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It is a case of two steps forward and one back for the Socceroos as they secure a 3-2 win against Saudi Arabia at Craven Cottage.
Some good signs for the Australians but equally more work is needed.
The Socceroos did enough to get a win though, which was much needed, breaking their winless streak.
FINAL SCORE:
Australia 3
Saudi Arabia 2
The Socceroos tackle Saudi Arabia in London looking to end their seven-match winless run. Join The Roar for live football scores, updates and running commentary on all the action as the Australians kick-off from Craven Cottage at 5:00am (AEST).
Australia’s Asian Cup warm-up got off to a stuttering start against Belgium in Belgium on Friday morning. The home team recorded a deserved 2-0 victory over the Socceroos, in the green and gold’s first match since Brazil.
With several new players and debutants, it was a shaky performance from Australia after a promising opening spell.
The Socceroos struggled to keep possession and the defence, featuring Trent Sainsbury and Chris Herd in their first caps for the national team, was often caught out of position and unaware.
Ange Postecoglou’s team will want to give a better performance, and notch a much-needed result, when they meet the Saudis in south London. The Socceroos have not won a game under Postecoglou since the victory over Costa Rica in November last year, his first in charge.
In that time they have lost to Ecuador, drawn with South Africa, were beaten by Croatia just before the World Cup and then lost all three games in Brazil against Chile, the Netherlands and Spain.
With the loss in Liège added to the mix against Belgium, it’s not a great record.
Postecoglou’s side remains a team in flux, but expectations remain high for the Asian Cup in four months time and a win over Saudi Arabia is a must. The Saudis have only beaten the Socceroos once in their five past encounters, and this match at the home of Fulham FC will be their first since they were defeated by Georgian and Moldova in May.
The likes of fresh faces Josh Brilliante, Brad Smith, Tomi Juric, Massimo Luongo, Bailey Wright and Carl Valeri are set to see more game-time at Craven Cottage, and Swindon midfielder Luongo is being tipped for a starting spot.
The west London ground has been good to the Socceroos in the past and their last match at this venue in October 2013 was a much-needed win over Canada under Aurelio Vidmar.
That was the first game after the sacking of Holger Osieck and came after two demoralising 6-0 pastings at the hands of Brazil and France.
While the Socceroos impressed many with their positive displays at this year’s World Cup, it’s time to get a win under their belts.
The Saudis are not an overly strong opponent, are coming off some negative results and win against the Middle Eastern nation, before friendlies against Qatar and the UAE next month, is vital.
The Roar will be at Craven Cottage covering all the action, join us from 4:45am (AEST) to not miss a thing.
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
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