Socceroos deliver on excitement, if not on goals

Graham Arnold promised energy, pace and a fast style of football, and Australia delivered that in large doses against South Korea.

Socceroo Awer Mabil keeps an attack alive against South Korea after coming on as a substitute on Saturday night. Picture: AAP

Graham Arnold promised energy, pace and a fast style of football, and Australia delivered that in large doses against South Korea in Brisbane on Saturday night.

It took a 94th-minute scrambled goal from Massimo Luongo to earn a 1-1 draw against a side that was understrength and well organised, but few will argue that it was no less than the Socceroos deserved in Arnold’s first game in chargeon home soil as full-time coach of the national team.

With the opening game of their Asian Cup defence against Jordan in the United Arab Emirates 49 days away, there was plenty to like about a Socceroos side that dominated much of the game and fought to the very last seconds for an equaliser after copping a 22nd-minute goal against the run of play.

Unfortunately, the inability to capitalise on possession and the attacking intent — something that has been the Socceroos’ achilles heel over the past 18 months or so — cost them dearly. Statistics tell the story, the home side firing off 23 shots to four, 11 of which were on target.

In comparison, goalkeeper Mat Ryan made just one save, albeit a stunner in which he flew full stretch to his right to palm away a free-kick that looked destined for the top corner.

While the goals were not forthcoming, Arnold walked away pleased with what he saw from his players, especially given he has had just 20 days of actual training with them since taking over from Bert van Marwijk in July.

By the time the Asian Cup comes around, he will have had three friendlies and around 30 days’ preparation with the squad. It is not ideal but it is what it is andArnold remains buoyant he will have Australia at their best come January.

Certainly the signs from Saturday night are good that he will be true to his word.

From the opening whistle the Socceroos played a high line, pushing the fullbacks Josh Risdon, who was very impressive, and Aziz Behich forward while Tom Rogic was a constant threat in the final third. They created a number of chances as the Koreans barely struggled to cope.

But one lapse in concentration proved costly as the visitors went long and found Huang Ui-jo, who used his speed to race into the box before calmly slotting past Ryan. That gave the Koreans a lift but did nothing to dent Australia’s confidence.

Arnold went to his bench in the 55th and 71st minutes, introducing the speed and skill of Awer Mabil (for Robbie Kruse) and Martin Boyle (for Jamie Maclaren). The duo made a difference, adding more spark and enthusiasm with their pace.

Mabil, in particular, looked exceptional. The 23-year-old is an exciting prospect and, on what he has shown in his past two games for the Socceroos, there is no doubt he is close to being a regular in the starting XI rather than a bench player.

He should start against Lebanon at ANZ Stadium tomorrow, as should Boyle, who made his Australia debut. Though born in Scotland Boyle, who plays for Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League, is eligible to play for the Socceroos because his father was born in Sydney.

He is a direct runner who likes to take on his opponents, and he has a real competitive edge about his game.

Boyle replaced Hibs teammate Maclaren, who worked hard but did not get the sort of service required to show off his goal-poaching skills.

Still, Arnold has faith that the goals will eventually come.

“We got players in the (attacking) areas and the positions and we saw that with the three number nines, especially (Mathew) Leckie. He got into the penalty box on more occasions,” he said. “Mabil and Boyle added a lot of spark.

“We got what we deserved and I am proud of the performance. In the short time I have been in charge, the only thing I can judge is the performance. The pressing was great and the rotations and attacking intent were there.”