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1 March 2010
In the first of a series of articles for the Green & Gold Army John Kosmina reflects on the challenges of group football at the World Cup and what it means for the Socceroos.
When the Socceroos made it to the knock out phase of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany it was celebrated like we’d won the famous golden trophy itself. It was understandable. Germany was full of firsts for the Socceroos. Our first goal at the finals, our first win and after that famous night in Stuttgart we found ourselves as the surprise packet in the round of 16.
This time around Australia will have lost the element of surprise. All of our Group D opponents will be fully aware of what the Socceroos are capable of. This doesn’t mean we can’t escape from the group to make it to the knock out phase. It will be tough – but it can be done.
In tournament football every minute of every game matters. Unlike a regular season, with its ebbs and flows, the three group matches each need to be approached like Cup Finals. And in that environment, anything can happen as the pressure is intense from the opening whistle.
Because of that, the opening match against Germany in Durban on the 13th of June provides the Socceroos with a wonderful opportunity to make a statement.
Germany comes to the tournament with a list of talented players and a rich history, but they are also expected to sweep all before them. Make no mistake, that pressure will be real. The Socceroos are best as underdogs and this will suit them perfectly. We know they’re mentally tough and resilient. If they can frustrate the Germans early then watch the match dynamics shift. A point from that game (or at the very least a credible performance) will do wonders for Pim Verbeek’s squads confidence and send a message to the rest of the group that the Socceroos mean business.
Playing Ghana in Rustenburg on June 19th comes with another set of challenges. The Black Stars are physically robust and have real quality in their squad, no doubt. Just like the match against Serbia in Nelspruit on June 23rd, both fixtures will be played at altitude. Which teams will be mentally tough enough to cope with the physical challenge presented by working their guts out in such a tough environment?
Having coped with blazing heat in the Middle East and the freezing cold of Japan on its road to qualification, I’ve no doubt that the Socceroos are made of the right stuff. The Socceroos will have to carry pressures of their own. They will be keenly aware that the future of the game in Australia is being built on the success of the Socceroos at the World Cup.
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