Australia's 5-4-1 out of possession structure allows way too much time and space for the opposing CB's, and overall it forces you deeper when they do pick a pass.
It will be interesting to see if Popovic tweaks this in the next window, when 6 points is almost a must.
#BHRvAUS #Socceroos
This is where it started to look like Australia were content to hold their lead, extremely slow build up play.
Not enough intent to drift away from positions and connect defence to attack.
#BHRvAUS #AsianQualifiers #Socceroos
A great example where an earlier cross can cause problems for the defence.
Yengi easily winning the physical battle against the CB and hitting the crossbar.
#BHRvAUS #AsianQualifiers #Socceroos
Bahrain made a slight tweak at HT, building up in more of a 4-2-4.
#BHRvAUS #AsianQualifiers #Socceroos
Goodwin gets in a great crossing position here, however he cuts back onto his stronger foot. This allows the defenders way too much time to settle.
There was a 3v3 near the penalty spot, and it's much harder to defend when you are running towards your goal.
#BHRvAUS #AsianQualifiers #Socceroos
Caceres was aggressive here, leaving his man to commit to winning the ball back just inside the Bahrain half.
It led to a Yengi chance on goal.
#BHRvAUS #AsianQualifiers #Socceroos
The Socceroos build up looked much more threatening as McGree started to find more of these spaces in between the lines.
After doing the hard work, he hesitated slightly with the pass and Behich was caught offside.
#BHRvAUS #AsianQualifiers #Socceroos
Behich found himself in no-man's land here, caught between blocking a passing lane, and getting tight to a man.
Burgess was covering for him on the left.
#BHRvAUS #AsianQualifiers #Socceroos
After being on top for most of the first 10-12 minutes, Bahrain's intensity dropped a little and the Socceroos began to control the game.
Matthew's brought the ball forward here and found a great pass into McGree, splitting both #6's.
McGree took up a fantastic position.
#BHRvAUS
Here again, I think the positioning of Caceres and Irvine is a bit too rigid. Caceres could also move into the space vacated by Miller to get time on the ball, and disrupt the Bahrain shape.
Perhaps they were advised to guard the back 3 tightly.
#BHRvAUS #AsianQualifiers #Socceroos
Goodwin picks up the ball here with Bahrain players committed forward. Unfortunately his first instinct is to control the ball and look backwards to maintain possession.
Yengi makes a really great run.
Poppa noticed this and was visibly disappointed.
#BHRvAUS #AsianQualifiers #Socceroos
Touches in the penalty area:
Bahrain: 9
Australia: 26
Shots from inside the area:
Bahrain: 3
Australia: 7
This shows that a cutting edge/ruthlessness in the box was again missing from the Socceroos.
#BHRvAUS #AsianQualifiers #Socceroos
This is where I think the Socceroos tend to struggle a fair bit. They work the ball nicely out to a wide area, but then there are limited options.
In this system I think McGree and Goodwin are caught in between creating width, and being dual 10's.
#BHRvAUS #AsianQualifiers #Socceroos
Following a Bahrain set-piece, the Socceroos allowed Behich to get overloaded on his side in a 3v1.
Goodwin was making his way back to his side a bit too prematurely, along with Caceres and McGree they were all ball watching. Worrying lack of discipline so early on.
#BHRvAUS
Excellent match analysis Luke. IMO there were loads of times when players would get into great attacking positions in the final third but nobody was willing to take a risk or even a shot at goal. It either went sideways or backwards and it all started again. Frustrating. #Socceroos #BHRvAUS
Mat Ryan stepped out of the Socceroos dressing room and gave an extraordinarily honest interview after they drew 2-2 with Bahrain. Details ⬇️
#socceroos #BHRvAUS
www.foxsports.com.au/football/202...
Iconic that a lady bought Vegemite sandwiches and handed them out to us Socceroos supporters last night at #BHRvAUS
We have 1 win in 6 games. What the fuck. #BHRvAUS
Another mental game for the roos. This group stage is wild. We clearly lack attacking intent. Maybe the likes of Piscopo, Jakolis, Ballard and Nisbet would serve us better in the next international window. Hope they get a look in. #Socceroos #BHRvAUS #SokkahBS
20 minutes on the game from this morning #BHRvAUS
Once again, another poor performance in #BHRvAUS.
Poppaball is a crime against humanity.
How to snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat in a game you were in complete control of.
Some initial Socceroos analysis from me straight after full time v Bahrain. Will have more for the website tonight or tomorrow.
#socceroos #bhrvaus
www.foxsports.com.au/video/footba...
Wtf… has there ever been a larger differential of time between goals for two opponents scoring a brace each. #BHRvAUS
#BHRvAUS happy to salvage a draw but we need to find ways to score consistently against defensive teams. It's been the key problem for the Socceroos for years and it's why we're here now. Perhaps more volume of shots rather than waiting for the 'perfect' chance which never comes?
We secure another point. Two goals from Yengi, but we also conceded two of the most bizarre goals I can recall in a single match. Currently sitting second in the group, one point clear. The next window—Indonesia at home and China PR away—pivotal for our campaign. Keep believing! #Socceroos #BHRvAUS
i think we are just fortunate the rest of our group (not japan lol) have been just as inconsistent.
#BHRVAUS #Socceroos
Reactions at full time: Bluesky - relief. Twitter - Angry, angry relief #socceroos #BHRvAUS
Well what a wild game this morning #BHRvAUS #Socceroos
One point gained or two dropped?
We'll be recording tonight for a post match debrief, drop your questions and hot takes below and we'll go over them
👇👇
The #Socceroos remain in second and in a sense are lucky to have taken anything at all from that game
Still feels like two points dropped however and the group remains wide open
In March, Indonesia at home and China away will go a long way to deciding Australia's fate. 13 points may do it #BHRvAUS
