Australia Soccer Formation

Lineup (4-3-3)

Australia's First XI for the upcoming 2014 WC Qualifiers.

DEFENSE
Spiranovic to replace Neill as Neill is no longer playing in a quality league and is very quickly losing his ability to keep up with nimble-footed strikers and false 9s. Spiranovic is undoubtedly his success, with playing time in the Bundesliga and J League (both leagues suited to smaller and quicker strikers).

Though his distribution isn't fanatastic, Ogenovski provides some quality to challenge in the air, which can come in handy when conceding corners or free kicks near the area. Both Zullo and Wilkshere have very good close control and are well practiced in the role of the modern wingback. They have speed to burn and their ability to cut back across opposition allows for great diagonal movement of the ball. They can also be very useful when it comes to provoking the opponent through ball circulation.

MIDFIELD
Kilkenny can become a quality defensive midfielder. Obviously not a Xabi Alonso or Sergio Busquets, but following the same mold. His side-to-side distribution is very intelligent and he will move the ball in the direction in which he sees the most potential for creating gaps or drawing defenders out. His movement off the ball is equally as good - he can warp opposing midfields and defenses, running off defenders. In the past 12 months, both Holman and McKay have shown their potential for creativity (Holman WC2010 and following, and McKay in the lead up to the Asian Cup 2011 and during the Cup itself). They are the closest Australia has to a player that can effectively link the midfield to the forward line. Holman has shown that he can hit a perfectly-weighted pass when he needs to.The key to succeeding in the top levels of football hinges on this link, especially when an attacking midfield player can turn in space, face the goal, and play penetrating passes forward. Holman and McKay are ideal.

FORWARDS
Cahill, whilst an attacking midfielder at club level, can also be deployed as a false 9. Both he and Holman have demonstrated that they link well together. Though not the preferred method of scoring, Cahill has a ridiculously efficient scoring rate with his head (most headed goals scored in the EPL). That may give us an option when we are chasing a game deep into 90 mins.

Kewell and Emerton are roadrunners. Emerton especially is Mr. Perpetual Motion and will run for 90 mins if he has to. In the 4-3-3 formation, these outside players are not classic wingers. Though they do often hug the touchline, the key to their potential is in their darting runs on the diagonal (towards goal). This is where Holman and McKay can send penetrating passes forward through defenses to pick up the runners. It's Cahill's job to help warp the defense to open up the space for the killer pass. Kewell is a left-footer while Emerton is a right-footer, so it is worth the two wingers switching sides often throughout a game. This will serve to unnerve defenses and allow for the cut across onto the more favoured foot.