The double-pivot consisted of Siani and Djoum, with the former ensuring Rogic would no longer be able to enjoy the same amount of space and time, and the latter assisting in the equalisation of the overload on the left-hand side of defence. The presence of Djoum also blunted the effectiveness of the forward movement of Robbie Kruse, as the extra man allowed the run to be tracked and covered, giving the back four the required confidence to press higher up the pitch than before.

Overall, the change in shape was very successful – the previously marauding Rogic was kept largely under control for the rest of the match, and it wasn’t until midway through the second half when Kruse came on and Rogic switched sides that he had the space to receive the ball facing forward again. However, shortly after that change from Postecoglou, Broos recognised this and Djoum was instructed to nullify the situation, subsequently resulting in the substitution of Rogic in the 79th minute.

Cameroon’s counter-attacking strategy

With the pace on offer from Aboubakar and co., it was clear that Broos set his side up to defend and counter as quickly as possible. On multiple occasions, Juric failed to press either centre-back promptly, allowing them the time to play a long ball forward. However, these passes were not simply the kick and chase kind, but was the concluding element of a specific rotation which allowed a full-back, or a player starting from a similar angle on the inside of the field, to overlap and exploit the space behind the Australian back three.

On the left as below, this rotation commenced by Ngadeu-Ngadjui receiving the ball, which was followed by left-winger Benjamin Moukandjo dropping from his higher position while facing the ball carrier. On occasion, this movement drew Milos Degenek away from his position, availing further space in that area. This motion triggered the overlapping run of Collins Fai, who vacated his wider position in favour of moving into the left half-space to receive the aerial ball from Ngadeu. From there, Fai would either drive at goal himself or attempt to look for the central runs of Aboubakar and Bassagog.

There are two common ways of preventing effective counter attacks; to drop the defensive line closer to goal, thereby limiting the conceded space, or to stop the pass at source. The Postecoglou mentality of ‘never take a backwards step’ ensures that Australia will almost certainly always look to stop the ball at source.

Cameroon’s rotation to enable a counter-attack

 

Just before half-time, the approach of the Indominatable Lions paid dividends, with Anguissa breaking through the Australian defence to score past Mat Ryan. The goal came about as a result of a defence-splitting long ball from centre-back Teiku, who was not shut down in time by the approaching Juric. Had Australia’s back three held their line, it is possible that the goal would not have been conceded.

Anguissa and Aboubakar began their runs almost as soon as Teiku drove forward with the ball, disturbing the Australian back three. Instead of holding their line, Degenek in particular dropped deeper than his fellow centre-backs in order to compensate for the difference in pace. As a result, this effectively broke the defensive line, allowing the Cameroonian forwards to be closer to goal than their defenders, as shown below. The shifting of the offside line, brought on by the covering run of Degenek, gave Anguissa the head start on Sainsbury and Wright that resulted in the goal.

Aboubakar and Anguissa were allowed behind Sainsbury and Wright

 

Conclusion

A tense and intriguing tactical battle between incumbents Postecoglou and Broos resulted in what can only be described as an unsatisfactory result for either team. Needing points on the board, both teams knew that a loss would send them home, but a solitary point means that a win in their next game is a necessary condition if they are to have any chance of progressing in the competition. Chile and Germany will be pleased however, as they know that a draw against their next opponents will be enough to seal qualification.