The five major takeaways from the Socceroos’ 1-0 loss to Jordan at the Asian Cup

The Socceroos’ Asian Cup title defence got off to a rocky start, and the cracks in Graham Arnold’s new-look side are beginning to show. Here are five takeaways from their 1-0 loss to Jordan!

Five things we learned from Australia's loss to Jordan.

The Socceroos’ Asian Cup title defence got off to a rocky start, and the cracks in the side are clearer than ever.

There’s still some fundamental issues in Graham Arnold’s team, and with Palestine just around the corner, the gaffer might want to patch them up before another embarrassing results derails their tournament completely.

Here are five takeaways from Australia’s 1-0 loss to Jordan in the Asian Cup!

ASIAN CUP NEWS

WRAP: INDIA BREAK 55-YEAR DUCK, BULLET HEADER BEATS ROOS

QUESTIONS: HOW DO THE SOCCEROOS PREVENT ANOTHER SHOCKER?

PLAYER RATINGS: TWO SHINING LIGHTS IN ROOS’ ASIAN CUP DISASTER

‘IT’S DANGEROUS TO TALK LIKE THIS’: JORDAN BOSS BLASTS SOCCEROOS’ PRE-GAME HYPE

‘IT’S BELIEF’: ROOS BOSS HITS BACK AT ‘ARROGANCE’ CLAIMS AFTER ASIAN CUP SLIP-UP

INJURIES HAVE DISRUPTED AUSTRALIA

The loss of Andrew Nabbout to a groin strain on the eve of the match was the latest injury to strike the Socceroos. With Mat Leckie already unavailable and key players Aaron Mooy, Daniel Arzani and Martin Boyle at home the lack of cohesion in Australia’s attacking play was stark. There is also a doubt over the fitness of Josh Risdon.

THE UAE WILL BE A HOSTILE PLACE FOR AUSTRALIA

The Jordanian contingent in the crowd wasn’t huge but they were loud, providing a boost for Vital Borkelmans’ side. Australia face two more Arabic teams in their group and reports are the final group game against Syria will be close to a sellout with Syrians backing their team in numbers at the tournament. The Socceroos will need to block out that hostility to avoid any more slip ups.

ROBBIE KRUSE REMAINS UNDER PRESSURE TO PERFORM

The 30-year-old winger came under criticism for his displays at last year’s World Cup and was largely anonymous again on Sunday. Substituted early in the second half, he could find himself benched for Friday’s clash with Palestine with young talent such as Chris Ikonomidis pushing for selection.

AUSTRALIA MUST COME OUT FIRING

The Socceroos were surprisingly passive in possession for most of the first half and didn’t spark into life until late in the second half. From there Tom Rogic missed a great chance, Awer Mabil hit the post and Jamie Maclaren had a goal ruled out for off-side. Keeping that intent for the start of the next game will be important.

Robbie Kruse put in another underwhelming display.

DEFEAT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD

Graham Arnold was philosophical post match, arguing if you’re going to lose any match at a tournament, the first game is the one to do it. With even third place likely to lead to a place in the knockout stages, Australia have plenty of time to get back off the canvas.

Get every match of the AFC Asian Cup LIVE only on FOX SPORTS. Sign Up Now!

MORE ASIAN CUP NEWS

SHOCKEROOS: 69% OF THE BALL, 459 MORE COMPLETED PASSES... AND BEATEN BY WORLD #109

‘EVERYONE WANTS US TO SUFFER’: ROO’S SULK AFTER SHOCK DEFEAT

‘WE NEED CHANGES’: SLATER’S SURPRISE SOCCEROOS STRIKER SOLUTION

The Socceroos take on Palestine in January 11.

Originally published as The five major takeaways from the Socceroos’ 1-0 loss to Jordan at the Asian Cup