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Socceroo Brett Emerton concedes Australia’s performances in their last two World Cup qualifiers were far from pretty but they got the job done.
The Socceroos could only defeat Thailand 1-0 in Bangkok on Tuesday after their 1-0 loss to Oman last weekend, but the three points were enough to secure progress to the final stage of qualification.
And Emerton says the focus must now be on improving performance in the final match of the current stage, a dead rubber against Saudi Arabia in Australia in February.
“Everyone will admit we weren’t at our best,” Emerton said of the Oman and Thailand matches.
“It’s always difficult to go away from home and play in tough conditions, the humidity, and against two teams that are a lot better than people give them credit for.
“We got the result we needed, job done, we’re in the next phase and now we’ll look at both games, the negatives and positives, and try and improve on our performances.”
The 32-year-old, who earned his 91st cap in Bangkok, also believes the Saudi match could be a chance for his highly-rated club-mate Terry Antonis to make his international bow.
Antonis has impressed for Sydney FC this A-League season and Emerton says the 17-year-old has shown all the attributes needed to become a top player.
“He’s got all the ability in the world so, if he applies himself, which I’m sure he will because he’s a good kid and he works hard … think he’ll go a long way,” Emerton said.
“It’s difficult to say (about Antonis’s international chances).
“Obviously that’s not much decision to make but he’s had a great start to the season and, come February, the next qualifier, it’s a dead rubber and if he continues in this form then it’s a possibility.”
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