The Postecoglou Era

Good luck dude. Bad luck with Ivan Franjic, hope you will get good even without him.

Diaze Thanks mate, Franjic is a good player but not vital so we should do fine without him.

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Despite a tremendous performance by the Socceroos, the class of Ukraine was too much as the Europeans ran away with a 1-0 victory in Sao Paulo. Eugene Konoplyanka gave Ukraine the winner in the 29th minute, capping off a marvelous attacking move by the Ukrainians. However, for most of the night the Dnipro winger was contained by Luke Wilkshire. In fact, it turned out to be a superb defensive performance by the Australians, conceding just 3 shots on target. The defensively solid Ukraine also shut out the Aussies, but the Socceroos will be pleased with the game nonetheless.

Australian XI

(4-1-2-2-1) Matthew RYAN, Luke WILKSHIRE (sub 76), Mark MILLIGAN, Alex WILKINSON, Aziz BEHICH, Mile JEDINAK, Daniel DE SILVA (sub 63), Mark BRESCIANO, Robbie KRUSE, James TROISI, Tim CAHILL (sub 64)

Subs Used

Tomi JURIC (on 63), Josh BRILLANTE (on 76), Massimo LUONGO (on 63)

Ukraine are renowned for their defensive solidity and quick counter attacks so I wouldn't say a 1-0 result is not too shabby. Interesting squad selection, too

Walter Yeah I think both teams played exceptionally well in defence but Ukraine's wingers are just too damaging.

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The defensive woes of the World Cup are seemingly gone for Australia as they yet again managed to restrict a much better side, this time one of the best in Brazil. The fans at Rei Pele were stunned by both the defensive performance of the Socceroos and the lack of attacking penetration by their home nation. In fact, it was Australia who had the upper hand in the first half, with Tim Cahill almost scoring in the first 10 minutes. Up to the break, Brazil had only made 1 chance and their woes continued into the second half. Jo's 63rd minute goal was deemed offside, and the resolute Australians hung on to the end, with game finishing 0-0. The centre back pairing of Matthew Spiranovic and Rhys Williams worked wonders, with the former receiving the Man Of The Match award, and although Australia will finish last in the tri-series they should be justifiably proud of their performances.

Australian XI

(4-1-2-2-1) Adam FEDERICI, Luke WILKSHIRE (sub 75), Rhys WILLIAMS, Matthew SPIRANOVIC, Jason DAVIDSON, Mile JEDINAK, Massimo LUONGO (sub 61), Mark BRESCIANO, Robbie KRUSE, Tommy OAR (sub 75), Tim CAHILL

Subs Used

Josh BRILLANTE (on 75), Ben HALLORAN (on 75), James TROISI (on 61)

Two solid results mate even without a win to your name.

walkinshaw Yeah, a draw against Brazil is in some ways a win for us

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Despite a narrow loss to Ukraine, spirits were especially high in the Australia camp for one player- 17 year old Daniel De Silva. The teenage sensation made his debut in the match, playing 61 minutes and in the process becoming Australia's youngest player, surpassing the long standing record held by Harry Kewell. Some say De Silva could even emulate Kewell, and the foundations are there.

Recently, De Silva signed on a dream move to Serie A club Roma, and although he is set to spend the season on loan in Australia, is touted as the next big thing for Australia. He joins fellow Aussie youngster Josh Brillante in Italy's top flight, and also forms a partnership with him in the national team. The future is surely bright for both De Silva and the Socceroos.

De Silva is certainly an exciting prospect and it will be interesting to see how he develops.

Walter Yeah, I have plans for him to become my starting central midfielder alongside Massimo Luongo

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Ange Postecoglou has announced his squad to face Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome and Principe, with one young hopeful getting the chance to make their international debut. Young centre back Bailey Wright will get the chance to earn his first cap, while at the other end of the spectrum, Matt McKay and Mile Jedinak are both poised to play their 50th game for their country. The focus is again on foreign-based players, with just 5 A-League players. However, fans will be happy to see that Dani De Silva has been retained. Also causing a stir is the omission of Shane Lowry, who has been in superb form for his club Leyton Orient. Postecoglou has seemingly deemed him unworthy of a spot for now, with Williams, Wilkinson, Spiranovic and Wright looking to stake their claim.

Australia will however travel to Africa without first team goalkeeper Matthew Ryan, who will stay in Belgium after contracting a sports hernia. However, Ryan is the only casualty and the Australians will play with an almost full strength squad. Here's the full list.

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Despite a spirited effort, Equatorial Guinea could not stop the marauding Socceroos who celebrated their first win since the pre-World Cup friendlies. Tim Cahill celebrated a second half brace as his country bounced back after being pegged back at 1-1.

Robbie Kruse scored the first goal of the match, but the home nation immediately replied, with legend Ivan Bolando equalises minutes later. At half time, the score was a brilliant 1-1 for the Guineans, but it wouldn't be for long. Captain Mile Jedinak scored a brilliant free kick from the edge of the box, giving Australia the lead. Tim Cahill put the game beyond doubt in the 58th minute with a controlled header, and things just got worse for Equatorial Guinea as Engona mistakedly put the ball into his own net. In the dying stages of the match, Cahill added his second goal and confirming a 5-1 rout.

Australian XI

(4-1-2-2-1) Adam FEDERICI, Ivan FRANJIC (sub 67), Rhys WILLIAMS, Matthew SPIRANOVIC (sub 78), Aziz BEHICH (sub 58), Mile JEDINAK (sub 78), Massimo LUONGO (sub 67), Mark BRESCIANO (sub 78), Robbie KRUSE, Matthew LECKIE, Tim CAHILL

Subs Used

Jason DAVIDSON (on 58), Luke WILKSHIRE (on 67), Daniel DE SILVA (on 67), Matt McKay (on 78), Mark Milligan (on 78), Bailey Wright (on 78)

Expected win, really, but still a confidence booster!

Walter Yeah definitely!