'Dissolved into tears': John Iredale's reaction to his first Socceroos goal was just so wholesome
The emotions hit the 24-year-old all at once after scoring his first international goal against Lebanon.
Socceroos forward Mathew Leckie believes Australia’s Asian Cup opponents are worried about facing the defending champions.
Leckie is set to make his first start of the tournament in Friday’s quarter-final against host nation the UAE after returning from a hamstring injury in the round-of-16 penalty shootout win over Uzbekistan.
The 27-year-old says he’s pulled up well after his 60 minutes against the White Wolves, where he fired the winning penalty of the shootout.
Leckie is one of eight players who won the Asian Cup in 2015 and says he can’t see any reason why Australia can’t repeat that success.
“Our expectation is to go all the way. We’re not here to just participate,” Leckie said.
“We know we’re one of the strongest teams in Asia, we’ve proved that in the past few years and I think the way we’ve played over the games so far – although we lost to Jordan, we dominated that game as well – any team that comes up against us is scared or worried how they’re going to come up against us.
“We’re definitely a strong side in this tournament.”
Leckie’s return to the starting XI is a boost for coach Graham Arnold with midfielder Tom Rogic suspended for the clash with the UAE.
The Hertha Berlin star admitted Rogic would be a loss for the Socceroos but believed the team had the depth to cope with the 26-year-old’s absence.
“Tommy’s an important player, obviously. He’s played a big part so far,” Leckie said.
“I’m sure whoever comes in tomorrow will do a great job. We’re confident in all 23 players we have here.”
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
The emotions hit the 24-year-old all at once after scoring his first international goal against Lebanon.
One down 49 to go. Socceroos striker Kusini Yengi raised some eyebrows this week when he declared himself to be the talisman striker the…
Ajdin Hrustic had no luck with the referee. This "nasty" challenge from Lebanese midfielder Ali Tneich copped a yellow card, but Simon Hill and…
"Never question the left foot of Craig Goodwin." The Socceroo set up the first two goals for Australia against Lebanon and then bagged his…
The Harry Souttar-Craig Goodwin combination has been fruitful in the past for the Socceroos - but the towering Aussie couldn't put this header away…
Ajdin Hrustic made his first start for the Socceroos since late 2022 and his lethal left boot was a little bit off on this…