Australia’s 1-0 defeat to England was a combination of some of the most free-flowing football we’ve ever seen in the Graham Arnold era, coupled with the same old problem of failing to hit the back of the net.
The Socceroos were genuinely hard done by to finish up on the losing side of the ledger, even if their best chances all came on the break or via set pieces.
And having worked so hard to keep an experimental England side at bay, they’ll be genuinely annoyed to have conceded the winner to Ollie Watkins after failing to deal with a second ball.
It was a bit tough on Ryan Strain that he was the player who failed to deal with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s swirling cross, given the fact the former Adelaide United and current St Mirren defender turned in an otherwise impressive performance on his starting debut.
There were still a couple of defenders in the way of Jack Grealish’s shot-turned-cross back across the face of goal, but having dodged an earlier Watkins effort when the Aston Villa man really should have scored, there was no reprieve this time around.
Even then, Arnold’s side were hugely unlucky not to have opened the scoring themselves, having fashioned several clear-cut chances in an entertaining first half.
Mitch Duke deserved better than to see his instinctive volley flash wide of Sam Johnstone’s near post just after the 20-minute mark, after the reliable Martin Boyle had dinked over a well-weighted cross.
The Aussies should have taken the lead soon after when Boyle once again chipped over a cross which the England defence failed to deal with, only for Kye Rowles to blaze his effort over the crossbar.
Then it was the marauding Strain’s turn to almost open the scoring following Australia’s best move of the match, after a long ball from Keanu Baccus was brought down by Boyle, who expertly turned inside his defender before the laying the ball off for the oncoming Strain.
If ever a player looked like he was starting his first international, it was Strain at that very moment – who concentrated on getting his shot on target, only to see his somewhat weak effort on goal cleared off the line by Lewis Dunk.
So it was that it was no real surprise to see England open the scoring in what was a scrappy second half, with Watkins bundling the ball home after Grealish drove across the face of goal.
We’ve been there and seen it all before with the Socceroos, who somehow had nothing to show for what was a quietly effective display.
(Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
Again, it was no big surprise to see starting midfielder Connor Metcalfe thump a late header off the post after he rose highest to meet Boyle’s in-swinging corner.
Metcalfe has battled his way into the starting side at unbeaten 2. Bundesliga heavyweights St. Pauli, and the former Melbourne City midfielder turned in a composed display playing in behind Duke.
That said, virtually every player that got on the park turned in a decent performance – although it was interesting to see Rowles selected on the left-hand side of defence when Jordan Bos is clearly the more practical long-term option.
Meanwhile, French whistleblower Stephanie Frappart made history when she became the first female referee to officiate a men’s international at Wembley – before proceeding to produce a series of questionable decisions that all predictably went against Australia.
Nevertheless, much as a hardcore section of Aussie fans can’t bear to hear it, Arnie has turned the Socceroos into a genuinely entertaining side to watch.
JoshW
Roar Rookie
I'm happy when I see how badly AFL has failed in Western Sydney. A decade of hilarity.
JoshW
Roar Rookie
Most of those are Westies who needed a team before 2012.
AR
Roar Rookie
"This pro-Arnie stuff is nauseating..." Some sports fans are only happy when they're miserable.
AR
Roar Rookie
I agree. It's funny how we toss 'failed' managers onto the scrap heap so quickly in this country. See --> A.Postecoglou. And it was great to see Arnie bring in Guus and Ange for a pep talk pre-game. That's the sort of culture/history-building our national teams need.
mrl
Roar Rookie
Ignore the football kids…watch Peppa Pig or the AFL draft or watch videos of AFL players on holidays.
NoMates
Roar Rookie
Did i not just show FOXSPORT numbers? No need for name calling let see how the FTA game rates.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
FTA, telecast over the airwaves, is ancient technology bypassed by the younger generation of viewers and sports fans. They prefer to watch via the digital streaming on a device of convenience, over the internet, not subject to ratings like when I was a kid in the mid twentieth century.
mrl
Roar Rookie
Ah...they are both 20 years old!!
Grem
Roar Rookie
That was a clever comment. I hadn’t thought of that aspect. You are correct - you can’t be what you can’t see and it seems the media want to try and keep it that way.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Thanks Gary
Garry
Roar Rookie
you ‘re a mor-n..show me the ALW game on fta..ps and lets be clear PP+ doesnt disclose its figures
NoMates
Roar Rookie
LIVE: NETBALL: CONSTELLATION CUP GAME 2 FOX SPORTS 505 37,000 LIVE: WOMEN’S PACIFIC C’SHIPS: SAM V FIJ FOX LEAGUE 26,000 ALW didnt make the cut.
Limo
Roar Rookie
With the A league football season about to start its time for the major metro papers to stop ignoring the 2 million kids who love and play football a nd give the football fans a 20 page a league season kick off guide.
Midfielder
Roar Guru
Just maybe, we hit rock bottom and are up the way up re Football in Australia. As for the Socceroo's what can you say other than well done and for the Arnold haters out there, remember by an international panel he was voted coach of the world cup. and he is doing a good job of asking constantly for a Socceroo base.
Grem
Roar Rookie
What a great way to kick off the season. Two teams I like watching and enjoy seeing them do well, so I can’t lose either. I initially read your message incorrectly. I thought your 20 year old son had a primary school mate. I thought, that’s strange. But, I realised my error.
Grem
Roar Rookie
That’s sad to read. You’ve accepted so many of our players over the years - Cole, Janjetovic, Beauchame, Topor Stanley, Ninkovic, Niewenhaus, Marco Rudan… I’m getting tired typing. You do know I actually like to see the Wanderers do well. We may have a couple more players for next season.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
two great goals from young Matildas on debut, both recent QAS graduates now with MV and Roar. Then young Waddingham, another QAS lad, scores for the young socceroos v Netherlands. Lovin' it.
Garry
Roar Rookie
was there any ALW game on FTA?
Buddy
Roar Rookie
Well Rudan was always on my list of coaches I didn’t want to see employed in any way shape or form. As long as I don’t watch them, he isn’t there :happy:
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
the kids and families don't get a say in those ratings which are all about the macho man. Our game is going great, plenty of future Matildas and young stars on the rise in the A League w.