The Socceroos have completed their match preparations for the 2018 World Cup in Russia with a 2-1 victory over Hungary in Budapest.
On a pristine pitch and a beautiful afternoon, the two teams appeared closely matched throughout, with the home side probably having slightly the better of the contest overall.
In a strange finish, two late own-goals, one from each team, tripled the goal tally after Australia looked to be cruising to victory with just a few minutes of normal time remaining.
The Socceroos were under pressure at the back and the home side had a couple of chances in the first half that were not far from finding the net. Mark Milligan and Josh Risdon will need to stiffen up a little at the back after being frequently found out by the consistent attacking raids the Hungarians were able to launch.
The Australian defence scambled well and despite doing little attacking of their own, the visitors entered the break with a chance to re-group and re-think their approach. Tom Rogic was hardly sighted in the first 45 minutes and Risdon was under constant pressure as Hungary attacked down the left flank.
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Bert van Marwijk made changes at intermission and Mile Jedinak changed the dynamic in the midfield. The Hungarians did seem to tire as the second-half unfolded and new Socceroo Daniel Arzani exploded on the scene with a stunning goal, albeit aided by a poor effort from the Hungarian substitute keeper.
The goal looked like the match winner, however just minutes later Trent Sainsbury and Brad Jones lost communication and a sloppy own goal was the result.
While not heartbreaking, it was disappointing for the Socceroos, although some might suggest a draw would have been a fair result considering the general flow of the game.
Moments later, Arzani was influential again after sliding a ball through for Jackson Irvine, whose centreing pass was also deflected into the back of the net for an own goal.
Both goals were unusual and will remind the Socceroos just how fickle football can be on the world stage.
Australia walk away after a solid hit-out and the manager will have learnt a little more about his players. He must now finalise their preparations for the opening clash of the tournament.
Final score
Hungary 1 Australia 2
Barca4life
Guest
What a talent, imagine if we can find few more like him in the next few years and then our national team would look quite exciting.
Cousin Claudio
Roar Guru
As the paint dries on the final preparations for the 2018 WC in Russia kicking off on Thursday, FIFA are still investigating if there was any corruption in the decision to hand Russia the hosting rights to the 2018 tournament.. https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/putin-led-russian-world-cup-vote-victory-investigated-eight-years-on Don't expect FIFA to announce anything any time soon about their investigation into Qatar 2022 either. FIFA Organising Committee - the masters of corruption and deception.
Cousin Claudio
Roar Guru
Arzani admitted after the game that his goal celebration was muted, because he doesn't have one. Needs to learn one from his mate Caltex Cahill. If you saw the shot from behind the goal, it swerved past 2 defenders and dipped under the keeper's outstretched body.
brian drian
Guest
+1
Stevo
Roar Rookie
LOLz, I misread “his life depended on it” as “his life departed on it”
Lionheart
Guest
Disappointing first half. I recorded it and got up early to watch, found myself nodding off a few times in the first 45, but Jedi's first touch in the 46th minute said this is going to be different. And it wasn't the only good touch by Mile. He has to be in the starting 11, we look way better with him than Mooy and Luongo who've both passed back more than forward in both games so far. Mile has a presence too. And Jones never really looked in control of his space, he comes out far too easily, he did it with Liverpool and he'll do it to us. Sainsbury's own goal was no real surprise with Jones there. As for Arzani, I just hope Bert VM keeps his lid on. The kid's got talent and a big future and no doubt could handle a start. It looked to me like the team plan after his first touch was, pass it to Daniel. He could start, pleased it's not my decision.
Mbob
Guest
If you don't shoot , you can't win.
parkhacker
Roar Rookie
Boring 1st half, after 1/2 time things improved with inclusion of Jedinak and Irving and finally we scored by Arzani getting a lucky goal from goalie error.I think Jedinak should remain as captain he is what the team is used to and knows how to direct the on field action.Error rate will have to be better when we play against France on Saturday night or we may get a drubbing.Arzani shows plenty of promise with speed and ability and not scared to take on defenders.I would start him in the eleven and keep goalie as Ryan who made some good saves..
MBob
Guest
I have felt that Milligan has been going off the boil for the past 12-18 months. Would have like to have Jurman given a go
MBob
Guest
Azani would give the French something to worry about and we don't have any players who can do that - start him - you can always replace him - BUT start him.
TheVolley
Guest
Arzani is our X factor. He must play period. Kruse cannot score even if his life depended on it. And Rogic is over-rated. We've seen this movie play over and over again - he cannot get himself into matches and looses the ball more often than he creates any chances. How about Mooy in the number 10 position instead? Irvine is ok but he is prob better as a sub.
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Actually Azzani's goal was a difficult shot to save; it swerved, dipped and bounce awkwardly with speed right in front of the keepers hands. Great goal!
MQ
Guest
hear hear
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Good comment MQ---agree with most of that. However, I think Nabbout is in front of Juric at this stage for the striker's role. Damn shame Cahill is 38 yrs old.
Nemesis
Guest
Just home from a big day out. Great venue; not the greatest performance; but neither was the win over the Czech Republic. Seems this forum hasn't changed much. Although I notice Grobgelaar has a new Username: MQ. :-)
Kangas
Roar Rookie
MQ Only 2-3 players from Denmark or Peru combined would make the France B team either . So that’s a silly comparison to make . We know the ability of the current Socceroos, but we have the best 23 Australians , so BVM works with what he has got .
The Phantom Commissioner
Roar Rookie
Pretty poor all over the pitch really. Mooy was solid again which is a good sign, Rogic was a little better but still below his best. Arzani was the bright spark for us when he came on so much confidence in his own ability and oozes class.
MQ
Guest
Yeh, it was against Uruguay. I think it was Recoba who tapped in a ball that should never have got to him. You might also remember that back in 20001, in the return leg of the WC qualifier in Montevideo, he scored a goal from a wicked free kick, he had a pretty good left peg on him (thinking back now, it may have grazed the top of the wall).
Kangas
Roar Rookie
johno I’m not disputing what you’re saying,, what are the names of these other prodigies?
Kangas
Roar Rookie
Thanks Paul I like it The Aussie Messi Better then Persian prodigy Or the wizard of woy woy We got the Aussie Messi Love your work, Daniel SAN