Striker Robbie Kruse paid tribute to Korea Republic’s stoic defending in his side's 1-0 loss but said the Socceroos had enough chances to win the game.
Speaking after the final Group A game in the Asian Cup, the Bayer Leverkusen striker said Australia’s profligacy came back to haunt them during the loss in Brisbane on Saturday night.
“Korea Republic were very strong and defended well, but we had chances to win the game,” he told reporters after the game.
Brisbane boy Kruse was a second half substitute and he had a golden chance to equalise had it not been for the brilliance of South Korean goalkeeper Kim Jin Hyeon.
The Taeguk Warriors now top Group A and head to Melbourne to meet either Saudi Arabia or Uzbekistan.
Australia remain in the Queensland capital to face China on Thursday night.
“Korea Republic only created one chance and scored from it,” Kruse added.
“We had the chances to win the game, we just didn’t take them.”
The Socceroos will face China PR in the Quarter-Finals of the AFC Asian Cup at Brisbane Stadium on Thursday 22 January (8.30pm local kick off). Click here to purchase tickets.
