Match stats/analysis for recent Socceroo games

[JS96]

Massive indictment despite his other traits and that's the risk we've had too long for Australia.

 

[grazorblade]

Massive indictment despite his other traits and that's the risk we've had too long for Australia.

its been an interesting period where our best player is our worst player on the ball, and also the worst player in the big 5 on the ball

 

[patjennings]

You are on fire, LFC!

You've posted enough for a thesis in responses!

*Regarding Socceroos

Agree that playing Irank as central striker was perplexing? He is far more comfortable playing wide. Were Toure and Yengi injured?

Beach - agree about the pen shoot out replacement by Ryan being weird. I was perplexed Beach playing over Ryan, but his keeping against Turkey was incredible as a shot stopper.

Herrington pen taking - astonished? Big Popa mistake.

Beach against Turkiye was one outstanding save where he tipped it onto the post. The rest pretty routine.

I think Beach is a dilemma. Sitting deep when we don't control the midfield he is arguably the better shot stopper. i.e. he suits Popovic's set up.

If though Australia wants to play a more expansive game his sweeping as a modern national keeper is poor or at least below average. His distribution with his hands is fine but pure sweeping less so.

So if he is to be our keeper we need to stay with Poppa's deep lying defence that will impair our ability to improve as a national team.

The one thing in his favour is he has time on his side but Juric as the old style NT GK coach is not going to help him, At least Boukrouh at Troyes should be able to help there.

 

[Punchanello]

Massive indictment despite his other traits and that's the risk we've had too long for Australia.

Has anyone actually pinned him as being a ball carrying midfielder, though? It's not a good stat but I never saw him as that type of player in any case.

 

[grazorblade]

Has anyone actually pinned him as being a ball carrying midfielder, though? It's not a good stat but I never saw him as that type of player in any case.

Oh he definitely isnt and thats ok he is a brilliant player

But it does predetermine the type of tactics we play having him as one of our best

 

[Punchanello]

Oh he definitely isnt and thats ok he is a brilliant player

But it does predetermine the type of tactics we play having him as one of our best

He seems a decent human being and has some wonderful workrate and leadership qualities. I always thought of him as an engine who could contribute the length of the pitch, box to box, utility. Temu prime midfield Cahill. He says as much himself. He says he does the work others might not and he's there to make the team gel.

The fact we have based a midfield around him for years now is mind-boggling to me.

 

[grazorblade]

He seems a decent human being and has some wonderful workrate and leadership qualities. I always thought of him as an engine who could contribute the length of the pitch, box to box, utility. Temu prime midfield Cahill. He says as much himself. He says he does the work others might not and he's there to make the team gel.

The fact we have based a midfield around him for years now is mind-boggling to me.

Lack of good players around him. He would work well with rogic and mooy, making up for their lack of starch

 

[LFC]

Lack of good players around him. He would work well with rogic and mooy, making up for their lack of starch

That is it
A clean up player no more no less.
Hardly rated him tbh but good luck to him he’s carved a career.

 

[booney52]

I have always viewed Irvine as a curate's egg type of a player with positives and negatives
Negatives: 1.Ordinary first touch
2. Limited passing range
3.Lack of pace
4.Guilty of many turnovers due to 1 and 2
5.Can be a traffic cone in defence.
Positives: 1.Leadership skills
2.Surprising but welcome ability to appear in the box and score goals
3.Often puts in great tackles despite 5 above.

He has done well and at least can say he has played in 3 WCs and in Bundesliga 1
I feel he should be thanked for his efforts and no longer be selected for the Socceroos-maybe give him a run in one of the Brazil games and then that's that.

 

[Decentric]

In a nutshell, game by game, the WC appears to be a better tournament for Aus, than the consensus on G and G indicates.

* Turkey - they imposed themselves on Aus and probably dominated the game. Beach was sensational in his shot-stopping. Turkey also made a few defensive mistakes, that Aus capitalised on. The defensive shape was good by Aus, and performances without the ball, individually and collectively, were very good. The Turkish defensive line wasn't quite good enough for them to execute their whole team game plan.

* USA - shocking first half by Aus. The wheels fell off. USA dominated and reaped the rewards. Like against Turkey, there was intense American gegenpressing in the Aus defensive half, with often about 8-9 Americans in it. The US defensive line was better than Turkey’s too.
Second half Aus was slightly the better team after watching the replay. The ref didn't do Aus any favours.

* Paraguay - both teams could progress by achieving a draw. Paraguay played not to lose, but were very impressive defensively. Aus had a lot more ball with the conservative Half Pressing and Partial Pressing game plan used by Paraguay.

* Egypt knock out game - in the first 90 mins again, Aus was the better team - and surprisingly had a lot more shots at goal than Egypt. Then when Toure made an unforced error, conceding an Egyptian corner at the 90 min mark, in the next few mins of extra time in the first two halves, and Extra Time taking the game up to 120 mins, the supposedly fitter Aussies, were marginally outplayed by Egypt. The African team won the pen shootout.

I have no doubt that the first half against the USA is how most G and G posters will evaluate the 2026 WC Finals performance by Aus. It was abysmal, but it was only about 10% of the entire comp.

The other 90% was pretty solid, given all the opposition teams were worth a lot more money in the transfer markets.

 

[dr. bellows]

In a nutshell, game by game, the WC appears to be a better tournament for Aus, than the consensus on G and G indicates.

* Turkey - they imposed themselves on Aus and probably dominated the game. Beach was sensational in his shot-stopping. Turkey also made a few defensive mistakes, that Aus capitalised on. The defensive shape was good by Aus, and performances without the ball, individually and collectively, were very good. The Turkish defensive line wasn't quite good enough for them to execute their whole team game plan.

* USA - shocking first half by Aus. The wheels fell off. USA dominated and reaped the rewards. Like against Turkey, there was intense American gegenpressing in the Aus defensive half, with often about 8-9 Americans in it. The US defensive line was better than Turkey’s too.
Second half Aus was slightly the better team after watching the replay. The ref didn't do Aus any favours.

* Paraguay - both teams could progress by achieving a draw. Paraguay played not to lose, but were very impressive defensively. Aus had a lot more ball with the conservative Half Pressing and Partial Pressing game plan used by Paraguay.

* Egypt knock out game - in the first 90 mins again, Aus was the better team - and surprisingly had a lot more shots at goal than Egypt. Then when Toure made an unforced error, conceding an Egyptian corner at the 90 min mark, in the next few mins of extra time in the first two halves, and Extra Time taking the game up to 120 mins, the supposedly fitter Aussies, were marginally outplayed by Egypt. The African team won the pen shootout.

I have no doubt that the first half against the USA is how most G and G posters will evaluate the 2026 WC Finals performance by Aus. It was abysmal, but it was only about 10% of the entire comp.

The other 90% was pretty solid, given all the opposition teams were worth a lot more money in the transfer markets.

I thought Popa did ok. McGree was a big blow. Imagine him in there instead of Velupillay or Leckie. And injuries in the tournament to Italiano and Bos were also big because of the drop-offs. Leckie was a roll of the dice that failed. Toure underperformed. Okon-E and Herrington were correct and fairly brave calls, as was O'Neill who had a good tournament. I wonder if Popa would have been a bit braver in transition if he'd had McGree as one of the front 3? Didn't get everything right but a pass mark from me. It'll be interesting to see how he sets up for the AC, which I think in some ways will be a bigger challenge for him.

 

[LFC]

All it is is a pass mark that’s it.
Could have should have its a common outcome BUT Arnie's finish was better with less WC participants and so so squad.
That 10% considering the game is judged by fine margins was massive D in the big picture.
Stop looking to paint it better incl numerical differences - we could have competed and finished better full stop.
People have judged our Cup all games/selections/decisions combined.

 

[Decentric]

I thought Popa did ok. McGree was a big blow. Imagine him in there instead of Velupillay or Leckie. And injuries in the tournament to Italiano and Bos were also big because of the drop-offs. Leckie was a roll of the dice that failed. Toure underperformed. Okon-E and Herrington were correct and fairly brave calls, as was O'Neill who had a good tournament. I wonder if Popa would have been a bit braver in transition if he'd had McGree as one of the front 3? Didn't get everything right but a pass mark from me. It'll be interesting to see how he sets up for the AC, which I think in some ways will be a bigger challenge for him.

Agree with all this, Dr B.

Good post!

McGree - we really missed him.

 

[Decentric]

All it is is a pass mark that’s it.
Could have should have its a common outcome BUT Arnie's finish was better with less WC participants and so so squad.
That 10% considering the game is judged by fine margins was massive D in the big picture.
Stop looking to paint it better incl numerical differences - we could have competed and finished better full stop.
People have judged our Cup all games/selections/decisions combined.

You are a very harsh critic, LFC.

By the way, we need you in the Cricket thread! You have been missed - as have others.

 

[Quicky]

In a nutshell, game by game, the WC appears to be a better tournament for Aus, than the consensus on G and G indicates.

* Turkey - they imposed themselves on Aus and probably dominated the game. Beach was sensational in his shot-stopping. Turkey also made a few defensive mistakes, that Aus capitalised on. The defensive shape was good by Aus, and performances without the ball, individually and collectively, were very good. The Turkish defensive line wasn't quite good enough for them to execute their whole team game plan.

* USA - shocking first half by Aus. The wheels fell off. USA dominated and reaped the rewards. Like against Turkey, there was intense American gegenpressing in the Aus defensive half, with often about 8-9 Americans in it. The US defensive line was better than Turkey’s too.
Second half Aus was slightly the better team after watching the replay. The ref didn't do Aus any favours.

* Paraguay - both teams could progress by achieving a draw. Paraguay played not to lose, but were very impressive defensively. Aus had a lot more ball with the conservative Half Pressing and Partial Pressing game plan used by Paraguay.

* Egypt knock out game - in the first 90 mins again, Aus was the better team - and surprisingly had a lot more shots at goal than Egypt. Then when Toure made an unforced error, conceding an Egyptian corner at the 90 min mark, in the next few mins of extra time in the first two halves, and Extra Time taking the game up to 120 mins, the supposedly fitter Aussies, were marginally outplayed by Egypt. The African team won the pen shootout.

I have no doubt that the first half against the USA is how most G and G posters will evaluate the 2026 WC Finals performance by Aus. It was abysmal, but it was only about 10% of the entire comp.

The other 90% was pretty solid, given all the opposition teams were worth a lot more money in the transfer markets.

Turkey: Perfect execution.

USA: Bottled it. Popovic got destroyed by Pocchettino. By the time we found our mojo the game was lost.

Paraguay: Hard to judge because we didn't try to win. Ugly but got the result.

Egypt: Awful performance. Didn't threaten. The defence gifted opportunities. Poor substitutes. Bad shootout tactics. We threw away our best chance to progress to knockouts.

The best I can give our campaign was a par. It was disappointing.

 

[LFC]

Turkey: Perfect execution.

USA: Bottled it. Popovic got destroyed by Pocchettino. By the time we found our mojo the game was lost.

Paraguay: Hard to judge because we didn't try to win. Ugly but got the result.

Egypt: Awful performance. Didn't threaten. The defence gifted opportunities. Poor substitutes. Bad shootout tactics. We threw away our best chance to progress to knockouts.

The best I can give our campaign was a par. It was disappointing.

perfect short summary.

Why wouldn't you have applied a similar outlook after the Turkey game I kept asking myself.
Even though it was Turkey's first appearance in 24yrs ! and for D's perspective their $ value way above ours but more so players in top flight leagues we performed !! better still got the result !
Then he goes and turns it upside down and instils imo a fear of losing before koff the USA game ! as well as resting our 2 scorers.
Who does that but for a friendly imo.
Your at a WC and you rest key players ? I don't recall seeing many other good NT's rest their scorers.
We struggle finding the net in the first place.

That set the gauntlet how we applied ourselves V Paraguay - we enjoyed 56% to 44% possession, played Irankunda at bloody 9 !!
Just perplexing.

Egypt clumsy game from both sides considering a R16 spot was at stake and the chance was there for taking until changing GK's And our pen takers postions.
Poor Herrington thrown in like he was for eg. Souttar ? well sure he has experience but most his goals are headers.
As I type this all I think it ranks a F fail.

 

[Alex M]

I'm always intrigued why so many posters analysis is based on the premise that football is a game of chess played between two managers and ignore the fact that those on the field aren't pieces with defined movement like chess pieces. They are humans that sometimes play better than at other times, follow the tactics better than other times and react to things that go wrong better sometimes as well. They also have varying abilities and experience which plays a big role.

 

[Decentric]

Turkey: Perfect execution.

USA: Bottled it. Popovic got destroyed by Pocchettino. By the time we found our mojo the game was lost.

Paraguay: Hard to judge because we didn't try to win. Ugly but got the result.

Egypt: Awful performance. Didn't threaten. The defence gifted opportunities. Poor substitutes. Bad shootout tactics. We threw away our best chance to progress to knockouts.

The best I can give our campaign was a par. It was disappointing.

Have a look at the first 90 mins against Egypt again, Q.

It surprised me. At about the 40 min mark Aus had 7 shots on goal to Egypt’s 1.

Like LFC, I think you are an overly harsh critic too. There are plenty of other hypercritical Roo/Popa naysayers on G and G keeping you company!

At least you were generous in your Turkish appraisal. More than me.

USA - second half was okay. It came off for them in the first half. USA went downhill for the WC after their first 3 halves against Paraguay and Aus first half.

Paraguay - we had more ball than them.

Very harsh evaluation of Egyptian game by you. Albeit I was disappointed with Aus after 90 min mark.

 

[Decentric]

I'm always intrigued why so many posters analysis is based on the premise that football is a game of chess played between two managers and ignore the fact that those on the field aren't pieces with defined movement like chess pieces. They are humans that sometimes play better than at other times, follow the tactics better than other times and react to things that go wrong better sometimes as well. They also have varying abilities and experience which plays a big role.

Good points made, Alex M.

There has been little analysis in Aus which tactics the opposition used against Aus. They forced Aus to play a certain way in different games.

 

[Decentric]

I have always viewed Irvine as a curate's egg type of a player with positives and negatives
Negatives: 1.Ordinary first touch
2. Limited passing range
3.Lack of pace
4.Guilty of many turnovers due to 1 and 2
5.Can be a traffic cone in defence.
Positives: 1.Leadership skills
2.Surprising but welcome ability to appear in the box and score goals
3.Often puts in great tackles despite 5 above.

He has done well and at least can say he has played in 3 WCs and in Bundesliga 1
I feel he should be thanked for his efforts and no longer be selected for the Socceroos-maybe give him a run in one of the Brazil games and then that's that.

Really good seeing a post which sheds light on both strengths and weaknesses of a player.

Too many of us rate players as unequivocally good or bad.

Irvine also has astute game sense and thinks quickly, even if his body doesn’t execute things quickly with the ball.

If Irvine is slow over the turf he runs with the ball at good speeds.

He has good endurance too.

His movement off the ball supports the ball carrier on it, when Aus are in possession.

His defensive running keeps the team shape compact.

Having sad this he committed an awful foul against Egypt in a dangerous position, which they scored from. Aus was on top at this stage. It was clumsy. Then he lost control of a ball with poor technique, when he was in a great position in attacking interplay.

O’Neill, Okon Jr and Robertson are so much better on the ball.