While serious doubts remain over the Socceroos’ ability to scale the heights of 2015 and win the Asian Cup, they have cleared the first hurdle by progressing through Group B with a game to spare in Qatar.
A 1-0 win over Syria, via Jackson Irvine’s second goal of the tournament, continued the recent history of tight battles between the two countries and gave the Socceroos a maximum six points from six after beating India 2-0 in their opener.
As with that contest, the Australians overcame a laboured first half to score in the second. Irvine’s goal was made by Martin Boyle, who was having a quiet night off the the right side of attack but produced a cheeky nutmeg and surging run brim full of intent.
There was plenty of fortune in how the ball bobbled up off a defender but Irvine’s turn in the area was superb and he flicked the ball past the advancing goalkeeper Ahmad Madanieh to score the only goal in the 59th minute.
The goal took Irvine to 11 for the Socceroos – amazingly the same number as Mark Viduka.
Graham Arnold had made three changes two minutes before the breakthough and Riley McGree once again brought the energy that broke open the game against India.
Jordan Bos won a start after his goal in the opening game and impressed – spending some time on the right as well his preferred left flank – before being removed as part of the 57th minute change up.
Ammar Ramadan of Syria and Jordan Bos of Australia compete for the ball during the AFC Asian Cup Group B match between Syria and Australia at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on January 18, 2024 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images)
Unlike India, Syria had produced plenty of threat on the counter, and could easily have led in just the fifth minute as Pablo Sabbag was given far too much time in the Socceroos’ box. He tried to deceive Mat Ryan by looking to the far post but shooting to the near and the ball smacked off the woodwork with the keeper beaten.
Australia was creating too little from open play and Connor Metcalfe’s set piece radar was off. Irvine stretched and headed wide from one Metcalfe freekick and just failed to reach another chance at the back post.
Arnold will be pleased that Australia was relatively untroubled after going one up, although Ryan almost suffered a howler.
A long range volley from Mouaiad Al Ajaan should have been an easy gather for Ryan but he spilled the shot goalward scrambling desperately to save his embarrassment and protect the three points.
Australia had the best chances in the final stages to extend their lead as Syria tired. Bruno Fornaroli just failed to to reach a cross from the right while Samuel Silvera wasted a clear chance to set up McGree off an astute Irvine cross. Harry Souttar charged through from the back to create another opportunity and was furious when a poor pass from Silvera squandered the opportunity.