The Postecoglou Era

The home nation failed to spring any surprises, going down to Australia 3-0 at Estadio 12 del Julho. James Troisi's prolificness at the far post saw him score twice from that position, setting the Socceroos up for a comfortable win.

After starting on the bench in the previous game, Troisi took his chance with Matthew Leckie being rested, snatching an early goal after Juric's shot was blocked into his path. Juric himself gave Troisi his next goal, flicking it on to the Belgium-based winger who made it 2-0 at the break. After a stunning performances as a target man, Juric capped it off with a headed effort in the 53rd minute which would prove to be the last of Australia's 3 goals.

Australian XI

(4-1-2-2-1) Mitchell LANGERAK, Luke WILKSHIRE, Mark MILLIGAN (sub 66), Alex WILKINSON, Jason DAVIDSON (sub 75), Matt MCKAY, Massimo LUONGO (sub 45), Mark BRESCIANO (sub 45), Ben HALLORAN (sub 75), James TROISI, Tomi JURIC (sub 66)

Subs Used

Daniel DE SILVA (on 45), Tim CAHILL (on 45), Mile JEDINAK (on 66), Rhys WILLIAMS (on 66), Robbie KRUSE (on 75), Aziz BEHICH (on 75)

A solid victory.

Justice Yep lol

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The recent friendly against Equatorial Guinea saw 2 very different milestones on either end of the spectrum. Old and new combined in the 5-1 win, with 3 players celebrating after the match.

Bailey Wright may have gotten just 12 minutes of gametime, but those 12 minutes may just be the start of a long international career for the Preston centre half. The 22 year old hadn't even played with the U20 national team, but was deemed good enough to make a cameo appearance off the bench. With the likes of Spiranovic, Wilkinson and Williams commanding his position, Wright may have to bide his time a bit longer but is certainly going to be at the forefront in a few years time.

Meanwhile, 2 of the older players in Postecoglou's squad have both celebrated their 50th cap for Australia, in captain Mile Jedinak and tireless midfielder Matt McKay. Jedinak had a match to remember as well, scoring a brilliant free kick to spark Australia's win over Equatorial Guinea. McKay meanwhile came on in the 78th minute and had limited influence, but was still able to celebrate a momentous achievement.

This blend of old and new seems to be working well for the Socceroos, with youngsters like De Silva and Wright playing their part in a squad headed by Tim Cahill and Mile Jedinak. Socceroos fans will hope this chemistry remains going into the World Cup.

Jedinak and McKay only just reaching 50?! Shows how they're late bloomers, hopefully Bailey Wright, despite playing for Preston North Sh*t, can reach that milestone sooner!

Walter Yeah Mile didn't really get a look in for a while, now he's my best player and one of the EPL's best anchormen. Goes to show what perseverance can do!

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Australia will be looking for a fine send-off before the Asian Cup warm-up with two huge clashes at the MCG against Argentina and Uruguay. Postecoglou's squad will perhaps give us an insight into his Asian Cup squad, however it is hit hard by injuries to 5 or 6 regular squad members. Taking advantage of this are players like Connor Chapman and Josh Brillante, and perhaps they can claim a permanent spot in the squad due to this opportunity. Back in the fray is Matthew Ryan, who missed the Africa tour with injury. Ryan is a huge boost to the squad, with experience at one of Belgium's biggest clubs. Dutch based Eli Babalj also gets a shot, after scoring twice in his only 2 games for Australia last year.

As mentioned earlier, Australia have been hit hard by injuries, especially the loss of captain and vice-captain, Mile Jedinak and Tim Cahill. The pair are vital to Australia's plans, and Postecoglou can only hope their replacements can do well enough in their absence. Also missing is defensive pair Bailey Wright and Alex Wilkinson, who have been solid in the last few months for both club and country. Here's the full squad.

Just letting you know your pic of good ol' Bresc has never loaded

Nice squad good luck to them!

Shame that neither Jedinak or Cahill will be able to play in the Asian Cup

Walter Thanks for letting me know haha, I can't be bothered changing them all but it won't happen again from here

Pauker Fortunately they're only just missing this games, and aren't on the long term list. As it stands, they'll both be playing in the Asian Cup.

It took a fightback from the Argentinians to win this match as the Australians took the game to the World Cup finallists. Matthew Leckie sent the MCG into raptures with an early goal but it was Lionel Messi who eventually won the game for his country.

Despite missing their 2 best players in Mile Jedinak and Tim Cahill, Australia started the game extremely well and dictated tempo early. Luke Wilkshire was seemingly unopposed on the right flank and it proved to be Argentina's downfall, as his cross found Matthew Leckie at the near post. 81,000 fans were stunned as Australia took an early lead 17 minutes in, and at half time Argentina were still trailing. Juan Iturbe took matters into his own hands just after the break however, with a superb run at the end of which he scored. The sheer brilliance of Lionel Messi was ultimately the killer for the Socceroos, putting it past Matty Ryan from a Di Maria free kick. The game finished 2-1.

Australian XI

(4-1-2-2-1) Matthew RYAN, Luke WILKSHIRE (sub 73), Rhys WILLIAMS, Matthew SPIRANOVIC, Aziz BEHICH (sub 81), Mark MILLIGAN (sub 73), Massimo LUONGO (sub 46), Mark BRESCIANO, Robbie KRUSE, Matthew LECKIE, Eli BABALJ (sub 73)

Subs Used

Daniel DE SILVA (on 46, inj 48), Matt MCKAY (on 48), Ivan FRANJIC (on 73), Josh BRILLANTE (on 73), Tomi JURIC (on 73), Jason DAVIDSON (on 81)

Unlucky mate but it was a tough match up to begin with.

walkinshaw Yeah can't get much harder than Argentina

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This morning's news of Mark Milligan picking up a flu has added to a mounting injury list for Australia. Daniel De Silva, Massimo Luongo and Mitchell Langerak have also been ruled out of the Uruguay game with injury, meaning Panos Armenakas, Terry Antonis and Nathan Coe will be brought up. Milligan's contraction of the virus comes on the morning of the match, meaning a replacement cannot be called up.

These 4 obmissions add to a growing concern ahead of the Asian Cup, with Mile Jedinak and Tim Cahill having missed these friendlies along with Alex Wilkinson, Bailey Wright and Eugene Galekovic. Postecoglou can only hope his squad will be in fine health ahead of the Asian Cup on home soil.

Tough with the injuries, they seem to drop like flies in the national team >.<