Ange: Socceroos dominated but loss hard to take

Socceroo coach Ange Postecoglou said Australia dominated their loss to Korea Republic and should’ve got the result they were looking for had it not been for outstanding defence from the Taeguk Warriors.

Speaking after the 1-0 loss in Brisbane on Saturday night, which means a quarter-final for Australia with China this Thursday in Brisbane, Postecoglou reflected on a game dominated by the home side.

"Anyone who watched the game, whilst the result didn't go our way, would say that we kind of dominated the game for major parts and created good opportunities,” he told reporters after the match. 

“I think the players did fantastically well. In terms of the performance I can't fault the players. They gave it absolutely everything right to the end.

“We still created enough chances to get the result we wanted but it wasn't meant to be.”

Like Kuwait in the group opener, the Socceroos' defence switched off against Korea and were punished. A fact Postecoglou was left to rue.

"We obviously conceded a pretty poor goal. We switched off and from our perspective it's very disappointing because we defended well aside from that."

On the other hand Korea's defence put in an excellent shift. Something the Aussies were prepared for. 

"They [Korea] sat back pretty deep, which is all right. They wanted the result tonight. There was nothing surprising in what they did.

“We had plenty of chances. Sometimes in football, the opposition defend well and the goalkeeper makes some great saves and we can't get the result we want. 

"The biggest negative tonight is the result."

One positive is the Socceroos remain in Brisbane to prepare for their quarter-final clash with China on Thursday night.

And with huge local support from their fans, this won’t be easy, said the Australian coach.

“It’s going to be a challenge for us on Thursday.

"The route to the final will be difficult whichever way you went.

“I wasn't even thinking about the China game to be honest. We start thinking about the China game now."

The Socceroos will face China PR in the Quarter-Finals of the AFC Asian Cup at Brisbane Stadium on Thursday 22 January (8.30pm local kick off). Click here to purchase tickets.

 

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