Caltex Socceroos attacking defender Brad Smith believes his side deserved their three points after a "vital" win over UAE 2-0 in World Cup qualification on Tuesday night.
Having drawn four games in a row and sitting third in Group B going into the game, the resulting three points were critical for the Caltex Socceroos.
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“It’s a massive result, something we needed,” the Bournemouth defender told reporters after the game.
“I thought we delivered a good performance and deserved to win it.
“It was a vital game for us to win.”
A NEW ROLE IN A NEW LOOK SIDE
Back in the starting eleven, Smith enjoyed being back in the starting team despite being deployed as a left winger rather than at left back.
“Obviously you can’t play every game but everyone has got to be ready and once you’re called upon you just have to be ready to take your chance,” the Penrith-born winger said.
“I think it suits me [the position] because you’ve got to go forward and come back and defend as well.
“Getting back is an important role in the team and I think it really suits me.”
The change in positions for Smith was the result of Ange Postecoglou’s newly favoured attacking formation which looks to be finding its feet.
“It’s only the second time we’ve done it but from the first game to this game we’ve adjusted and improved a lot of things,” Smith said.
A SUCCESSFUL HOMECOMING
After consecutive away games against Iraq and Thailand respectively, Smith was happy his side could make the most of being back home.
“All the away games are tough,” he said.
“I mean we’ve done alright in the away games, we’re still unbeaten.
“But coming home is somewhere we can really put our foot down and make sure we get a good performance and results.”