3 minute read
Australia got their Asian Cup campaign back on track with a 3-0 victory over Palestine in Dubai on Friday.
FIVE TAKEAWAYS FROM AUSTRALIA'S 3-0 WIN OVER PALESTINE IN THE ASIAN CUP ON FRIDAY
* ARNIE MADE THE RIGHT CALLS
Graham Arnold dropped Robbie Kruse and Massimo Luongo following the 1-0 defeat against Jordan, replacing them with Chris Ikonomidis and Jackson Irvine. The changes worked with Ikonomidis' attacking play causing no end of trouble for the Palestine defence, including an assist for Awer Mabil's first-half goal, while Irvine was a dominant player in the midfield.
* MACLAREN IS OFF THE MARK
The monkey is off Jamie Maclaren's back with his first goal in national team colours. The striker took an air swing at an early chance but made no mistake to head home Tom Rogic's cross in the 18th minute. Getting off the mark is one less distraction for the forward in the remainder of the tournament.
* IKONOMIDIS IS A STAR IN THE MAKING
The Perth Glory winger has been in stellar form in the A-League, pushing his way firstly into the Socceroos squad and now the starting XI. Ikonomidis set up one goal and was dangerous throughout, consistently finding space between Palestine's packed defence. The 23-year-old could be one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
* SAINSBURY YELLOW WILL FORCE A DEFENSIVE RESHUFFLE
Trent Sainsbury will sit out Australia's final group-stage match due to suspension after he picked up his second yellow card of the tournament for time wasting late in the match. Sainsbury's absence will likely force Arnold to push captain Mark Milligan into defence with Massimo Luongo potentially to return in midfield.
* AUSTRALIA JUST NEED A POINT AGAINST SYRIA
With group positions determined by head-to-head records where teams are level on points, Australia will secure second spot in the group with a point against Syria on Tuesday in Al Ain. From there a second-round clash against Uzbekistan looks likely with a potential semi-final against South Korea seemingly to be the first time Australia will have to face a traditional powerhouse in the tournament.
