By Angela Habashy
SALVADOR, Brazil, June 6 AAP - The Socceroos may have lacked killer instinct in attack against Croatia but coach Ange Postecoglou was left encouraged a week before facing Chile in their World Cup opener.
The Socceroos suffered a 1-0 loss against Croatia on Friday (Saturday AEST) but were far from disgraced against the world No.20 side.
It may not have been Croatia in full flight, as they save themselves for their opening clash against hosts Brazil on Thursday, but the Socceroos managed to keep them largely at bay in a disciplined, well structured display.
It was a solid first half showing from Australia, who played with purpose and pressed their more-fancied opponents.
But the Croatians soon found their rhythm with Hull City striker Nikica Jelavic's 59th-minute strike deciding the outcome at Salvador's Pituacu Stadium in a game of very few chances.
While acknowledging the Socceroos will face a sterner test against the highly-rated Chileans, Postecoglou saw several positive signs.
"For the most of the first half we played the game in their half which was a good sign for us," Postecoglou said.
"It was our intent to do that as much as possible, that's the kind of team we want to be."
"It's not what we'll face against Chile, but it was still our players facing world class opposition and knowing they could handle it which is a very useful exercise."
Defence has been the area of most concern ahead of Brazil, but the back four looked its most settled while it was the front third and the lack of supply to striker Tim Cahill that cost Australia.
Centre-back Matthew Spiranovic was a standout, his composure and willingness to play the ball out from the back made him a pivotal figure in the possession-based game Postecoglou is trying to implement.
Alex Wilkinson grew in confidence throughout the match in what was his best game in the green and gold, and looks to be assured of his spot in the centre of defence while keeper Mat Ryan also impressed.
In a boost, right-back Ivan Franjic made a successful comeback from a knee injury, lasting the full 90 minutes.
Postecoglou looked set to start Ben Halloran on the right but instead installed Dario Vidosic, the move perhaps an ace he's keeping up his sleeve ahead of the Chile clash.
Tommy Oar played his first game in the playmaker role before assuming his regular spot on the left wing and making way for Mark Bresciano - the veteran midfielder's sharp display another big positive from the match having barely trained over the past fortnight with a back issue.
Postecoglou is hopeful he'll be fully fit by the Chile encounter.
Skipper Mile Jedinak also looked to have recovered from his groin complaint with a decent 75-minute showing.
"Defensively we looked good, nice and strong, but just maybe in the final third we lacked a little bit of composure and a cutting edge," Postecoglou said.
"We got into some good areas without really threatening, that was probably the only area where we let ourselves down a little bit.
"Bresc coming on helped in that regard and he found a few pockets of space around the area which made us look a little bit more threatening.
"He came through it ok, and hopefully with another week's worth of training he'll be available."
Postecoglou will now turn all his attention to the world No.13 Chileans who they'll take on in Cuiaba next Friday (Saturday AEST).
"We'll keep working on the game plan, with a real focus now on Chile," he said.
"We've analysed them to a great extent and all the work this week will be how to diminish their strengths and expose their weaknesses."
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