Brama: van Marwijk’s tactical quality to spark Caltex Socceroos

The attitude of the Caltex Socceroos players mixed with Bert van Marwijk’s tactical nous is the perfect combination, according to ex-Dutch international Wout Brama.

Brama, who plays for Central Coast Mariners in the Hyundai A-League, played under new Australian boss van Marwijk for the Dutch national team in 2009 and 2010.

He knows first-hand the qualities the 65-year-old possesses and has no doubt his former boss is the right appointment to take the Caltex Socceroos to the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

“He’s tactically a very good coach, very strong,” Brama told www.socceroos.com.au

“He knows what he wants, he knows how to play and how to win games and that’s the most important thing.

“He showed that with Saudi Arabia against Australia and also with the national team of Holland in 2010 where we came second. He’s a good appointment for Australia.

“He will look at the strengths of the Australian team and play to those strengths,” Brama added.

Van Marwijk is set to arrive in Australia next week and will immediately begin preparations for Russia, starting with two international friendlies against Norway and Colombia in March.

Since arriving in Australia himself to play in the Hyundai A-League, Brama has been impressed with the standard of Australian football and the performances of the Caltex Socceroos.

Australia are in Group C at the World Cup, alongside France, Denmark and Peru.

“France is the best in the group on paper but as we say in Holland ‘paper never moves so you always have a chance’,” the Mariners midfielder said.

“With the attitude and work-rate that Australia has, in combination with the technical and tactical qualities of Bert van Marwijk…all those things make it a very good appointment.”