Australia’s secret weapon for beating the Dutch? Logic that’s about as wonky as a boomerang.
It goes something like this: Spain are World Champions. Supposedly close to unbeatable, they were humbled in their opening match by a team which fluffed its lines in the last World Cup (albeit in the final). So if the World Champions can crumble, say the Socceroos, so can the Dutch.
All of which sounds desperately optimistic at best, and that’s before you factor in that it was the Dutch who annihilated the Spanish on Friday.
But then, sometimes all you’re left with is twisted logic and the magic spray of hope. A spirited performance against Chile and a thumpingly good header from Tim Cahill weren’t enough to prevent a 3-1 defeat. Coach Ange Postecoglou said he felt that, during the early part of the game when they conceded twice, Australia were playing the occasion, not their opponents. Now, in a must-win game, the Socceroos face the dual Robin/Robben threat, whilst missing key players of their own.
Right back Ivan Franjic injured his hamstring in the match against Chile, ruling himself out of the tournament. Now Mark Milligan has strained his hamstring and Postecoglou confirmed he won’t play against the Netherlands, although he may be back for the small matter of the match against Spain.
Veteran Mark Bresciano admitted his team’s chances hinged on the Dutch having the sort of nightmare-inducing night they suffered in the final of the last tournament. Australian goalkeeper Matt Ryan was slightly more optimistic but was still pinning everything on that most elusive of centre forwards, fate. “Spain’s loss highlights that anything can happen at a World Cup,” he said. We’ll be hoping he’s right.
You can watch Australia v Netherlands live on ITV or listen on BBC Radio 5 live, kick off 5pm, Wednesday 18 June.
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