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.
The body of Stephen Laybutt,who played 15 matches for Australia,was found in bushland on the Far North Coast.
The former professional footballer,who in 2021 donated his kidney to a stranger,has died aged 46. His body was found in bushland north of Byron Bay.
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.
Graham Arnold says he will field his strongest possible starting team in Australia’s Asian Cup opener - and it could include World Cup stars Maty Ryan and Riley McGree.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Asian Cup - the biggest tournament outside of the World Cup for the Socceroos,which kicks off this weekend in Qatar.