Caltex Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said his side were "outstanding" in the second half after defeating Saudi Arabia 3-2 in World Cup qualification on Thursday night, and sees a huge future for a number of his rising stars.
WRAP: Juric and Rogic on target in crucial win
Caltex Socceroos 3-2 Saudi Arabia; as it happened in the official match centre
Postecoglou spoke with Fox Sports after the game.
IMPORTANCE OF WIN
The three points are important when you look how tight the group is. And more important for us was there was a real good response particularly in the second half.
Our second 45 was outstanding and credit to the players. These are the kind of games you want to win. You don’t want to be holding on.
FRUSTRATING FIRST HALF
We started the game well, we let them back into it. We got a bit scrappy with our possession. And got a bit naive and conceded a second one.
We were trying to rush things. And that’s understandable. They’re all a bit excited. The intent was there just the execution wasn’t in the first half.
HALF TIME MESSAGE
I didn’t have to say anything. The boys were pretty frustrated themselves.
SECOND HALF
They grew into it. And it was pleasing we finished the game strong.
TOMI TIME
I said before the game we’re a little in a hurry to get these guys sort of mature and it just takes time. Tomi’s developing all the time. And it’s been his first full season.
He said he played about 30 games this year and that’s a first time in his career and I’ve no doubt he’ll keep developing in his career.
He was great tonight. Not just his goals but he held the ball up well and caused some problems.
We were in a rush to get into a certain place and we’ve just got to take our time with these guys [Rogic, Mooy and Co.].
In the coming years they’ll grow into exciting players.