GROUP B
Australia 0
Jordan 1
AL AIN • Australia coach Graham Arnold was defiant against criticism that his side were unable to create chances, after the Socceroos made the worst possible start to the defence of their Asian Cup crown yesterday with a 1-0 defeat by unfancied Jordan.
The Aussies, who won the title on home soil four years ago, dominated for long spells but failed to find a way to cancel out Anas Bani Yaseen's header in the Group B clash at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
"We gave away a sloppy goal and started slowly but, in the second half, we totally controlled the game and, on any other day, we could have scored and won the game," Arnold insisted after the match.
He also dismissed the suggestion that his side's approach to the game was arrogant, having previously stated that he expected his side to beat the Jordanians.
The 55-year-old added that the Socceroos will "dust ourselves off, recover well and mentally prepare" for the next game against Palestine.
While he remained defiant, his captain Mark Milligan admitted that nerves got the better of the team.
NOT TIME TO PANIC YET
We gave away a sloppy goal and started slowly but, in the second half, we totally controlled the game and, on any other day, we could have scored and won the game.
GRAHAM ARNOLD, Australia coach, insists his side played well despite the defeat by 109-ranked Jordan.
"The start of the game was lethargic, maybe a few nerves," he said. "It's the first time in a tournament situation for some of the boys."
Vital Borkelmans' Jordan, who are 68 places behind the Aussies (41st) in the Fifa world rankings, were resolute in defence.
The Socceroos went into half-time trailing by a goal and were fortunate not to be further behind.
Centre-back Bani Yaseen put his side in front in the 26th minute when he was given the time and space to head home Baha Abdelrahman's corner unchallenged, powering the ball beyond the flat-footed goalkeeper Mat Ryan.
"We knew where their dangers were going to come from and, on a set piece, we can't be conceding those goals," Milligan added.
"We know we need to be better, but there's still good signs, we know we have to execute better.
"I'm lucky I've got a great bunch of boys, this will hurt everyone, it's hurting me. We'll let Arnie have his say and get to work."
Four minutes later, Abdelrahman almost added a second when his free kick from the edge of the area speared towards goal, only for Ryan to push the ball onto the woodwork before it was cleared.
For all their possession in the opposition half, Australia crafted few clear opportunities, with Awer Mabil's shot coming back off goalkeeper Amer Shafi's legs and Jamie MacLaren heading over the bar.
Mabil hit the woodwork late in the second half as Australia grew increasingly desperate to find an equaliser and Shafi was kept busy until the final kick of the game as Jordan held on for a famous win over their more illustrious opponents.
Australia fans took to social media to blast Arnold and his team.
"So much wrong with that #Socceroos display. Lacking quality & composure, passion & desire. Huge amount of work to do," wrote one user. "Jordan implemented their game plan perfectly, we didn't even have one," said another.
The defeat leaves the Aussies with much to ponder ahead of Friday's game against Palestine, a must-win if they want to get their title defence back on track.
REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, THE GUARDIAN
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aims thinly veiled dig at Jose Mourinho as Man United arrive at training. The Norwegian is unbeaten in 10 matches after taking over from Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford six
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aims another dig at Jose Mourinho's
Feb 9 (Reuters) - Cardiff City's Kenneth Zohore struck deep into stoppage time to secure a crucial 2-1 win on Saturday away to fellow Premier League strugglers Southampton, who thought they had
Southampton vs. Cardiff City - Football Match Report
Hazard leads tributes for departing Fabregas, Football News
The 2019 season is Hougang United's 22nd consecutive season in the top flight of Singapore football and in the S.League. Along with the S.League, the club will also compete in the Singapore Cup. Note 1: Fazrul Nawaz returned to the team after the loan and subsequently complete the transfer.
Singapore's Hougang United forced to terminate Ramazotti's contract
Football News -PARIS (AFP) - Neymar will travel to Qatar to undergo a "complete assessment" six weeks into his recovery from a fractured right foot, the club said on Thursday (March 8
Neymar Heads to Qatar For Medical Assessment - News18
Kane 'proud' of England response to race jibes Sport > Football > Racism > Kane 'proud' of England response to race jibes By 24matins.uk with AFP, published 28 March 2019 at 15h53 BST , updated on 28 March 2019 at 15h54 BST .
Kane 'proud' of England response to race jibes - World Soccer
worldsoccertalk.com/2019/03/28/kane-proud-of-england-response-to-race-jibes/
Kane 'proud' of England response to race jibes AFP March 28, 2019 AFP No Comments London (AFP) - Harry Kane spoke Thursday of his pride at how his teammates dealt with being racially abused in Montenegro as he collected an award for "services to football" after leading England to the World Cup semi-finals.
Kane 'proud' of England response to race jibes | Sport24
Pep Guardiola coy over quadruple bid after Manchester City reach FA Cup final over Brighton City will play Watford or Wolves in the final on May 18 City labored to kill off Premier League
Guardiola coy over quadruple bid after City reach FA Cup final
Football News: Christian Eriksen's 88th-minute goal finally broke Brighton and Hove Albion's brave resistance to give Tottenham Hotspur a precious 1-0 victory on Tue late goal secures precious
Soccer: Eriksen's late goal secures precious win for
Step up or ship out: Solskjaer LONDON • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned his under-achieving Manchester United players there is no "hiding place" for them and that they are playing for their futures at the club.
Ready for City aggression, Football News & Top Stories - The
From Madrid - Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Roberto Firmino is fit to feature in the Champions League final clash with Tottenham on Saturday night. Firmino missed Liverpool's
FIFA backs 48-team World Cup in 2022 - sports.yahoo.com
Recalling Origi's "lucky goal", the Portuguese manager also mocked the manner in which the Reds boss celebrated the win as if it "was the final of a World Cup". EVERTON V LIVERPOOL Singtel TV
When the Reds will compete in the Club World Cup
FEST Camden hosted some of the best World Cup screenings in north London last summer, and now the organisers are hosting football fans for the Champions League final in its brand new venue Wonderfest.
UEFA Champions League Final - Live Screening at Tottenham
Pain is the alarm of disease, the symptom that announces that all is not right with our bodies. Whether due to accident or illness, it is the most common reason that people seek medical assistance. But because pain has many causes, some of which are poorly understood, it is often a vexing problem to treat.
Heal N Soothe Reviews - Consumer Health Digest
Antoine Griezmann has officially announced his decision to leave Atletico Madrid this summer, with his long predicted move to Barcelona now imminent. to stay at Atletico in the now infamous
No one from Barcelona has contacted me: Griezmann's future
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen