Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos supersubs Jamies Troisi, Tomi Juric and Matt McKay on how the final turned

ANGE Postecoglou has long demanded his substitutes make an impact, and they most certainly did on the grandest stage.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 31: James Troisi of Australia celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2015 Asian Cup final match between Korea Republic and the Australian Socceroos at ANZ Stadium on January 31, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

ANGE Postecoglou has long demanded his subs make an impact, and they most certainly did on the grandest stage.

Super subs Tomi Juric and James Troisi combined to restore Australia’s lead in the dying seconds of the first half extra-time.

Earlier the Socceroos’ hopes appeared doomed, as they lost Tim Cahill, Ivan Franjic and Robbie Kruse to injury in a cruel 10-minute spell midway through the second half, as South Korea had only made their second sub.

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James Troisi reflects on a huge victory for Australian football.

But the attacking injections and the stamina of third sub Matt McKay helped overrun the plucky South Koreans, who equalised in stoppage time.

Troisi wasn’t sure if he would’ve come on if not for Kruse’s injury, but praised Juric’s lead up play.

“I was in the box putting my hands up I didn’t know what was going on,’’ Troisi said.

“I thought it was a free kick, he didn’t give it, I stayed on my toes, I saw the ball spill and I pounced.

“I’m not too sure (if coming on), they got me warming up and we were already warming up 50th minute.

“It’s not easy for me and the boys coming into a game, but credit to everyone, we stayed focused and all the boys that came on had an impact and I was the lucky one.

“The most important thing is you have to be focused and switched on so when you get your opportunity you take it.

“It still hasn’t hit me, I didn’t know what to do, its an amazing feeling, I ran like a maniac.’’

James Troisi goes wild after scoring his Asian Cup final-winning goal for Australia.

Juric’s persistence paid off, as he held off his opponent, entered the penalty box and tried to find Jason Davidson. Keeper J-H Kim got his fingertips on it, but Troisi pounced.

Juric was in a daze recounting the goal.

“My body was just ... it’s hard to explain, I don’t know what happened, my body just on autopilot I guess,’’ Juric said.

“It was just instinct. My body took over in the moment and did what needed to do to score the winning goal.’’

McKay said the Socceroos sensed their opponents were struggling at the end.

“They sneaked one in at the end, but during extra time he (Postecoglou) said they’re cramping and we’ll run over the, were fitter than them and eventually we did,’’ McKay said.

“I’ve been in grand finals before where it’s happened, when you do cop a goal the momentum swings to them.

“The only way to get rid of that momentum is just to dig in and get forward and be brave and the side did.

Substitute Matt McKay’s energy was key as the game wore on.

“Just had to keep going at the end of 90. We tried to increase tempo. It helps when you see how much they’re struggling with cramping and injuries.

“He has to rely on everyone in the tournament and subs play a major part. We saw with the winner, Tomi Juric creating some havoc on the line and a cross and another sub Jimmy Troisi scored.’’

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos supersubs Jamies Troisi, Tomi Juric and Matt McKay on how the final turned