Asian Cup 2019: Australia defeat Palestine 3-0

After being humiliated in the opening clash of the Asian Cup, the Socceroos were out to send a message. They did so in brutal fashion.

Jamie Maclaren made up for mistake

Live Asian Cup: Australia vs Palestine

Welcome to our live coverage of the Asian Cup clash between Australia and Palestine.

Australia have rebounded in emphatic fashion after being humiliated in their opening clash of the Asian Cup.

In a must win game, the Socceroos wasted no time in gaining the upper hand as they peppered the Palestine box with forward forays.

Palestine had no answers to slow down the Socceroos who simply controlled the game in each and every third of the pitch.

Jamie Maclaren would have been looking for anywhere to hide after blowing a golden opportunity in the opening minutes of the game.

After a brilliant set-up along the left wing, the ball was crossed along the turf to Maclaren who swung at the ball only to kick it into the back of his other leg.

Palestine almost made the Aussies pay, but a brilliant defensive effort from Milos Degenek denied them the chance.

Maclaren then made no mistake when he was presented with a second chance as he headed home the tougher opportunity after a perfectly placed cross from Tom Rogic.

The goal was Maclaren’s first for the Socceroos and the celebration showed just how much it meant, with keeper Mat Ryan running the length of the pitch to join in.

GOAL! Maclaren with his first ever goal for the Socceroos! 1-0 #PLEvAUS

— SBS - The World Game (@TheWorldGame) January 11, 2019

Maclaren goes from the ridiculous to the sublime! #PLEvAUS

— Rohan Connolly (@rohan_connolly) January 11, 2019

Then two minutes later they doubled their advantage when yet another perfect cross, this time from Chris Ikonomidis, found Awer Mabil at the back of the box. Mabil calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net.

A perfect ball from Ikonomidis, and a brilliant finish from Mabil.

This was the moment we made it 0-2 against Palestine.

🎥: @FoxFootball #PLEvAUS #GoSocceroos pic.twitter.com/z5YNbNH8Ai

— Socceroos (@Socceroos) January 11, 2019

In the dying minutes of the opening half it was Mabil and Maclaren who combined inside the box with Mabil’s shot soaring over the crossbar.

As the second half got underway the Socceroos’ intent was clear from the outset as they continually attacked the Palestine defensive line.

It resulted in corner after corner, but the defences held strong and the lead never grew from the opening half.

Then Palestine began wrestling back control as the Socceroos began to take their foot off the gas. Thankfully for the Aussies their opponents struggled moving into the attacking third and never looked like challenging Mat Ryan.

A late goal pushed the total to 3-0 for the Socceroos when sub Apostolos Giannou drifted over the back of a cross and headed home the late goal.

The Socceroos needed to respond in a big way and while Grahama Arnold won’t rest on his laurels, the effort was a far better display than what was produced in the opening game.

Unfortunately the next group game against Syria will be without Trent Sainsbury after he received his second yellow card for the Asian Cup.

Chris Ikonomodis and Awer Mabil received plenty of praise for their superb performances and have given Australian football fans lots of hope for the future.

Ikonomidis has been delightful tonight. #PLEvAUS #AsianCup2019

— Ann Odong 🐨 (@AnnOdong) January 11, 2019

Ikonomidis pretty impressive. Like Mabil. Add Arzani, there's three for the long-term, surely? #PLEvAUS

— Rohan Connolly (@rohan_connolly) January 11, 2019

Superb performance from @chrisikonomidis, bagging two assists for the @Socceroos on his first competition start for Australia.

Brilliant performance Chris! 🙌#PLEvAUS #GoSocceroos

— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) January 11, 2019

Of course the signs were much better from Arnold’s men, but with plenty of dangerous teams still ahead on the path of defending the Asian Cup trophy. The Socceroos can’t afford to get complacent.

Well, that was so much better than Jordan. But should have been 5 or 6. Hopefully there's more improvement in this group to come because South Korea or Iran will punish us. #PLEvAUS

— Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) January 11, 2019

8.50pm

Arnold swings the axe

The opening clash humiliation has led Graham Arnold to swing the axe and keep his players on their toes to produce.

Robbie Kruse and Mass Luongo have both been dropped with Chris Ikonomidis and Jackson Irvine taking their places. The final change was Rhyan Grant who was brought in for the injured Josh Risdon.

LINE UP | Here's our Starting XI to face Palestine. #PLEvAUS

Kick-off is just 90 minutes away. #GoSocceroos #TogetherAsOne #AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/UMZi3aIYZb

— Socceroos (@Socceroos) January 11, 2019

Originally published as Asian Cup 2019: Australia defeat Palestine 3-0