Fan reaction: 'Maybe Kruse wasn't our biggest problem'

Australia are through to the Round of 16 in a match that aged us all "about 10 years". No surprises that the fan reaction was about as diverse as the performances.

The Socceroos took the lead early through Awer Mabil but immediately gave up an equaliser to Omar Khrbin, which drew the ire of nervous fans across the country.

I’m beginning to suspect maybe Kruse wasn’t our biggest problem #AUSvSYR

— Alec Ф (@Farkov) 15 January 2019

Mood. #AUSvSYR #GoSocceroos pic.twitter.com/Kvje1DoKYs
— Julian Baumbach (@JulesBTheJourno) 15 January 2019

Ffs. That lasted as long as a Wanderers lead. #AUSvSYR
— West Sydney Football (@WestSydney) 15 January 2019

As well as the captivating and at times heart-in-mouth action on the field, a few high-rise observers caught fan's attention as well.

when you'd do anything not to pay to watch the game #AUSvSYR pic.twitter.com/d0zsaOChSB
— A-League Memes (@TheRealALM) 15 January 2019

In a match that had just about everything, a second-half penalty to Omar Al Soba garnered a lot of criticism - the Syrian striker appearing to go over very lightly in the Socceroos area.

Thank Christ. That game aged me about 10 years. Very, very nervy. Milligan never looked comfortable at the back. Syria did very well and make it difficult for the Socceroos. That penalty call was bullshit. But in the end Australia advance #AUSvSYR
— John Davidson (@johnnyddavidson) 15 January 2019

This game has been hard to watch at times and this absolute nonsense call hasn't made it any easier. What an absolute joke, VAR or not. Embarrassing that between the ref and linesman they manage to give this as a penalty. #AUSvSYR #AsianCup2019 https://t.co/2nS7vLzZ9S
— Matthew Galea (@mg91) 15 January 2019

My dog walked up to me and asked me what I was doing. I said I was watching Australia v Syria.

He replied "what? How can Australia be playing the entire top flight of the Italy?"

I sent him outside. Idiot dog. #AUSvSYR
— Michael Turner (@mturnerATB) 15 January 2019

Gone from 'won't watch' to 'just watch the first half' to 'oh fuck it, still getting 6 and a bit hours of sleep' in the last hour. Mon Roos. Just win baby. #AUSvSYR
— James (@JamesK_1312) 15 January 2019