Mat Ryan: Argentina match another invaluable experience

Subway Socceroos Captain Mat Ryan believes the team must learn from their experience against the World Champions after suffering a 2-0 friendly defeat in China.

Ryan was frustrated by the shaky beginning to the match against Argentina which saw Australia fall behind 1-0 inside 79 seconds following Lionel Messi's stunning opener.

However, the veteran goalkeeper praised the response shown and believes it is something they can build on after competing admirably with the best team in the world for extended portions of the contest.

"Disappointing with the start of the game," Ryan said immediately after the match.

"Obviously, we talk about having the self belief when we go out there, but I just felt, you know, we were a little bit passive and naive and tentative and playing the easy pass backwards.

"Obviously, (Lionel) Messi he got his sight on goal there and he took it -  put us behind the eight ball but from there the reaction was was quality. 

"We dug our heels in, we fought, we know (Emiliano) Martinez made a big save there in the first half to keep us from going level and then it's disappointing the goal we concede."

Ryan said once his side settled they demonstrated their ability and composure in possession, especially the younger players in the side.

Any reservations or self-doubt that may have been there in the subconscious mind were quickly dispelled based on a noticeable improvement after the initial 10 minutes.

Graham Arnold's men certainly grew in confidence and fashioned their best chance via a Mitch Duke volley which was well-saved.

"I think the biggest key to the self-belief is when you go out and you prove to yourself that you can do it," he said.

"Perhaps before the game started, you know, the young guys, I guess like myself, when I was also young, you got that little bit of doubt, unsure about yourself, perhaps until you go out there and you do it.

"And once the boys, you know, started to find their straps out there, they had a few successful actions, I think the confidence grew and we started to make inroads and you know, we made a real match of it.

"But unfortunately, we couldn't convert a chance to get back in the game. But like I said, I think there's plenty of positives to take, but, you know, we want to be beating these teams and, invaluable experience for everyone."

Indeed, for all of Australia's promise they were unable to impact the scoreline and found themselves 2-0 down midway through the second stanza.

An unmarked German Pezzella headed home from an improvised corner routine which the Aussies were caught napping.

"I haven't seen a replay but you know, switched off, free header there, close range it's disappointing, but once again can't fault the effort and the spirit we stuck together out there," he said.

"But you know, a lot we can learn from, I think a big experience for the group, we can move forward, I think with our heads held high, and it's important that we learn."

Overall though, the 31-year-old said the team enjoyed the trip and gained plenty out of learnings.

He stated the focus and desire now moving forward is to not just compete but beat these elite nations.

"You look out the bus window and the hotel window and, you know, you see the majority of obviously Argentinian jerseys and whatnot," he continued.

"But the hype around the game and obviously the match and certain players that are here and whatnot, it's great to be a part of.

"We want to make these moments memorable to be successful for winning. So we've got work to do if you want to do that moving forward."