Socceroos heap praise on ‘best player’ Bos after knockouts progression | Anatomy of a deadly righ…

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Socceroos heap praise on 'best player' Bos after knockouts progression

Jordan Bos played a starring role to help Australia advance to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup. (Getty Images: Icon Sportswire/Bob Kupbens)

As Australia sealed its progression to the round of 32, there was one player the Socceroos were keen to praise.

Jordy Bos may not have been named player of the match, but another strong performance, in which he was asked to play on the right of defence instead of his preferred left, was lauded by his teammates. 

"He's the best player in the world, Jordy Bos," said Nestory Irankunda following the Socceroos nil-all draw with Paraguay.

Anatomy of a deadly right flank: The Bos-Volpato pairing that almost brought Socceroos a winner

It was a case of another Socceroos outing, another set of selection surprises from Tony Popovic.

For Friday’s third group game against Paraguay, the head coach made six changes to the starting line-up that was outclassed by the United States last week. And while the pre-match focus was on the re-inclusion of Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, Australia actually discovered their most potent attacking outlet through a forced change.

The absence of right wing-back Jacob Italiano due to injury – while unfortunate – became the gateway to a reshuffle that saw Popovic shift Jordy Bos away from his left wing-back role and into the vacant right wing-back spot, with Aziz Behich slotting in on the left. Popovic also gave Cristian Volpato the nod on the right side of attack, and it was Volpato’s combination with Bos that provided Australia’s best route to goal throughout a dominant first half.

Socceroos determined to get best out of their Bos man

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If Australia are to get the job done against Paraguay, they know they need one man firing on all cylinders — Jordan Bos.

At his best, left wing-back Bos is devastating, with his speed, guile and skill terrorising opponents.

But so far, the Socceroos dynamo hasn't hit his straps at this World Cup.

With a win or draw against Paraguay in Santa Clara on Thursday (Friday AEST), Australia will finish second in group D behind the United States, locking in a trip to Dallas next week to face the runners-up in group G.

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