Chris Ikonomidis makes most of Socceroos start in win over Palestine
Perth winger Chris Ikonomidis has taken his blistering A-League form to the Asian Cup, seizing a first start at the tournament and calling it a successful day’s work.
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The Socceroos are off the mark, and Chris Ikonomidis has his tightened his grip on a first-team spot.
The Perth Glory revelation has taken his blistering A-League form to the Asian Cup, seizing a first start at the tournament and calling it a successful day’s work after two assists to help dispatch Palestine 3-0 in Dubai.
Ikonomidis got word he was in Graham Arnold’s XI during the team’s final pre-match training session, and he slipped seamlessly in on the left wing, gliding with authority and passing intelligently.
“I’m happy with my performance and the team’s win,” Ikonomidis said.
“To get my first start in the tournament was very pleasing on a personal level, but more importantly we’re off the mark now and there’s a lot confidence going through the boys.
“This is just the start for us, we’re only just getting warmed up. There’s so much more to give.
“We prepared everything tactically. I felt comfortable. Even though I’ve only been in the camp for a short amount of time it’s a camp where I’m learning a lot and having a lot of fun, and I’m playing football.”
Ikonomidis’ rise is one of a few encouraging signs among Australia’s youthful new guard, and his link-up play with fellow 23-year-old Awer Mabil was bright and prompted Mabil’s goal.
“We focused on full freedom in attack and little combinations and fast-paced counter-attacks up front,” he said.
“For Awer’s goal we did just that. I told him before the match to come in on my right foot and I’ll have my head up, just cut across the defence and I’ll look for you. We performed that.
“Getting that one win and having the goals flow brings a little bit of relaxation and more confidence to team. We’ll be doing exactly that again in four days’ time.”
Australia return to Al Ain on Saturday in preparation for Tuesday’s final group tie with Syria.
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Originally published as Chris Ikonomidis makes most of Socceroos start in win over Palestine