Midfielder Jackson Irvine scored for the second time in two matches because the Socceroos sealed their spot within the Asian Cup knockout phases with a 1-0 win over Syria in Doha.
Having additionally discovered the again of the web in Australia’s 2-0 Group B weekend victory in opposition to India, Irvine once more has his scoring boots on, a lot to the reduction of a Socceroos aspect that once more struggled in assault.
For the second match in succession, the Socceroos produced a disappointing first-half show as they failed to hassle the well-organised Syrians, who had the higher of the probabilities within the opening stanza
The Socceroos lacked power in assault and laboured in possession too typically as they turned pissed off of their try to interrupt down their opponents.
The Australians once more lifted within the second half, nevertheless it was one other efficiency that they might want to enhance on if they’re to go deep into the event.
It took an hour for the Socceroos to attain, with the chance supplied by winger Martin Boyle.
The Scotland-born Hibs star took on the Syrians as he charged to the sting of the penalty space.
His cross that was directed in the direction of substitute Riley McGree was blocked by the Syria defence, however in a scrappy passage of play, the ball wasn’t cleared, and ultimately fell for Irvine, who stabbed it residence previous goalkeeper Ahmad Madania to attain his eleventh purpose for the Socceroos.
It proved to be all that the Australians wanted to safe one other three factors and assure themselves a berth within the round-of-16.
However, the Socceroos got a serious scare within the fifth minute when Syria’s Colombia-born ahead Pablo Sabbag hit the publish with a low strike that had Australia’s goalkeeper and captain Mat Ryan overwhelmed.
The Syrians additionally had two different first-half possibilities, with Ammar Ramadan hitting the aspect netting with a Thirty ninth-minute strike and Sabbag blazing a shot over the crossbar 5 minutes later after Socceroos defender Cameron Burgess gave the ball away in a harmful place.
Irvine’s purpose settled Australia’s nerves, nonetheless there was one ultimate scare when the masked Ryan, who continues to be recovering from a fractured cheekbone, almost fumbled a shot from Moayad Ajan into his personal web within the 68th minute.
Three modifications
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold tinkered with a profitable line-up, making three modifications to the crew that began in win over India.
Cameron Burgess was recalled to the center of Australia’s defence on the expense of Kye Rowles.
Midfielder Aiden O’Neill began forward of Keanu Baccus, whereas left-sided utility Jordan Bos – who scored after coming off the bench in opposition to India – compelled his means into the beginning crew, with winger Craig Goodwin dropping to the bench.
Source: www.news.com.au
