Following Australia’s 2-2 draw with Oman, Socceroos striker Jamie Maclaren explained how his side will use the positives in their quest to qualify directly for a fifth-consecutive FIFA World Cup.
The Socceroos’ qualifying campaign was dealt a blow after Wednesday morning’s result, which saw a first-half Maclaren penalty and a 79th minute Aaron Mooy strike cancelled out by two Abdullah Fawaz goals.
The result leaves Australia three points adrift of the group’s automatic qualification positions with just two games left to play in Round 3 of AFC FIFA World Cup qualifying.
But with the side to host Japan on home soil before travelling to Saudi Arabia, Maclaren said they cannot dwell on the result.
“They put us under a bit of pressure towards the end and we just needed to see it out,” Maclaren said post-match.
“Unfortunately, with the penalty, you see them given and you see them not but we just need to move on now.
We believe in the high standards that we set. You saw in the first half that we created some chances and we were dangerous but at the same time, we have to go back to our clubs now and focus on the positives.
“It’s still in our hands with two games left. Obviously, we are a bit flat now but we have to go back to our clubs now, get that form individually and come back in March.”
After scoring against Vietnam on home soil, Maclaren continued his goalscoring form with his eighth international goal against Oman.
While there was no shortage of attacking talent who could have stepped up after Martin Boyle was brought down inside the area, Maclaren said taking the penalty was never in doubt.
“It was a no brainer to take it,” he said.
It was a bit of Mile (Jedinak) mentality I guess. Watching him in the Socceroos and seeing how confident he was to step up, I felt like my moment is in penalties.
“I take those the day before the games with Maty, Vuka and Redders so I have the confidence to take them.
“I’m obviously the first choice at my club to take them and I believe in myself when I’m on the pitch for the Socceroos.
“Me and Tommy Rogic had a chat and he said ‘Macca if you are confident, you can take it’ so it’s always nice to hit the back of the net but at the same time, we must focus on the next games that are coming up.
“I need to go back to my club, start scoring goals and keep the form going.”
Australia’s two remaining fixtures are against the two sides who sit above them in the group - Graham Arnold’s men host Japan in Sydney on March 24 before heading to group leaders Saudi Arabia for their final qualifier.
Ticket pre-sale commences for the Socceroos' clash with Japan on Wednesday morning at 10am AEDT.
