The Caltex Socceroos have been left ruing a temporary loss of focus after their 1-1 draw with Cameroon at the Confederations Cup.
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Midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa stole in to open the scoring just before half-time, lifting the ball neatly over the advancing Mat Ryan.
Skipper Mark Milligan squared the ledger from the penalty spot on the hour mark, but Australia couldn’t find an elusive winning goal.
SOCCEROOS SWITCH OFF IN ADDED TIME
“A small lapse in concentration at the back end of that half cost us today,” Milligan told SBS shortly after the final whistle in Saint Petersburg.
“That time is so crucial, so close to half-time.
“Overall, I thought our performance was a much more complete performance than the first game.”
MILLSY’S PRAISE FOR AFRICAN CHAMPS
This was the first meeting ever between the two footballing nations and Milligan says Cameroon came as advertised.
“They’re outstanding in transition,” he said.
“They’re extremely fast.
“They caused Chile problems in transition as well and I think they’ll do the same against Germany.
“Everybody at this competition is a good side.
“That’s why you can’t afford to give them little sniffs like we did.”
NOW ON TO THE CHILE CHALLENGE
With their semi-final hopes now out of their hands, the Caltex Socceroos head to Moscow for Monday’s final pool game against Chile.
“We’ll look at our game again and take the positives from it,” said Milligan.
“We’ll aim to beat Chile on Sunday.”