[ad_1]
The Socceroos have drawn a line below their World Cup exploits and given a glimpse of the doubtless shiny future that awaits them with a formidable 3-1 win over Ecuador.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has spoken of wanting to make use of final yr’s round-of-16 World Cup exit as a springboard in the direction of the 2026 event.
And the gang of 20, 268 at Western Sydney Stadium bought an perception into what lies in retailer in over the following three and a half years.
Australia’s opening two objectives on Friday got here from skilled campaigners in Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil in a usually spirited and workmanlike exhibiting.
However the true second of pleasure got here late within the second half when 19-year-old debutant Alex Robertson kickstarted a transfer that led to fellow teenager Garang Kuol grabbing his first worldwide objective.
Uncapped Melbourne Metropolis midfielder Aiden O’Neill was the one participant in Arnold’s beginning XI who didn’t go to the World Cup and it allowed the Socceroos to shortly get into their rhythm.
One good break from Mitchell Duke didn’t yield a objective however the ahead was inflicting all types of points for the Ecuadorians, and it was not lengthy earlier than he arrange Irvine for Australia’s opener.
Duke slid low to show a Craig Goodwin free sit back throughout the six-yard field within the twelfth minute and Irvine was given the best job to faucet in.
Replays confirmed Duke was offside however with no VAR in use, Australia had the lead.
Ecuador hit again shortly with defender Felix Torres rising above Irvine to go a Twenty third-minute cross from Jeremy Sarmiento previous Mat Ryan to attract the South People degree.
Sarmiento’s night time ended when he limped off with an harm on the half-hour mark and the Socceroos was capable of re-establish a bonus quickly after once they caught the guests out on the again.
Defender Piero Hincape had a ball snatched off him by a urgent Irvine and the midfielder was capable of tee Mabil up within the field.
The winger powered the ball into the again of the web and Australia appeared promising.
Duke was at his bustling finest and the ahead may think about himself unfortunate to haven’t scored on his return to Sydney’s west.
The ahead was taken off quickly after the hour-mark with hardworking midfielder Keanu Baccus on the expense Wanderers ahead Brandon Borrello and Robertson.
Robertson, who has but to start out a senior match for Manchester Metropolis, appeared assured on his maiden Socceroos outing and it was his intricate build-up play that started a transfer for Kuol’s objective.
Robertson charged down the left exchanging passes on the way in which earlier than discovering Aziz Behich, whose cross was tapped in by Kuol.
AAP
[ad_2]
Source link
