VIDEO: TAG Heuer kicks off with the Socceroos in Sydney

Felix Scholz

Earlier this year TAG Heuer and Football Federation Australia (FFA) announced a four-year partnership, with the Swiss brand becoming the official watch and timekeeper of the Caltex Socceroos.

20160531---TAG-Heuer-Don’t-Crack-Under-Pressure-Speed-and-Accuracy-Challenge---atmosphere--photo-Ken-Buttti(0027) — Aspiring Socceroos test their speed and accuracy

Last night’s friendly match against Greece at Etihad Stadium was a clear example of how soccer (AKA football, in the rest of the world) is a sport where timing is key. For the Greeks, the game was a matter of running out the clock after scoring two goals in the first 20 minutes – including an epic shot from 60m out. From the Socceroos’ perspective, it was a game punctuated by split-second decisions, including Trent Sainsbury’s quick header of a rebounded ball in the 58th minute. It was a worthy goal, but not enough for the locals to even the score, resulting in a 2-1 loss at the final whistle.

20160531 - TAG Heuer Don’t Crack Under Pressure Speed and Accuracy Challenge - Mark Birighitti, Mat Ryan, Tom Rogic, Trent Sainsbury- photo Ken Buttti(0047) — Socceroos Mark Birighitti, Tom Rogic, Trent Sainsbury and Mathew Ryan

It was a different picture last week whens the Socceroos braved the wild Sydney weather to coach several Junior Football clubs in a speed and accuracy challenge, measuring not only their ball skills, but their ability to cope under pressure. The winners on the day were the Rockdale City Suns.

We took the opportunity to find out how goalkeeper Matt Ryan and defender Trent Sainsbury handle the pressure, and how a few seconds can be the difference between winning and losing.

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Even thought they didn’t get it over the line last night, we’re sure they’ll be back on form by the time they face Iraq in September for the first of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.