Socceroos striker Kusini Yengi’s brace against Bahrain masks World Cup qualifying errors

Kusini Yengi came to the rescue for the Socceroos deep into stoppage time, but if the striker really does want to be the next Tim Cahill he has a long way to go, writes ERIN SMITH.

The Socceroos have pulled off a lucky escape to keep their World Cup dream alive on the back of a Kusini Yengi double.

Before the match kicked off, Saudi Arabia lost to Indonesia – giving the Socceroos a huge advantage on the path to direct qualification and they almost let it slip through their fingers.

The Socceroos started well, and into the halftime break up 1-0. However, just like the last time they faced Bahrain, it all started to crumble with just minutes left on the clock.

Bahrain scored two quick goals late in the second half to go 2-1 up – but Yengi made the most of a scramble in the box to once again level the scores.

Australia are lucky to walk away with a point from the clash – but really should have returned home with three and a strong hold on second place in the group.

Instead they have just a one point buffer.

New coach Tony Popovic proved he wasn’t afraid to make changes – with six new faces on the pitch compared to the side which lined up against Saudi Arabia last week.

Initially there were no questions about his changes after the Socceroos Kusini Yengi scored inside the opening minute of the match.

But there will be plenty now after the Socceroos threw away another chance to close out a match.

Here are five things we learned from the match.

Socceroos manager Tony Popovic has the side sitting second in qualifying, but only just. Picture: Christopher Pike/Getty Images

Battle of the keepers

There are 11 players on a field per team – but just one goalkeeper. It is rare to see keepers swapped – injury aside- – but Popovic seems to be uncertain on who he wants to use as his No. 1 and he might be regretting his decision to go with Mat Ryan for the first time in his tenure.

Ryan, the captain, hadn’t played since Graham Arnold walked away from the side – with Popovic putting Joe Gauci between the sticks.

Ryan, who hasn’t played for domestic club AS Roma this season, had hardly had to touch the ball in the first half – but two errors in the second had Australia on the back foot.

He was caught off his line by Bahrain’s Mahdi Abduljbbar. Just minutes later Abduljbbar scored a second – leaving the Socceroos in tatters.

The match was Ryan’s 96th in the green and gold making him the third-most capped player behind Mark Schwarzer and Tim Cahill.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED 🫨

Mahdi Abduljabbar from downtown evens it up!

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Strike force

Last time Kusini Yengi faced off with Bahrain he saw red – this outing he had the Socceroos on the board inside the first minute of play. But it is the chances he missed that have left the Australian side once again fighting to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Yengi, 25, has now scored six goals in the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifying rounds – that is six in six games.

While he scored Australia’s opening goal, after capitalising on a mistake from the Bahrain defence, he missed several crucial shots that could have given his side the win.

38 SECONDS!!!!!

What a start by Kusini Yengi, poaching on an early mistake to give the @Socceroos the absolute dream start 🫨

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Yengi had two good chances in the second half one hitting the post, the other ruined by a poor touch. Both could have been game changers.

The young striker got Australia back in the game cleaning up a lose ball in the box to level the scores deep in injury time. But should have had four goals to his name by the end of he match.

The striker has previously said he wants to be the next Tim Cahill – something the Socceroos have struggled to find in recent years. It isn’t off the cards but if Yengi wants to reach that level he needs to take every chance he gets and score more consistently.

What a rollercoaster of a game! 🎢

Kusini Yengi strikes back late for the #Socceroos! With roughly 5 minutes to play, is there one more twist to come? 🤔

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Goodwin is key

There is no holding Craig Goodwin back.

The team just seems to have a different energy when Goodwin is on the field. He is relentless when he has the ball at his feet and rarely wastes a chance.

Bahrain’s defence is not easy to break down yet Goodwin managed to break their lines time and time again. His accurate crosses, daring runs and ability to play with both feet make him a danger man.

The Socceroos just have to learn to work better with him – Goodwin can’t do it on his own. Yengi needs more time on the field with Goodwin to really build their partnership and ability to read each other’s movements.

The Socceroos were lucky to escape with a 2-2 draw. Picture: Christopher Pike/Getty Images

The future

From academy player to first contract, Socceroos call-up and debut – Hayden Matthews has had a whirlwind year.

If the 19-year-old Sydney FC teen was nervous about making his Socceroos debut he certainly didn’t show it.

Coach Tony Popovic threw him straight into the midfield in a must win match but the teen didn’t falter.

He played a key role in the opening goal. He made 42 passes in the first half including several decisive through balls. He was calm in possession, and teamed up well with Goodwin and Jackson Irvine.

Matthews’ rise to the top proves that talent can be fostered in Australia and through A-Leagues clubs.

Hayden Matthews impressed for the Socceroos on debut. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Next steps

A win would have given Australia a three point buffer over their next opponent – Indonesia – instead the Socceroos are once again fighting to keep their chances of direct qualification alive.

Saudi Arabia dropped to third after going down 2-0 against Indonesia.

This draw puts Australia into second place – but gives them just a one point buffer over Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China.

A win would have put them three points clear and greatly taken the pressure off.

Just the top two sides earn automatic qualification into the World Cup.

Australia now have to win matches against Indonesia and China in March to stay in the running.

Dates and locations for the next matches are yet to be confirmed.

Originally published as Socceroos striker Kusini Yengi’s brace against Bahrain masks World Cup qualifying errors