Arnold ready to rotate following Bangladesh victory
Subway Socceroos coach Graham Arnold reflected on the Green and Gold’s 2-0 win over Bangladesh last night.
The Socceroos picked up their goals courtesy of Ajdin Hrustic and Kusini Yengi, with the first a deflected long-range strike and the second, a clinical header off a pin-point Jordan Bos cross.
The win continued Australia’s winning streak and clean sheet run in Group I, with the Green and Gold now just one match off a perfect second-round campaign.
“I have to say I was quite happy with it,” said Arnold on his side’s performance against Bangladesh.
“We could have done better in front of goal, but when you see the obstacles that were thrown at us - just arriving two days ago and then playing in these conditions with extreme humidity.
“And I have to say the pitch scared me last night, we weren’t allowed to train on it and do a session.
“Obviously, the storms are big here and it basically ruined the pitch and I was quite stressed about player welfare, but we got the job done and that’s the most important thing.”
Moving past the harsh conditions in Bangladesh, there was plenty of excitement, with teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda achieving his first Socceroos cap and assist at Bashundhara Kings Arena.
“I thought Nestor did well,” said Arnold on the Bayern Munich-bound star.
“They changed to a back five which we didn’t expect and we had to adjust straight away, which obviously gave them that one extra man at the back.
“Nestor’s energy’s been great in camp and he’s fitted in very, very well.
“You can see some of the actions he had, but again, it was the first time that kid’s probably played on a pitch like this as well.
“But overall, very happy with him.”
Beyond Irankunda, another electrifying winger made their first appearance for the Green and Gold in over six years.
After a strong A-League Men campaign, Daniel Arzani picked up where he left off, impressing in his 26-minute spell on the right of the Socceroos’ attack with his quick linkup play, dribbling ability and assertiveness in possession.
“You saw when he came on, he’s got the action out wide and he can get past people,” said Arnold on Arzani’s performance.
“But sometimes it’s the end product - it’s the last pass or cross, and I still think he needs to work on that.
“He gets himself in great positions and if he does that he’ll get more assists and more for his profile.”
In other news, Kusini Yengi made it goals in back-to-back games for the national team, consolidating his second-minute strike against Lebanon back in March with a precise header against Bangladesh.
“I think Kusini would be the first one to admit it - he’s probably a little rusty, he hasn’t played for five weeks because his last game was Portsmouth when they got promoted,” said Arnold.
“He’s had a bit of time off, but I thought he did well for us.”
Arnold will now be turning his sights to the Socceroos’ match against Palestine at HBF Park in Perth, with the goal of another victory and clean sheet to make it a perfect qualifying campaign.
The Socceroos coach has stated that there will be nine players rotated for the Tuesday night fixture, thanks to the broad depth the Australia squad possesses.
We head straight back to the hotel now to have dinner and let the boys have a shower,” said Arnold on the Socceroos’ schedule directly after the Bangladesh final whistle.
“Then we’re leaving the hotel at 10 o’clock to get on an 11:30 flight to Singapore, and then from Singapore, we’ll land in Perth tomorrow (today) at midday.
“So it’s quite hectic, but it’s what we’ve got to do to get back and prepare for the Palestine game, and you’ll see a lot of changes again.
“Out of the starting eleven tonight probably nine won’t play - that’s why I left them on longer than I would’ve normally.
“I’ve got players here with good depth, and we’ll start nine new lads.”
Match Details
Subway Socceroos v Palestine
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
HBF Park, Perth
Kick-off: 8.05pm AWST / 10.05pm AEST
Tickets: Start from $15 Child, $20 Concession, $25 Adult, and $50 Family. Tickets from Ticketmaster.
Broadcast: 10, 10 Play, Paramount+