Road to the 2018 World Cup: Socceroos' campaign back on track after crucial win
The Socceroos have finally recorded a victory after four consecutive draws, with a 2-0 win over the United Arab Emirates last night.
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Last night's match had plenty of heat.
By TAS MAVRIDIS
The Socceroos have finally recorded a victory after four consecutive draws, with a 2-0 win over the United Arab Emirates in Sydney last night.
The win keeps the pressure on the top two teams in the qualifying rounds, after headed goals from Jackson Irvine and Mathew Leckie sealed the three points.
After Irvine slotted a header in the eighth minute from an early corner, signs of a UAE comeback were evident.
The back three once again looked vulnerable and missed placed passes were not punished by the opposition.
The game had plenty of heat in it with 42 fouls given and five yellow cards.
However, Australia managed to regain composure after a period of UAE dominance when Leckie broke through to extend the lead.
Leckie’s second goal in two games for Australia, on 78 minutes, ensured the victory after a superb delivery from James Troisi.
With the Socceroos taking a multiple goal lead for the first time since the opening game of the campaign, they finally had a comfortable ending to the game.
LINE-UP
Starting XI: Mat Ryan (GK), Milos DEGENEK, Trent SAINSBURY, Bailey WRIGHT, James TROISI, Mark MILLIGAN, Mile JEDINAK (C ) (89’), Jackson IRVINE (82’), Matthew LECKIE, Tomi JURIC (71.’), Brad SMITH
Subs: Tim CAHILL (71’), Robbie KRUSE (82’), Mustafa AMINI (89’)
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Leckie celebrates after scoring the second goal last night.
What now for the Socceroos?
Australia sits three points behind Saudi Arabia and Japan which occupy the two automatic spots, but also sit four points above the UAE in the third-placed spot, which earns a playoff.
With games against Saudi Arabia (home), Japan (away) and Thailand (home), qualification is still firmly in the hands of the Socceroos.
Australia’s next match against Saudi Arabia comes only a week before Australia jets off for the Confederations Cup in Russia.
A win in this game will provide a jump potentially into the top two as well as a boost for the tournament of champions.
With the likes of Tommy Rogic and Aaron Mooy due to return, coach Ange Postecoglou will have some difficult choices.
With two home games remaining out of three, Australia will feel like they are in a prime position to make a late run into the top two.
And with the potential for an extended training camp as club seasons will be completed, Postecoglou will have a longer time to work out and get his tactics correct for the crucial remaining fixtures.
