Australia hasn’t been firing on all cylinders at the Asian Cup - but then again,which teams have?
Graham Arnold says those outside of the national team environment don’t appreciate how difficult international football can be after another laborious Asian Cup result.
Graham Arnold’s side will be without striker Mitch Duke as they look to make it three wins from three starts in Qatar and lock in a potentially easier path in the knockout stages.
They’re already through to the next round,but a win over Uzbekistan would confirm a spot on the easier side of the Asian Cup’s knockout bracket - if such a thing even exists at a tournament where the so-called minnows are closing the gap.
Australia are into the round of 16 after another hard-fought win over Syria,with midfielder Jackson Irvine once again scoring the crucial breakthrough goal.
It was scratchy again but a 1-0 result in Qatar guarantees Graham Arnold’s side passage to the knockout stages.
In Scotland,Keanu Baccus is either helping his team park the bus,or find a way around it - and it’s perfect preparation for Australia’s challenge at the Asian Cup.
What Graham Arnold would give to have even one of Aaron Mooy,Tom Rogic,Massimo Luongo or Ajdin Hrustic with him in Qatar. Instead,he has to find other solutions to the Socceroos’ creativity shortage.
Goals from Jackson Irvine and Jordan Bos got the result Graham Arnold’s side needed,but improvement is needed - and quickly - if they are to contend for another continental crown.
It took 50 minutes and it was not spectacular,but Australia’s 2-0 result means Graham Arnold’s side hit the ground running in Qatar.
Five years is enough to fundamentally change a coach. Interestingly,this Asian Cup is more representative of a coach having fundamentally changed a Socceroos team.