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Now it’s do or die for coach Ange Postecoglou

Alex Wilkinson is tipped to replace Matthew Spiranovic in the centre of defence. Photo: Getty

Alex Wilkinson is tipped to replace Matthew Spiranovic in the centre of defence. Photo: Getty

Ange Postecoglou is staring down the barrel of the biggest match of his professional life.

Bow out in the Asian Cup quarter-finals against China on Thursday night and his position as national team coach would – rightfully – be under immense pressure.

A win, and they make the semis – probably a break-even result for the coach.

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In perhaps a positive omen, the match takes place at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. Widely pilloried for its poor playing surface, the venue was the scene of Postecoglou’s hitherto greatest coaching achievement – Brisbane Roar’s 2010-11 A-League Grand Final win over Central Coast.

Postecoglou should have no fears about his future ability to earn – with his track record, he could walk into another domestic coaching role.

China's captain, Zheng Zhi. Photo: Getty

China’s captain, Zheng Zhi. Photo: Getty

But for a man as ambitious as he is, having tasted the highs of a World Cup campaign, coaching in the A-League might not suffice.

When he was appointed in October 2013, Postecoglou was unequivocal in his goals for the job.

“We want to be the No.1 team in Asia,” he said.

“If we’re the No.1 country in Asia, we’re probably competing at the World Cup.”

After the honourable losses at the World Cup in Brazil and the disappointing friendlies in the lead-in to the Asian Cup, Australia looked on song early in the tournament, with comfortable wins over Kuwait and Oman.

But after failing their first real test against South Korea, the heat is squarely on Postecoglou and his team ahead of the clash with China.

Postecoglou, though, said his team was still feeling positive despite that defeat.

“In terms of denting the confidence, I have already said if we continue to play football like that, I won’t be too perturbed in what comes our way,” he said on Wednesday.

China won three out of three in the group stage to qualify top, and they have some definite class in their line-up.

Alex Wilkinson is tipped to replace Matthew Spiranovic in the centre of defence. Photo: Getty

Alex Wilkinson is tipped to replace Matthew Spiranovic in the centre of defence. Photo: Getty

Wu Lei, AKA China’s Maradona, is a constant threat, skipper Zheng Zhi likes to dictate the tempo in midfield and winger Gao Lin – yet to hit his straps at the tournament – is a danger man when on song.

The Socceroos welcome back influential skipper Mile Jedinak from an ankle knock, with Mark Milligan the most obvious man to make way.

They will, however, be without suspended centre-back Matthew Spiranovic. Alex Wilkinson is his likely replacement.

Postecoglou said he was proud of the way his team had coped with Jedinak’s absence.

“It’s been a credit to the players that they’ve just got on with the job, but it’s going to be great to have him back out on the park,” he said.

“He’s our most influential player when he’s out there and I’m sure he’ll give all the other players a lift if he’s ready and available to play.”

Postecoglou acknowledged that the pressure had been ratcheted up now the tournament had reached the business end.

“The knowledge that we’re in knockout mode now, the pressure increases on everyone,” he said.

“Even the teams that won all three group games won’t be sitting any more comfortably at this stage than us who lost a game, or Iraq or UAE.

“That’s the nature of international, knockout football. I’m not sure if you’ll see a raise in quality in terms of aesthetics, but there will certainly be a lot more pressure and edge to the games.

“It’s been a fantastic tournament so far, but from now on the excitement ramps up.”

Thursday night’s match kicks off at 9:30pm AEDT.

Live on ABC TV:

NSW/VIC/ACT/TAS – from 9pm
SA – 8:30pm
QLD – 8pm
NT – 7:30pm
WA – 6pm (ABC2)

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