Aided by a controversial penalty, the Socceroos have secured high spot of their Asian Cup group with a 1-1 draw in opposition to a powerful Uzbekistan.
Having already booked a berth within the knockout phases, Australia wanted to solely keep away from defeat at Al-Janoub Stadium lock in first place in Group B and guarantee a probably simpler round-of-16 opponent.
And whereas they achieved that, the Australians struggled for the third match in succession in assault, barely creating a real probability.
And for the primary within the seven matches, the Socceroos additionally conceded a purpose, with Uzbekistan substitute Azizbek Turgunboev’s 78th-minute header levelling scores after winger Martin Boyle’s spot kick had given Australia the lead in first-half stoppage-time.
The draw was sufficient for Uzbekistan – who supplied the Socceroos with their hardest take a look at of the match so far – to safe second spot within the group and in addition attain the round-of-16.
However, it might have been Uzbekistan that topped the group had the Socceroos not been awarded a doubtful penalty for a handball offence in opposition to Uzbekistan midfielder Odiljon Hamrobekov.within the dying phases of the primary half.
Referee Yusuke Araki, of Japan, initially didn’t level to the spot as Socceroos striker Kusini Yengi appeared to glide previous a sliding Hamrobekov as he created a golden alternative that was wasted by Riley McGree.
No Australians appealed for a penalty however on the urging of the VAR, Araki checked the video footage, which confirmed the ball barely glancing Hamrobekov’s trailing arm as he slid past Yengi, who had reduce inside.
Araki then modified his thoughts and awarded the Socceroos a penalty which was calmly slotted dwelling by Boyle.
However, the Socceroos once more struggled to say themselves within the first half, and if not for some final gasp defending from Harry Souttar, would have gone behind within the thirty seventh minute when Uzbekistan star Otabek Shukurov appeared sure to attain with a shot that was expertly blocked by the large centre-back.
Uzbekistan finally grabbed a deserved equaliser with 12 minutes of regular time remaining by way of Turgunboev, who rose excessive over Aziz Behich to go dwelling a cross from Jaloliddin Masharipov, who was given an excessive amount of room by proper again Nathaniel Atkinson.
Five modifications
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold made 5 modifications to the group that began in final Thursday’s 1-0 win over Syria.
One was pressured, with striker Yengi getting the nod forward of Melbourne Victory marksman Bruno Fornaroli because the alternative for injured centre-forward Mitch Duke.
Two modifications had been made to Australia’s again 4, with proper fullback Atkinson and central defender Kye Rowles coming in for Gethin Jones and Cameron Burgess respectively.
As anticipated, attacking midfielder McGree was given his first begin of the match, on the expense of Connor Metcalfe, whereas there was additionally a second change in Australia’s engine room, with Keanu Baccus recalled and Aiden O’Neill dropping again to the bench.
“(They are) changes I believe that we’ve got the depth in the squad to make, and to give players the opportunity to experience a tournament program, the way the Asian Cup and the World Cup are run,” Arnold mentioned.
Originally revealed as Unconvincing Socceroos escape with draw in opposition to gallant Uzbekistan
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
