Goodwin says valiant Aussies must be ‘ruthless’ to take next step
Subway Socceroos winger Craig Goodwin says Australia must make the most of their chances if they are to take their game to the next level.
Australia proved their competitiveness against the world’s best once again on Saturday morning, giving England a scare on their own turf.
The Socceroos had ample opportunities to find the net, yet the ball eluded the goal as the Three Lions snatched a slim 1-0 win.
Goodwin explained the team are taking confidence from the performances they are putting in against some of the best teams in the world.
The Al-Wehda winger created three chances for Australia in his 73 minutes on the park.
“We’ve been together for a long time this group and the coaching staff. We take a lot of confidence from everything we’ve done, and I think we’re going from strength to strength,” Goodwin said.
“Disappointed with the result, but I think we’ve shown tonight and in the games at the World Cup and since the World Cup, we’ve played against top oppositions and matched them on the pitch.
“Coming up against England as one the best national teams in the world, all the players play in the Premier League or top five leagues and they're quality players. You see the substitutions they make.”
Tweet: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1712890967341388207
However, Goodwin said good performances aren’t enough anymore, looking for the side to start taking their chances and begin toppling these giants.
“There were large parts of that game where we created chances, and I think we have to be more clinical as well,” he said.
“There are some things to work on because we want to try and convert these decent performances and chances we are creating into goals. If we can fine-tune and be more ruthless with the chances that we have, I think we can take our game to the next level.”
Goodwin also said he’s enjoying his own personal football, following on his fantastic form with Adelaide United last season, with a flying start to life in Saudi Arabia.
The left-sided attacker has three goals in his first four games since his return to Al-Wehda and is targeting further plaudits as the season progresses.
“I’m really confident in my ability, and I think coming up against top players like this and being able to match with them on the pitch only fills me with more confidence,” he said.
“Hopefully, I can have another good performance against New Zealand in a few day's time and take that back to club level again.”
Upcoming match
Australia v New Zealand - International Friendly
Tuesday, 17 October
Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford, London UK
Kick-off: 7.45pm local / 5.45am AEDT (Wednesday, 18 October)
Tickets: Purchase Here
