Ange Postecoglou’s top six games with the Caltex Socceroos
Ange Postecoglou took over the national team in November 2013. After his resignation today, we look at some of his stats and spotlight six great games during his time in charge of the Caltex Socceroos.
Here are six times the Aussies showed the world their quality under Ange.
Bossing the Netherlands in Brazil World Cup 2014 Group Stage (June 18, 2014)
Barely seven months into his tenure, and with a completely remodelled and refashioned national team, the Aussies stunned Louis van Gaal's side, leading 2-1 at one stage after an outrageous goal from Tim Cahill.
Australia eventually lost 3-2 but made a huge statement on the biggest of stages in Porto Alegre with a stylish, energetic and skilful performance.
Drawing with world champions Germany in a friendly (25 March, 2015)
The new Asian champions met the world champions in a friendly. Plenty of interest around this friendly and, again, Australia looked the part against the classy Germans, going close to winning the game.
Like the Dutch group stage match at the World Cup, the manner in which Australia played caught the eye in Kaiserslautern.
Mile Jedinak with an absolute pearl of a set piece and Jimmy Troisi's smart header for the Green and Gold in the 2-2 draw.
Defeating UAE away in a World Cup qualifier (6 September, 2016)
The UAE had defeated Japan in the group opener and were full of confidence. The heat and humidity was incredibly difficult (Ange famously sweating out his business shirt on the sidelines).
But it was the Aussies who rose to the occasion in front of a full house at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. They won 1-0 thanks to Tim Cahill's late poacher's goal 15 minutes from time.
A fabulous result on the road given the conditions and the fact Australia had played in Perth five days earlier.
Defeating Honduras in 2018 World Cup Intercontinental playoff qualifier second leg (15 November, 2017)
With the first leg a 0-0 draw – an excellent display and a good result – it set up the finale to a 22-game campaign. And it all went to plan.
Australia ran Honduras into the ground, scoring three times in the second half (led by skipper Mile Jedinak) to confirm World Cup qualification after a 3-1 victory.
Drawing with Chile in the 2017 Confederations Cup Group Stage 2017 (25 June, 2017)
High intensity. Skilful. Technical. Well structured. Positive.
Just some of the descriptions of Australia's display in the 1-1 draw against the South American powerhouse in Moscow.
James Troisi's first half strike, a clever dink over Claudio Bravo, looked to have won the points but the Chileans found a way back.
Australia needed to win by two goals to advance but just fell short.
However, the Australians had made a powerful statement a year out from the World Cup and showed how much they'd progressed after losing to the Chileans in game one of the World Cup in 2014.
Defeating Korea Republic in the Asian Cup Final 2015 (31 January, 2015)
Ange's now infamous full-time speech heading into extra time was special.
After Korea had scored a late equaliser in front of a full house at Stadium Australia, he told the players to look at the Korean side – they looked fatigued. He reminded the Aussies how fit they were.
And Troisi was the man in extra time. Australia triumphed 2-1 after Son Heung-Min on 90 minutes cancelled out Massimo Luongo's first half strike.
Australia were champions of Asia!
SUMMARY
During Ange's reign, Australia played at a World Cup in 2014, a Confederations Cup in 2017 and an Asian Cup in 2015.
As well as that, he was manager for 22 qualifiers for Russia 2018, for which he qualified his nation to a fourth consecutive World Cup.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Caltex Socceroos won four straight games under Postecoglou from 2015–2016. Only once in the last decade have they won more in succession.
2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING STATS
- 22 Games
- 14 Wins
- 6 Draws
- 2 Losses
- 51 Goals Scored
- 18 Goals Conceded
- 9 Clean Sheets