Australia played as they were expected to play, with a heavy defensive structure aimed at slowing a team possessing superior attacking weapons, talent and class across the pitch. 

For the most part, Bert van Marwijk’s game plan worked. The Socceroos were well-organised, disciplined and they successfully limited France’s attacking opportunities.

It was clear the work Australia had put in throughout their preparations to implement this style had paid off. 

There has been a bit of debate about the decision by the VAR to award France a penalty and while it had an impact on the match, technically the decision was correct and the Socceroos didn’t lose because of the VAR. 

Overall, I would prefer if the VAR was only used for goal line technology and offside, but it looks here to stay and we have to adjust to it.

Despite all the positives, the Socceroos were unable to snare a point and that means they must secure at least a draw, if not a win, in Thursday’s clash with Denmark. 

The side will likely not play as defensively as they did against France, instead incorporating some more attacking tactics against a team possessing fewer weapons. 

The performance against France has laid the platform for a result against Denmark and the players will back themselves to do so. 

In other games from the opening few days of the World Cup, we have seen a few surprise results with Brazil, Germany and Argentina the biggest shocks. 

Cristiano Ronaldo has again showed his class with a hat-trick against Spain and it’s clear Portugal’s chances are riding on his shoulders. 

We left it late on Sunday afternoon, but it was great to see the guys secure an important victory over Sutherland at JJ Kelly Park. 

It was pleasing to see Jordan Nikolovski score a goal in his first run on game for the Wolves. He’s been performing well in the youth team and we decided to change things up and give him a chance and he grabbed it with both hands. 

It was a fantastic goal and it’s great to see a young local boy performing for the side. 

This Saturday night we are back at WIN Stadium under lights to take on Hakoah and the key will be to execute in front of goal. 

We’re regularly outplaying our opponents, but struggling to convert chances into goals and it’s hurt us in a number of games this season. We left it late to convert our opportunities on Sunday, but we did and hopefully we can build on that result against Hakoah.