Boyle eager to ‘put things right’ against China

Socceroos winger Martin Boyle believes his side can “put right” the frustration of dropping points against Saudi Arabia when Australia play China on Wednesday morning (AEDT). 

The Socceroos' first match on home soil since October 2019 produced a tight affair between two sides who were desperate to hold their positions at the top of Group B.

While there was a flurry of late chances for both sides, the deadlock was unable to be broken in wet conditions in Parramatta. 

The results leaves Australia second in Group B at the halfway point of Asian Qualifying, three points behind Saudi Arabia in first and one ahead of Japan in third. 

Despite the disappointment of dropping points against the Saudis, Boyle believes his side can bounce back against China in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday morning (AEDT).

"I think you can see in the lad's faces we're a bit frustrated,” Boyle said post-game. 

"I thought we dominated most of the game, we played well, and it was just that final bit where we didn't have enough execution.

"They threw a bit at us in the end but we rode the wave. We played well and there's still a long way to go but we're positive. 

Tuesday is massive for us now, we were frustrated tonight but we can put that right on Tuesday night. It's part of the journey and we're looking forward to it."

Boyle, who hails from Scotland but represents the nation of his father’s birth, had not played in Australia since 2018 when he made his debut.

Since then, the Hibernian attacker has gone on to become one of the Socceroos most important players, but matches on home soil have been few and far between due to COVID-19 regulations. 

After the match against Saudi Arabia on Thursday night, Boyle explained how much he enjoyed playing at Western Sydney Stadium for the first time. 

"This is perfect conditions for me, the ball moves along the ground beautifully,” Boyle said.

It's a great stadium, a great pitch and the fans came out in their numbers and spurred us on today.” 

Graham Arnold's side will be looking to return to winning ways when they face off against China in the UAE. 

The last time the Socceroos and China met in September, Australia claimed a 3-0 win thanks to goals from Boyle, Awer Mabil and Mitchell Duke.

Once again, the action will be broadcast live and free on Australia's 'Home of Football,' Network Ten.