Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Australia’s build-up to January’s AFC Asian Cup suffered another setback when the tournament’s host nation slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Qatar in Doha on Tuesday.
Four days after a disappointing 0-0 draw against the UAE, a defensive lapse early in the second half cost the Australians the match against Qatar played in front of a lively Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Stadium.
With the game in the balance for much of the first-half, James Troisi had the best chance to give the away side the lead.
However, his shot lacked any real venom and was easily defused by Qatar custodian Qasem Burhan.
After the break, the Socceroos began to press the Qatari goal with Robbie Kruse forcing Burhan into action again.
However, their hard work along came to nothing as a persistent Qatari side took advantage of a poor clearance from Chris Herd, allowing 2006 AFC Player of the Year Khalfan Ibrahim to find the back of the net.
A string of late changes and a 75th minute drinks break did little to help Australia’s cause as Qatar held onto the 1-0 lead.
Victory over the Socceroos has handed Qatar their third win in as many matches after recent wins against fellow AFC Asian Cup hopeful Uzbekistan (3-0) and Lebanon (5-0) earlier this month.
This recent run of form will encourage coach Djamel Belmadi of his side’s prospects leading into the tournament in January.
His Australian counterpart Ange Postecoglou on the other hand has defended both his side’s performance and his own tactics, believing his side are still creating positive situations for themselves.
“We’re still achieving our outcomes, we’re still exposing players that would have learned a hell of a lot tonight,” he told FoxSports.
“The pieces of the puzzle are being put together but I also understand that results need to improve.
“I thought we looked really good in parts, played some of our best football. Really disappointing goal to concede, very sloppy.
“You pay the price and from our perspective it’s not good enough.”
With a break before their next matches Qatar’s focus now turns to a one off clash with DPR Korea before their Gulf Cup of Nations campaign kicks off in mid-November.
The Socceroos have a tough assignment ahead of them too as they prepare for their final warm-up match before the AFC Asian Cup with current champions Japan.
Photo: AFP