World Cup qualifiers: Socceroos suddenly find back of net with ease but problems emerge in defence
The Socceroos may have found a ruthless edge or two in front of goal but problems have emerged in defence that a more capable opponent can exploit. Here are five takeaways from their big win over Chinese Taipei.
Socceroos
Don't miss out on the headlines from Socceroos. Followed categories will be added to My News.
It wasn’t that long ago that Australia could count a stable defence even if their attack was misfiring.
The two World Cup qualifiers over the last seven days have played a bit of a role reversal. While there was never a chance of defeat to either Nepal or Chinese Taipei, there were some scares at the back that a more capable opponent can exploit.
Still, a 7-1 victory to continue their perfect start to World Cup qualifying away from home is not to be dismissed lightly.
Here are five takeways from their big win.
Stream every game of The 2019/20 Hyundai A-League season LIVE & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14 day free trial & start streaming instantly >
1/ Arnold’s ruthless edge has been found
Since the start of the qualifiers Graham Arnold has called for his players to be ruthless and that’s what they were in Kaohsiung. Four goals in the first half put the result beyond doubt and the flurry of strikes late in the second-half will have delighted the Australian coach as the Socceroos showed no mercy to a tiring Taiwan.
2/ Rhyan Grant is a bonfide Socceroos star
He only debuted last year but Rhyan Grant is almost undroppable at right-back now for the Socceroos. The Sydney FC defender knows Arnold from their time together in the A-League and is a vital part in the coach’s plan. His overlapping ability stretches defences and his delivery from wide led to two of the first-half goals.
3/ Suddenly Australia’s strikers look good
Adam Taggart’s first-half double was the rejuvenated striker’s first international goals since 2013 while Jamie Maclaren came off the bench to make it four goals in a week with Australia’s sixth. If both can keep up their good form at club level perhaps the Socceroos goal threat is a bit more dangerous than first assumed.
4/ Harry Souttar will worry defences
The big Scottish-born defender may have had one of his two goals against Nepal deemed an own-goal by the referee but there was no stopping him grabbing a double in Kaohsiung. The 198cm Souttar’s threat from set-pieces gives Arnold a great option for the campaign particularly with Aaron Mooy and Ajdin Hrustic providing excellent delivery.
5/ Australia’s defence remains untested
After Kuwait and Nepal offered little threat going forward, the Taiwanese showed good spirit and intent at times. They were never going to defeat the Socceroos but their 21st--minute goal exposed a lack of understanding between Milos Degenek and Harry Souttar as Chen Yi-Wei stole in to head past Mat Ryan. There were a couple more close calls throughout the game and Graham Arnold admitted he was disappointed with the defensive performance. Improvements must be made before the trip to Jordan in November.