'Tournament Mode' all about winning games - Irvine
After playing a pivotal role in securing the Green and Gold’s spot in the Asian Cup knockout stages, Jackson Irvine reflects on the match against a stubborn Syria side.
Irvine’s lone goal was enough to see out opponents Syria who sit third in the group, having picked up a 0-0 draw with Uzbekistan in the first round of the group stage.
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The midfielder spoke of the importance of the three points in tournament mode, as well as the significance of keeping clean sheets in both matches in the competition thus far.
“It’s about winning football matches - we’re in tournament mode,” said Irvine.
“We’re about clean sheets, scoring goals, winning games and getting through to the next round.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1747967519611301990
“It was a hard-fought win today; the boys had to dig in at times against a team that threw everything at us at the end of the game and I’m pleased with the win.”
Irvine also emphasised how getting the first goal is vital for the Socceroos, not just in establishing a crucial score advantage, but in opening up the issue of the deeper defence to allow space in behind for the Green and Gold to work their magic.
“In these games, that first goal was so important,” he stated.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1747969064641962376
“We probably should have put the game to bed as we had a lot of open space after we scored the goal, but that’s something we can work on - a clean sheet is the most important thing.”
The clean sheet against Syria has seen the Socceroos keep their opposition scoreless for the sixth game running; the last time Australia achieved such a feat was in 2007-08.
Meanwhile, Irvine’s goals have been crucial for the Green and Gold thus far in the competition - his finishes against both India and Syria - in the 50th and 59th minutes respectively - have been critical in the Socceroos’ entry into the knockout stage of the Asian Cup.
In the last year, Irvine has scored four goals for the Socceroos - an average of 0.46 per 90 - and his consistent marauding runs into the box have become a key feature in finding the deadlock to open matches, with three of those goals being the first of the match.
“You have to be in there (the box) to score,” said Irvine, speaking on his recent form in front of goal for his nation.
“We’ve got good quality in the final third in the wide areas and if you get yourself in there enough times, sometimes they drop for you.”
The Socceroos will be looking to make it three wins from three against Uzbekistan as they continue their journey in the Asian Cup onwards to the knockout stages, with Irvine perhaps key once more in unlocking the game for the Green and Gold.
SUBWAY SOCCEROOS AFC ASIAN CUP QATAR 2023™ FIXTURES (GROUP B):
Australia v Uzbekistan
Tuesday, 23 January 2024
Al Janoub Stadium, Doha
Kick-off: 2:30pm local (10:30pm AEDT)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
Every AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 match will be live on Paramount+