26 Jun Cahill unlikely to start under “methodical” van Marwijk

John Kosmina says Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk won’t swayed by public pressure to start Tim Cahill in tomorrow’s crunch World Cup clash against Peru.

Cahill was an unused substitute in Australia’s 1-1 draw against Denmark, with Van Marwijk opting for Tomi Juric to replace the injured Andrew Nabbout up top in the dying stages of the match.

Kosmina believes the Dutchman will go with Juric at the point of the Australian attack, with the maligned Robbie Kruse tipped to retain his spot despite calls for exciting youngster Daniel Arzani to replace him on the left hand side of the attack.

“It would be great to say that yes Timmy (Cahill) might start, and there’s a part of me that thinks would he take a risk and get him on for the first half hour then bring Tomi Juric on later,” the former Sydney FC and Adelaide United coach told SEN Breakfast.

“Bert being Dutch, they’re very, very methodical and almost set in their ways. He has practiced and practiced a certain way that he wants the team to set up and use the strategies that he’s implemented that have been successful.

“I can’t see him not starting Tomi Juric as a number nine and he’ll probably stick with Robbie Kruse as well for all the stick that he’s copped after the last game.

“Maybe Daniel Arzani on that left hand side instead of Kruse, it depends on what sort of mental state Kruse is in because he was attacked on social media.

“I think he (Kruse) hasn’t had a good tournament.

“I would have looked at a different option in the previous game and maybe started Andrew Nabbout on the left and Tomi Juric through the middle, so then you had an option of bringing Arzani on or Kruse for that matter.”

The former Socceroo isn’t underestimating the threat Peru poses, saying they will be motivated to finish their first World Cup appearance in 36 years on a high.

“They (Peru) want to take something back to their country, they want to take a bit of pride back if nothing else,” Kosmina said.

“They played really well against France, and Denmark were really under the pump against Peru; they were lucky to get a result.

“As much as they want to be motivated and they want to be successful, there is nothing at stake for them apart from pride.

“That’s the one thing that could be in the Socceroos’ favour.”

The Socceroos need to beat Peru and hope France defeat Denmark well in order for Australia to qualify for the Round of 16 for the first time since 2006.