World Cup: Socceroos need to move past glorious defeats and win some games

World Cup: Socceroos need to move past glorious defeats and win some games

By Dan Colasimone in Kazan

There were more positives than negatives in Australia's 2-1 loss to France in their World Cup opener in Kazan, but let's not forget one thing; it was still a loss. France beat Australia, as expected.

The Game

They were supposed to tear Australia apart, slice through the Socceroos’ defencelike a knife through butter.

Russia’s 5-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia, along with Iran’s struggles against Morocco on Friday, emphasised the point: Asian football is ordinary and the Socceroos would be no match for Didier Deschamps’s new brigade of French phenomenons. French Victory was guaranteed. And after 15 minutes the match was going entirely to script.

It took less than two minutes for Les Bleus to trouble the Australian goalkeeper. But then it all changed. Australia started to hold on to the ball and keep possession. They built pressure of their own and frustrated France. The Socceroos clawed their way back in and went toe to toe with France.

The goalless period lasted for 58 minutes, until a controversial penalty was given against Australians. For 19 more minutes it was locked at 1-1 and Australia were headed for a draw (0: 0). As the game progressed Australia calmed themselves, playing with no fear and plenty of artistry. This was not what was supposed to happen. Then fortune struck against Australians, a deflected Paul Pogbahit a goal. It was a cruel ending to an admirable Australia display.

The Socceroos were not embarrassed, or even dominated. They had matched one of the world’s best teams and not taken a backward step.

The mood within the Socceroo squad afterwards was of disappointment in the result but pride in the performance and what lies ahead. “Although it was a good performance, we’ve got a lot more to give, ” Milligan said. Collectively, Australians are difficult opponents.

Australia next face Denmark and Peru, and will need a least a victory and draw to progress. That is entirely possible when they can perform as well as they did against a team such as France.

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