Transition and Possession

Indeed, with the press as high fierce as it was, that Australia’s best chances were created in moments in transition and the side otherwise struggled to generate much going forward shouldn’t come as much surprise.

Such trends are now so widespread amongst Australian national teams that, at this point, it could effectively be described as the national style.

Goals change games and, without the Olyroos able to create anything from their chances on the break, the side in dark green was mostly able to sit back and maintain their defensive block when the Australians were forced to build from the back – rather than get proactive and attempt to win it back and look to reduce a deficit.

As a result, it meant that the Australians, despite winning the first-half possession battle 58% to 42% and maintaining a passing accuracy almost 20% better than their foes, mustered three fewer shots on goal and could only put one effort in that was on target.

By the time the contest concluded Australia could only add a single extra shot on target despite ending up with 60% of possession to 40% and making 419 passes compared to their foes 276.

Clear and decisive play came was at a frustrating premium, with the ability to create such moments of brilliance perhaps hampered by a selection policy that gave priority to the side’s desire to press high up the pitch.

The absence of a Denis Genreau – who entered the tournament nursing a shoulder injury – or Danny De Silva – who wasn’t selected – type in the midfield, someone that has the ability to provide incisiveness, vision and the ability to take it to an embedded defence was clear.

Both players come with their own downsides, but both are undeniably capable of helping break down opponents. 

While Piscopo’s long-range bomb did look as though it would open up proceedings, the resulting press from the Iraqis exposed the problems that even the back four had when exposed to a high press: the turnover from Deng as he attempted to carry the ball out under pressure giving way to the move that ultimately led to Nassif’s equaliser in the 79th minute.