World Cup qualifiers: Draws with Saudi Arabia, Japan, Thailand, Iraq left Socceroos with mountain to climb

THEY weren’t defeats but they certainly felt like it. The Socceroos have been consigned to the playoffs mostly because of the results in these four games.

The Socceroos will certainly a run of four consecutive draws.

AFTER winning their opening two games of their Asian qualifying group, the wheels suddenly came off the Socceroos campaign.

It was mortal blow.

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That they weren’t defeats made it even harder to take. The consequences were just as dire.

The visit to Japan last week may have been their only defeat but this stretch of four games was the real reason why Australia have been consigned to the playoff route.

Saudi Arabia 2 Socceroos 2 (October 7, 2016 in Jeddah)

On the face of it, a credible result, especially as no-one else picked up even a point in Saudi Arabia. But after Tomi Juric gave the Socceroos a 2-1 lead midway through the second half, the manner in which they conceded the equaliser was extremely disappointing. With the defence all over the place, Nasser Al Shamrani prodded home from close range. It was a chance missed to stamp some authority on the group.

Socceroos 1 Japan 1 (October 11, 2016 at Etihad Stadium)

Australia hadn’t beaten their arch rival for seven years — and that uncertainty was plain to see in this match. At the time one point was seen as a good reward. But subsequent events — especially Japan’s performance last week on home soil against Australia — showed how far off the pace Australia actually were. The Japanese were excellent early on and deservedly took the lead on five minutes. Australia took a long time to get in the game and Japan really should have been out of sight by halftime. Mile Jedinak equalised early in the second half but it wasn’t a performance to be proud of.

The Socceroos’ inability to beat Thailand in Bangkok was telling.

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Thailand 2 Socceroos 2 (November 15, 2016 in Bangkok)

This was seen as a guaranteed three points — the sort of game the Socceroos needed to get back on track. But instead it turned into a nightmare. Things went according to plan early when Jedinak converted a ninth minute penalty. But in energy-sapping heat, the Thais ran the show and deservedly drew level through Teerasil Dangda. The Socceroos were stunned when Dangda converted a penalty in the 57th minute to give the hosts the lead but Jedinak drew them level with his second spot kick eight minutes later. Japan and Saudi Arabia both won in Bangkok without conceding a goal — and this ultimately proved the difference in the group.

The Socceroos were fortunate to pick up a point against Iraq.

Iraq 1 Australia 1 (March 23, 2017 in Tehran)

The Socceroos couldn’t break their draw rut in neutral Tehran — and actually were lucky to pick up a point as Iraq dominated for much of the game. Mathew Leckie gave Australia an undeserved lead but it looked as though it might be enough as Iraq failed to break down the Socceroos’ defence. Substitute Ahmed Yasin then struck 14 minutes from time. It was another blown opportunity that Saudi Arabia — who beat Iraq away — took full advantage of.

Originally published as World Cup qualifiers: Draws with Saudi Arabia, Japan, Thailand, Iraq left Socceroos with mountain to climb