New dawn, new goal-scoring style says Arnold

Australia coach Graham Arnold has declared his Caltex Socceroos side will look to develop a new style in order to score more goals ahead of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

It’s something of a new dawn for international football in Australia, with the FIFA World Cup™ in the rear-view mirror and the retirement of Australian talisman striker Tim Cahill.

READ: Australia set to take on Korea Republic in Brisbane

READ: Caltex Socceroos history with Korea Republic

Arnold is looking to the next chapter of Australia's history, and hoping the likes of the electric Daniel Arzani and midfield maestro Aaron Mooy can play a huge part in writing that story. 

However, goals are something which Australia has perhaps struggled with on the competitive stage in recent times. Caltex Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak has scored the last five in competitive fixtures, all of those from set-pieces.

“I do believe that we’ve played a style that was dependant on one player to score those goals in Timmy [Cahill] and I will play a different style with the Socceroos," said Arnold.

Tim Cahill
Cahill leaves big shoes to fill on the national stage.

“It’s about getting the people in right areas to score the goals and we do have players in every league on the world stage, anywhere in the world, that’s scoring goals. It’s just a matter of transferring that into international level.

“I do believe we have the right talent in those players, we have a lot of attacking flair in the front half of the field, again it’s the style and the system, making sure our principles are right and we will get that right.”

Australia will head to the United Arab Emirates in January as the defending champions of the AFC Asian Cup crown after that famous victory over Korea Republic at ANZ Stadium nearly four years ago.

It’s only fitting then, that Australia takes on the Asian powerhouse as both teams prepare for the run-in to the competition in a friendly at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, on November 17.

The two countries have actually done battle in Queensland once before, when Korea Republic beat Australia 1-0 in their final Group A match at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. Arnold said he’s looking forward to returning to a Suncorp Stadium draped in green and gold.

“I have to say one of my favourite stadiums in the country, we’re expecting a wonderful crowd, fans in the past have always brought a great amount of noise,” said Arnold.

The moment. James Troisi sweeps home the winning goal against South Korea.
James Troisi was the hero when Australia beat Korea Republic to the AFC Asian Cup crown

“For me, it’s preparation for the Asian Cup, it’s about getting the boys together, getting them back on home soil and thanking the fans for their wonderful support as well in Russia. They were fantastic out there.

“Speaking to the boys I know they want to come back and thank the fans for that so it’s one step at a time but for now it’s all about the game on November 17 against Korea Republic.

“To be able to able to play against quality opposition in Korea Republic only six weeks before our defence of the Asian Cup in Dubai, in the UAE, is a wonderful opportunity for us. Obviously, Korea Republic performed very well at the World Cup and it will be a great test for us.

“As a coach, my first home game on Australian soil as the Socceroos coach, I’m extremely excited for this day and once again I’d like to thank the Queensland government for their generosity and we look forward to having the Australian fans and the Socceroos back in Brisbane.”

Graham Arnold sits in his press conference for the Caltex Socceroos


The event is supported by the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council.

Socceroos