Boyle says Australia had to work hard for the win against Syria

A gritty 1-0 win for the Subway Socceroos over Syria has seen them progress to the next round of the Asian Cup already, but it was hard earned said Martin Boyle.

After putting in a solid 83 minutes in the match and creating the chance that led to the winning goal, Boyle has said he is pleased with the end result.

 

• READ MORE: Arnold wants improvement on the ball but pleased with group progression

“It took a while to get in, but I can say we worked hard, we created opportunities, we took them on when it was given to us and qualification to the next round is the most important thing,” he said.

Tweet: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1748144490953539643

It was a tricky match though as Syria’s low block meant there was limited time on the ball for the forward line of Australia.

Boyle said it was frustrating at times as he tried to be patient and wait for the opportunity to take on his marker.

“I try to be as positive as I can, I wasn't really getting that luck in the first half,” he said.

“It's hard to talk to get in those one v one positions when they've got a lot of men behind the ball, it wasn't pretty on the eye, but we had to work hard.

Speaking on the moment that led to the goal, Boyle said: “I managed to go past a few people there and create an opportunity and Jackson's managed to get his toe on it and we've got the lead.”

Tweet: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1748103219627397413

“We had chances after and we had chances before, but the three points are the most important thing,” he added.

Boyle went on to say he feels good representing Australia at a major tournament and hopes to repay the faith shone in him going forward.

“I feel like I've got a young heart and I've lost a few years with the injuries, but I feel like I can get them back at the end of my career,” he said.

“I'm thankful enough for the support that's way over from Scotland to support me, and obviously the team support me, and to Arnie and the trust he has put in me, hopefully I can keep contributing like that today and we can go even further.”

SUBWAY SOCCEROOS AFC ASIAN CUP QATAR 2023™ FIXTURES (GROUP B):

Every AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 match will be live on Paramount+