up.

Australia v Germany pic special

Defensive solidity

For the second time in as many matches, the Socceroos conceded in the opening minutes.

For much of the first half, it seemed that a heavy defeat was on the cards. Déjà vu, of losses to Brazil last week and Germany at the 2010 World Cup.

While Australia displayed impressive resilience to twice battle back, improved defensive mettle in the early stages will be crucial if Australia is to have any hope of a semi-final spot.

“We made it difficult for ourselves with the times we conceded,” admitted Rogic following the match. “It was not the best start.”

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The Germans regularly got in behind Aziz Behich

Could rethinking the back three help?

Postecoglou’s divisive formation was again under the spotlight, after Germany made light work of wingbacks Aziz Behich and Mathew Leckie.

The first and third German goals came from movement on the flanks, the first witnessing particularly egregious defending as trio Milos Degenek, Trent Sainsbury and Bailey Wright left Stindl unmarked in the box.

Queried about his formation after the game, Postecoglou did little to improve his frosty relations with the press.

Milos Degenek & Trent Sainsbury under pressure

“It is not a three-man defence,” he snapped. “If you are going to ask questions about the tactical side of the game let’s do our homework.

“They certainly caused us some problems down the left-hand side and we had to make some adjustments at half-time, which I think helped us work better.”

Postecoglou has resisted calls in recent months for a return to the back four, but with the McGowan brothers on the bench might it be time for a reshuffle?

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There are positives ahead of Australia’s clash with Cameroon

It is not all doom and gloom for Socceroos supporters.

Rogic looked assured during his few opportunities, Kruse made a difference off the bench and Mat Ryan put in a typically competent performance.

Team talisman team Cahill, a late substitute, was keen to highlight the positives.