After the first win for the Socceroos in five matches, Ange Postecoglou is a happy man.
This week, the national team was able to overcome its initial loss against World Cup royalty Belgium and carve out its first well earned win, this time against Saudi Arabia.
The 3-2 score was thanks to many new recuits to the team, including uncapped Massimo Luongo, Australia’s best in an attacking midfield role.
“Mass (Luongo) was excellent. If anything we could have used him more,” Postecoglou told Fox Sports.
With some clever runs off the ball we could have got more out of him. He’s a very talented young player, we’ll keep putting him out there and he’ll keep learning every time he plays.”
The early lead helped the Socceroos keep the game to their advantage, with goals to Cahill and skipper Mile Jedinak inside six minutes keeping the Saudi’s on their toes.
Sadly the team lost its passion in the second half, conceding two goals. Bailey Wright saved the match from a draw, putting in Australia’s third and final goal of the night.
“It wasn’t really (poor) defending but just as a team we lost our composure,” Postecoglou said of his side’s second half struggles.
“But I’d hate to think what the average age of our back four was at the end there. There’s some good lessons, there was some progress.
“I know exactly where we’re at and what we have to do and we’ll keep moving forward. We’re creating some depth and exposing players to international football. As we get closer to the Asian cup will have a bigger pool to choose from.”
Source: FFA.
