Irvine: I know a lot of people raise eyebrows when you say Soccer Ashes
Goalscoring hero Jackson Irvine praised the Socceroos’ October window, saying it is the best preparation ahead of some crucial games for the team.
Australia have faced a set of gruelling friendlies following their Qatar 2022 World Cup campaign, with results hard to come by.
The side’s final test ahead of World Cup qualifying and the Qatar 2024 Asian Cup was a battle for the Soccer Ashes against New Zealand.
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Irvine placed emphasis on the importance of the trophy and said Australia were eager to take home some silverware.
“I think the sentiment is fantastic. The more you hear about the story, the more you feel like there is real substance to it and it’s a really big part of Australian football culture. I know a lot of people raise eyebrows when you say Soccer Ashes but I think the more they learn about it, they realise there is a real feeling about it and we saw tonight we were out there to try and win it,” he said.
The midfielder scored the Socceroos' second goal after coming on as a second-half substitute with an accurate header following Martin Boyle’s set piece to seal the trophy.
He was delighted with the performance of the team, and with his goal, explaining it is some of the best football he has seen in his time with the team.
“[It was] a different role for me tonight coming off the bench, but to be honest, I thought the first 30 minutes of the game is as good as we’ve played in the few years I’ve been in this team,” Irvine said.
“We thought we were going to control and have many more periods with the ball, which we did, and we created so many chances. I thought in the final third, we were patient when we needed to be. We crossed in good moments, and in the end, we could have sealed it off with three or four in the last five or ten minutes.
“With the delivery we have, from the likes of Craig Goodwin and Boyley [Martin Boyle], we are such a threat from those positions.
“For myself, coming on and scoring goals is special. I’ve got some family here as well - that always makes it better.
“All the boys were outstanding. Mass [Luongo] coming back in - so happy for him. Keanu [Baccus] is growing stronger and stronger into his role.”
Tweet: https://twitter.com/jacksonirvine_/status/1715028273980207382
Irvine reflected on the window with Australia as the best possible way to lead into the competitive fixtures ahead.
The side begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Bangladesh in Melbourne. [Get tickets here]
“It’s been outstanding. It’s been the perfect way to lead us back into competitive games. It’s been a couple of windows of friendlies. Obviously, we say there is no such thing as a friendly, but now we’re into the real business side of things going into World Cup qualifying and in preparation for the Asian Cup.
“A lot of positives for the younger players and for us experienced boys to continue to grow this group, and couldn’t be prouder of the two performances and the result tonight.”