Bosnich blasts Ange over Socceroos debacle
Socceroos great Mark Bosnich has launched a stunning spray at Ange Postecoglou after Australia failed to directly qualify for the World Cup.
The Socceroos' nightmare came true on Wednesday morning after Saudi Arabia's 1-0 win over Japan forced them down the arduous intercontinental play-off route.
Australia needed a big favour from Japan - either a win or a draw in Jeddah - to bail them out after Tuesday night's hollow 2-1 victory over Thailand.
But substitute Fahad Al-Muwallad's 63rd-minute goal capped off a frustrating night for Postecoglou's men, who will have to do it the hard way to ensure a place at Russia 2018.
Former national goalkeeper Bosnich has been critical of Postecoglou in the past and laid bare his issues with the coach's approach, starting with his divisive 3-2-4-1 formation.
"He comes up with a back three, which for me is not a problem, but the problem is the timing," Bosnich said in commentary for Fox Sports.
"It was right in the middle of qualification where, it wasn’t plain sailing but we looked comfortable. Since then, we’ve played nine games but only won three – that includes tonight, the Confeds and the friendly against Brazil.
"For me it’s confused the players, they’ve lacked clarity in so many of the games.
"Iraq away was a wonderful example, it was when it started. [Ange] apparently had a meeting with the press people who were there and explained what he was doing saying ‘we’re looking forward to the World Cup’ – qualify for the World Cup first! Don’t start thinking about things like that – if we’ve qualified by tonight, then you can start experimenting.
"Don’t be using the national team as an experimental laboratory. It’s not there for that. It’s too important for that."
Bosnich said Postecoglou should be under immense pressure to remain coach.
"We are strapped for cash and this game in this country needs us to qualify for the World Cup all the time. It’s not to be tinkered with for, basically, him to say ‘I can do this, I can do that, I’m thinking about this for the World Cup’.
"We’re not even there yet!
"At the moment, he’s hanging by a thread in my opinion. If we go through the play-off route there should be serious consideration given to the fact we need a different voice because those players, regardless of what they’re saying publically, aren’t responding like they used to."
Fellow Socceroos legend Robbie Slater took to Twitter with his frustrations.
The two-time Oceania player of the year didn't directly call for Postecoglou's head but did criticise the insular nature of his set-up.
Sick of this blind alley culture where you can't ask a question as it's an insult to suggest there is a problem !
— Robbie Slater (@RobbieSlater17) September 5, 2017
To be fair it's a mess and the players think we are against them ! Who told them that I wonder ! Toxic crap for me !
— Robbie Slater (@RobbieSlater17) September 5, 2017
Australia now faces two difficult home-and-away ties - the first against Syria in October - to book a spot at a fourth straight World Cup.
The winner of that will go on to battle North and Central America's fourth-placed qualifier in November for a spot at the global showpiece.
Despite an incredible 45 shots on goal, the Socceroos couldn't find the margin against Thailand at AAMI Park that would have seen them overtake the Saudis on goal difference - meaning a win by any score for the home side would have done the job.
with AAP