With just three days to go, Socceroos coach Holger Osieck still seems in doubt with his front line team to take on Japan.
Right now, aside from Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill and Tim Cahill, the Socceroos have assembled in Japan for a key World Cup qualifier knowing very few have a place in the starting side booked – either for that match or Brazil in 2014 if Australia makes qualifies.
Luke Wilkshire is certainly a starting XI player – but in what position is a mystery, and where he plays has knock-on effects for others.
Mark Bresciano wasn’t in Osieck’s last starting team for the 2-2 draw against Oman in March.
Regulars like Brett Holman and Josh Kennedy have question marks over their match fitness.
Left-back, being filled admirably by midfielder Matt McKay, and holding midfield – seemingly now in the hands of Mile Jedinak – are lotteries.
“I don’t think there’s a person in this squad at the moment who doesn’t have the drive to qualify for the World Cup,” said left-back hopeful Michael Zullo.
“It doesn’t matter about where you are with your club or your personal situation, it’s all about qualifying for the World Cup.”
Japan needs just a draw to book its passage to Brazil, though its rivalry with Australia extending back to the unforgettable 2006 World Cup finals game in Kaiserslautern means even as a warm favourite to beat the Socceroos, nothing can be taken for granted.
“It doesn’t matter what sort of football we’re playing, whether it be good or bad, this match always seems to bring out something different in the Australian team,” striker Archie Thompson said.
“We’ve always had a great rivalry with Japan and they’re a team that is just packed with world-class players who only need one point to qualify.
“We’ve got the players and the quality to do it.
“We’ve got the experience. We’ve got the youth. It’s just about mixing it together, and we have a week in camp to do it.”
The Socceroos performance is critical in deciding whether the team remains and if Osieck keeps his job.
FFA CEO David Gallop recently declared everyone is on notice after their qualifying match on Tuesday.
Osieck won’t have his contract extended if the Socceroos fail to reach Brazil in 2014, but many are speculating he might not even last after Tuesday if things don’t go well.
The Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup qualification campaign is on Tuesday, 4 June at Saitama Stadium. Kick off is at 7.30pm local time (8.30pm AEST) and will be broadcast on SBS at 9pm.
