Socceroos - Croatia 2014 World Cup Warm Up Analysis

Well doesn't that feel better? After the Socceroos dull and lackadaisical performance against South Africa the Australians proved once again that when faced with a much superior opponent and higher ranked team this time Croatia they were able to put in a competitive performance. 

That Kangarouthes were able to match it with the Croat's who had Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic  in midfield (one plays for a little team called Real Madrid the other for Inter Milan)  and that they only suffered a narrow loss is heart warming looking ahead to the Socceroos opening game against Chile.

A lucky deflection saw Croatian goal botherer Jelavic in mountains of space and wacked it like a kid playing Hungry Hungry Hippos.

Positives

• The Socceroos didn't get thrashed, smashed on the scoreboard or in general play. The Aussies were competitive and were able to control parts of the game without being caught out in defence too often (except for the goal)

• The back four was solid in defence with GoalKeeper Matt Ryan only employed on a few occasions.

• Matt Spiranovic didn''t get injured yeah! Alex Wilkinson had his best game in a Socceroos shirt. Spiranovic is quality. Easily the Aussies best player in defence. He is able to settle the team with his ability on the ball and his excellent judgement when playing out of defence. Alex Wilkinson is definitely the if in doubt kick it out type player but I don't mind that, one ball playing Libero in defence is enough.

• Jason "outstanding season" Davidson also had his best game in a Socceroos shirt. The left back looked the most self assured since he started playing for the green and gold and when he bombed down the left hand side he showed a sense of fearlessness that permeated through the whole team. 

• Now to the midfield. Mile Jedinak played almost 3/4 of the game and showed that when he is on the pitch makes he the Socceroos stronger. Along with Mathew Spiranovic The all important spine of the team is much more healthier. 

• Tommy Oar had a stint at Centre Attacking Midfield and will probably spend more time there until Mark Bresciano  fitness improves. Having Oar in the centre nullifies the Socceroos most potent weapon: Crossing to Tim Cahill, but at least the Australians weren't as one dimensional as they were against South Africa.

• I reckon Mark Breciano's cameo was the biggest positive of all for the Socceroos. Part Time Socceroos antagonist Fairfax journalist Mike Cockerill has put down the gauntlet to Bresh. Saying it's time the former Parma and Palermo midfield maestro to step up his performances after two disappointing previous World Cups. 

• Fearlessness it seems is the buzzword describing the Socceroos performance against Croatia. Most Pundits and Commentators are saying that the Socceroos are building for the future. But the FUTURE IS NOW! If the Socceroos can take the positives from their last performance and somehow jam a positive result (I mean fluke a win) against Chile in the opening game it's game on a baby!  

Negatives

No negatives besides not being able to create many clear cut chances and score goals which is a worry. Chile play three at the back so if the Socceroos can keep it tight I don't see why they can't cause the La Roja some problems. After all everyone is in equal position before the first game aren't they?