Australia have began their quest for the Asian Cup with a comfortable 2-0 win over India, though the manner of the win will have done little to answer the questions facing Graham Arnold and his team.
Goals from Jackson Irvine and substitute Jordy Bos were enough to deliver the win, but against a massively overmatched Indian side, the Socceroos showed little inspiration for much of the game.
“There’s always a bit of pressure on that first result so the most important thing was getting off to a winning start,” said captain and keeper Mat Ryan, who sported a face mask to shield a fractured cheekbone.
“There was a bit of rustiness which we’ll look to improve on, but all in all it’s a good first game.
“Our focus will turn to recovering before the Syria game. I’m sure we’ll be better for the run-out tonight and we’ll put in a better performance on Thursday.”
Ex-Melbourne City star Bos scored with his very first touch of the ball, just 40 seconds after entering the game, turning home a cross from fellow sub Riley McGree in what was perhaps the first incisive piece of play from Australia.
“It was amazing,” said Bos of his first Socceroos goal.
“I came on, drifted the back post and it just felt to me, my first touch. It was a great moment and it’s a great start to the campaign for me.
“We had just had to get this game out of the way and get three points. It’s hard to score against teams that drop so low. Hopefully getting the result leads to a good campaign for us.”
Anyone who came expecting free-flowing attacking football would have left disappointed, with Australia unable to muster anything serious on the India goal until the second half.
Arnold fielded his strongest side on paper – including a debutant, Gethin Jones – but it was not until McGree entered in the second half that the Socceroos found any creativity.
They had the quality in the end to get the result, which on day one of the campaign, is the most important thing.
This is a side that has thrived on a strong defence and counterattack, and the gambit from Arnold will be that his side can get themselves to the pointy end with their limited attack and let the defence take over once they have to play the better teams.
The biggest worry for Australia has surrounded their ability to break down teams that are happy to let them have the ball, and the first half did little to assuage those fears.
The Socceroos were gifted all the possession and field position – India’s fans occasionally cheered then when crossed the halfway line – but looked toothless, reduced to swinging in crosses hopefully.
Their best chance came thanks to Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the India goal, who lost the ball in the build-up phase. To spare his blushes, Connor Metcalfe fired his shot straight back at the keeper.
The St Pauli midfielder would spurn several chances and, by the time the first half ended, it was arguable that the best opportunity was the first of the match, when Indian talisman Sunil Chhetri had stooped to head wide following a missed interception by Socceroos centre half Harry Souttar.
It took another error from Gurpreet to get Australia on the board. Irvine had already threatened from range within the second half before opening the scoring in the 49th minute.
The Indian keeper created the opportunity, flapping at a cross that he might have left alone, with the ball dropping at the feet of Irvine. He didn’t fail to take the gift.
With a goal in the bag, it was never likely that India would have enough to change the result – though a wayward backpass almost gifted them one back – and Arnold used the opportunity to shuffle his pack.
Duly two of the subs combined, with McGree getting to the byline to make the cross and Bos approaching the back post just in time to tap in.
He might have had a second late on, too, with McGree again the architect. This time, however, Bos fired wide.
Kitwally
Roar Rookie
Socceroos game was on at 10.30pm unlike the BBL
NoMates
Roar Rookie
LIVE: BIG BASH: RENEGADES V STARS FOX CRICKET 196,000 FOOTBALL: AFC ASIAN CUP Network 10 159,000 2023 ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL D6 -NIGHT 9Gem 95,000 PEPPA PIG-AM ABC Kids/ABC TV Plus 85,000 LIVE: FOOTBALL ISUZI ALM TENBOLD AUFC v SFC 20,000 Cricket once more smashes football for a 6, Dire Socceroo ratings and ALM.
NickA
Roar Rookie
That was an extremely lack-luster game – but I think teams know, now, that if they set up a low block against Australia, we struggle to score. There’s also nothing to be ashamed about – India had absolutely no intent to try and win the game (and fair enough too) it’s difficult to score goals in that type of game. Just need that 1st bit of luck, which we finally got. Probably only a couple of positives: – Mgree & Bos look brilliant, albeit against a tiring defence. – Fornaroli is technically very good – and will link up play well when Duke isn’t effective (which he wasn’t against India – and I am Duke’s #1 fan). Not sure he’d have 90 minutes in him though – Baccus – fought for everything, even if he isn’t the best technical player on the field, he really tried to make things happen. – Most importantly, we got the win. Negatives: – Geez, does anyone know how to take a corner?? – Metcalfe – a talent but had an off day. His decision making needs to rapidly speed up. – Jones – very early days, but wondering whether he really needed to be drafted into the squad at this stage. And surely Miller or Atkinson would have had more cut through against a team like this. Was also struggling with the speed on the counterattack. Wasn’t particularly impressive I don’t think. Overall: Again, I am not sure fans are aware that this is the toughest group in the draw. Syria is going to be even more frustrating, and I am really looking forward to a tough contest vs Uzbekistan. I hope Arnie considers some changes – I’m starting to feel that he prefers Bos to play at left wing, meaning Behich will keep his spot. Mgree to replace Metcalfe as he regains more fitness. Rowles should stay over Burgess simply because we’ll just be copping rapid counterattacks and probably need the speed. Miller to start over Jones. Fornaroli over Duke?
NickA
Roar Rookie
looks really impressive - Mgree also showed his class. Metcalfe had an off day - he really needs to make decision quicker. He lumbers around too slowly sometimes.
NickA
Roar Rookie
Jones looked really slow - but to be fair that winger was rapid.
NickA
Roar Rookie
I was really surprised at Goodwin's set pieces. Perhaps he's better on a free kick than a corner.
chris1
Roar Rookie
Exactly AGO74. But that WC performance was a “one-off, aberration, fluke, lucky” performance from Arnie. Some people can never ever admit that they may have gotten it wrong. Says a lot about ones insecurities I think.
Chopper07
Roar Rookie
The reason I used Italy and Argentina is quite obvious because we could have beaten both teams before they went on to win the tournament. In Italy's case I was in Germany supporting the Socceroos with a number of Italian/Australians who were more than ready to dump their home country after dismal early performances. In the end after close games with the Socceroos they both went on to win the World Cup.
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
Don't ever consider joining the Army NM. not only are you throwing dud grenades, you chuck em' in when they're completely not needed.
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
I think Arnold in his infinite wisdom decided to use the 4 cylinder version to start with. This is tournament football, it's the 5.7 litre, 6 speed manual V8 from the outset, or it's go home.
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
Oh and if anyone ever mentions that struggler Corica as a candidate for the national job, I am migrating back to Scotland!!!
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
During that game i sat, day dreaming about what for example Popovic, Talay or Muscat would bring to that team as the Gaffer, with their international experience and attacking football philosophies. (Talay did his team learning from Gaffer's in the Turkish Super Liga if I am not wrong. Popa spent years at Crystal Palace). Would Muelensteen bring a new dimension to the job? Arnold does not have the cerebral horsepower and most importantly, he does not have the overseas experience. He lasted only a week in Japan!!!! Evolution is a series of building blocks, Arnold has built depth, and when he's done the new Gaffer will bring a whole new philosophy.
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
ahahahhaah, that is gold you just made my day
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
Grem, I challenge any team to find it easy when at times there was anywhere up to 8 blokes and a goalkeeper in the six yard box. Sorry, but take a look at the replay, when Jacko scored, that shot went past 4 players and a goalkeeper. Why didn't the Indians just jam eleven blokes on the goal line. I am sorry to sound like a whinger but any human body with heartbeat can be a human wall. It's a football team that goes at and combines both attack and defence to over power the opposition. With India, sadly one of those elements was lacking. I never thought I would be saying this, but I can understand what Arnold is trying to do. For years the National Squad did its best to imitate our Cricket team. It was harder to get out of it than to get into it. Arnold is bringing in young talent, maturing them and teaching them to play with X, Y and Z, or with A, B and C, or today, we're playing A, B and Z. The ability for a national team squad to be cohesive and effective in the myriad of combinations that squad can form, against a variety of oppositions. What Arnold is doing is contributing to Australian football's maturation process. The depth he has brought to the squad is not something I envisaged we'd have. Remember one of our most in form players Alex Robertson, a player that half of Europe is after, is nursing a bung hammy. The run on team again was relatively new to each other, and hopefully you noted the changes that I did when the subs came on. One of the most prominent for me, and this is said without bias, is the effect our Aussie Bruno had. Duke had bugger all effect, but when you bring on the Middlesborough pairing of Silvera and McGree, who start feeding Bruno and watch out. Even Bruno's free kick was a cracker. I want Fornaroli to at least bag one if not more this tournament. Surely, Arnold can see what he brings. This team needs time to gel and over he coming weeks we'll see that. I definitely want to see fast flowing football from our lads. I also believe we'll see something different from the Syrians, in more of a game of football and less of a game of reverse dodgeball. I urge you all to look below the surface, consider the contributing factors and elements and have some faith in the lads.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Well Matt Ryan is the player coming back form injury so what did that have to do with it. Souttar the guy not playing weekly yes I suppose he missed a header. Gethin Jones he looked neat technically. Goodwins delivery was the problem. Metcalfe stuffed a goal with his poor touch and that was one among many was the other issue.
mrl
Roar Rookie
What does Atrial Flutter (AFL) have to do with this? It is a cardiac condition.
Markyboy
Roar Rookie
Is it just me, or is Goodwin a bit irrelevant apart from set pieces? Especially if they don't work.... Not much happening in one v ones, Bos looks more threatening every time he subs on at left wing.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Just watching a bit of Syria-Uzbekistan. Looks like we're in for a similar sort of game. Hector Cuper, who's been coaching almost as long as Syria's been a nation, remains the dark prince of anti-football, and to be fair, it's a pretty inexperienced Syrian team - certainly not the same side who the 'Roos played in 2017.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Love your work, Zaphod.
Waz
Roar Rookie
And the Socceroos literally have one foot in the next round