O’Neill happy with three points in first major tournament start for Socceroos

Aiden O’Neill was handed his first start in a major tournament for the Australia in the 1-0 win over Syria.

O’Neill came into the squad in centre midfield and put in a solid shift before being substituted in the 57th minute.

 

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Speaking after the match, he said: “I was really excited when I found out that I'd start the game.”

“I think it's very unfortunate getting the yellow card quite early on which can affect you especially in the midfield.

“But the most important thing was getting the three points and that's what we did today.”

Syria had a clear game plan coming into the match and O’Neill’s role in the midfield was paramount in breaking them down.

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He made 87 per cent of his passes in the match while winning eight duals but he said that Syria proved a tough opponent.

“I think the way that we went about the game was really good, it wasn't easy, they're quite a good team,” he said.

“They had a game plan and they stuck to it, but we had our own, and we stuck to ours and we did the job.”

The midfield three of Jackson Irvine, Connor Metcalfe and O’Neill linked up well in the match, and the latter have a special connection from their time with Melbourne City.

“Our time at City was amazing and playing alongside each other we really got to get used to the way we played and that sort of stuff,” O’Neill said.

“There are quite a few city boys here, which is credits to Melbourne City and the football that we played there and the team that created, it’s showing in the national team as well.

O’Neill finished by saying the aim is clear; stick to the process and go and win the tournament.

“We've got five games to go, and that's our attitude and that's our mentality,” he said.

“We're going to enjoy every step and are making sure that we stick to the process and take one game at a time.”

SUBWAY SOCCEROOS AFC ASIAN CUP QATAR 2023™ FIXTURES (GROUP B):

Every AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 match will be live on Paramount+