Socceroos boss Graham Arnold was full of positives but regretted “one sloppy moment” after Australia’s last-gasp 1-1 draw with Korea Republic in Brisbane on Saturday night.
Australia needed a 94th minute equaliser from Massimo Luongo to salvage a draw in front of more than 32,000 fans at Suncorp Stadium after the visitors had taken a 22nd minute lead.
“Overall it was fantastic,” Arnold told Fox Sports when asked about the performance.
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“I thought we played exceptionally well. One sloppy moment but I take responsibility for that.
“I take that responsibility because I’ve been more focused on what to do with the ball than without.
“One long ball in behind, a bit of sloppiness, we live and learn.”
After a wonderful first 20 minutes the @Socceroos concede a goal on the counter. Composed finish from Hwang Ui-jo. #AUSvKOR pic.twitter.com/Fn2u1XRYhF
— 10 Sport (@10SportAU) November 17, 2018
Arnold added he felt Australia fully deserved the leveller.
“Justice was served,” he said. “It was a very dominant performance.
“That’s the style of football that we expect to play.
“We’ve been working very hard on our principles of play, even though I’ve only been here a short time. We’ll get better and better.”
The ex-Sydney FC mentor also identified some of the positives.
“I only see positives,” he said.
“The pressing was great. We put them under pressure.
GOOOAAALL! Mass Luongo scores a 94th minute equaliser 😎
— Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos) November 17, 2018
🎥: @FoxFOOTBALL #AUSvKOR #GoSocceroos pic.twitter.com/7lQgTF7VUb
“Our attacking play was very good. Our build-up was very good.
“A couple of sloppy moments. I take that responsibility.”
He also defended Jamie Maclaren’s display as the main striker, insisting it will take time for the Hibernian striker.
“I think you saw the intent we had with the three number nines and Tommy Rogic having a lot of freedom,” he said.
“I thought Tommy was excellent tonight. He’s so dangerous in those areas.
“It’ll come (for Jamie). I’m 100 per cent positive that patience is required.
“I know we’re doing the right thing. We will nail this.”
Just WOW! 😱😱😱
— Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos) November 17, 2018
Maty Ryan pulls of an incredible save.
🎥: @FoxFootball #GoSocceroos #AUSvKOR pic.twitter.com/SXngFBWpMs
Arnold also praised his ex-Central Coast keeper Mat Ryan for his stunning save from a second-half Ju Se-Jong free-kick.
“That’s why Manchester united are looking at him,” he said. “He’s quality goalkeeper.”
Australia will play Lebanon next on Tuesday night in Sydney.
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.@Tim_Cahill gets a standing ovation from the Brisbane crowd #GoSocceroos
— Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos) November 17, 2018
Don’t miss his farewell in Sydney on Tuesday.
Tickets: https://t.co/VNxCo6slY3 pic.twitter.com/fZ3wswTiIp
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