World Cup spot not enough for Postecoglou
Mar 22, 2017 - 5:05 AM If you think Australia's precarious World Cup qualifying position might curb the gambler's instinct in Ange Postecoglou, think again.The Socceroos coach remains as confident as ever in his methods and insists he won't take any easy options simply to ensure a smoother road to Russia.
Just getting there, for Postecoglou, is not enough.
That means being bold in Thursday night's (AEDT) clash in Tehran against Iraq, a match that will kick off a huge year of international football for the Socceroos.
"Everything we do, every decision we make - about selection, the way we play - is designed so that if we do get to a World Cup, we can make an impact," Postecoglou said.
"Whether that happens or not, time will show all that, but in the meantime I'm not going to try to sit in a place of consolidation or try to sort of reel it back in.
"I just don't think that serves any purpose for anyone.
"I know people feel good about qualification, I understand that - I certainly want to qualify for a World Cup.
"But just qualifying for a World Cup has proven in the past (to be) not as fulfilling as maybe people think it is when you're in the middle of it."
Australia sit third in Group B after three consecutive draws and will face a desperate Iraq, who need to win to keep their faint World Cup hopes alive.
The surface at the 8250-capacity PAS Stadium is well below par but, for once, the climate will suit the Socceroos - the cold, wind and rain in Tehran are a lot like what most players in the squad are accustomed to in Europe.
There are no fitness concerns except for a minor cloud over skipper Mile Jedinak, who has been carefully managed due to muscle soreness and has barely trained but is said to be in no danger of missing out.
Jedinak has recently been used as a centre-back by Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce but Postecoglou said he was keen to keep him in the thick of the midfield action, mindful the match will likely descend into a slog.
"We want him right in the middle of the park where he kind of gives confidence around him, especially the ball-players we've got," Postecoglou said.
"He's going to win the ball and be imposing.
"For us that's his most effective part of our game and that's where we'll keep him."
Possible Socceroos team: Mathew Ryan; Milos Degenek, Bailey Wright, Trent Sainsbury, Brad Smith; Mile Jedinak, Mark Milligan, Massimo Luongo, Aaron Mooy; Mathew Leckie, Tomi Juric.
Source: AAP
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