Australia got their Asian Cup defence back on track with a comfortable 3-0 win against Palestine at a sell-out Rashid Stadium.
Two goals in three first-half minutes lifted the gloom cast by Sunday’s shock opening 1-0 defeat to Jordan in Group B. On-loan Hibernian striker Jamie Maclaren broke his international duck to flick in Tom Rogic’s cross in the 18th minute, before Midtjylland winger Awer Mabil volleyed home shortly after.
Despite the vocal encouragement of the sizeable Palestine support, a response could then not be stirred in their outclassed heroes. A third goal would follow in the 90th minute when replacement Apostolos Giannou headed in from point-blank range after a short corner.
Here are the Socceroos player ratings:
AUSTRALIA (4-3-3)
Maty Ryan – 6: Most noticeable part of his day’s work was the ill-suited baseball cap he wore in the second half. Looked like he was off to the beach. Which he could have done, so few were Palestine’s attacking incursions.
Rhyan Grant – 7: The man with the Asian Cup’s greatest haircut made the most of his introduction into the XI. Struck the crossbar in second half with a deflected cross/shot.
Trent Sainsbury – 6: Asia’s best centre-back largely coasted through this match. Was only troubled on rare occasions when Palestine went direct to Mahmoud Wadi. Suspended for Syria decider after second yellow of tournament.
Milos Degenek – 6: Same story for the Red Star Belgrade defender. Will have welcomed this display after the troubles of Jordan.
Aziz Behich – 6: The PSV Eindhoven substitute left-back is a trusted performer at international level. Isn’t expansive with the ball, but this didn’t hurt the Socceroos on Friday.
Jackson Irvine – 7: Irvine is a ball of energy and tower of strength. Dug in well with Mark Milligan when not in possession, then charged through into the penalty box. Almost got on the end of several crosses. Deserved start ahead of Massimo Luongo.
Tom Rogic – 7: The Celtic playmaker was at his imperious best. Palestine could not lay a finger on him. Cross from deep picked out Maclaren for the opener.
Mark Milligan – 7: Captain’s display for the ex-Bani Yas defensive midfielder. Was away to any Palestinian threat, plus recycled ball superbly.
Awer Mabil – 7: That’s now three goals in seven internationals for the Kenya-born winger. Turned up on time to volley in at far post. His energy was key to the Socceroos’ improved performance – and result.
Jamie Maclaren – 7: Head coach Graham Arnold’s continued faith was repaid in the 18th minute when he delicately flicked on Rogic’s cross. A first international goal at the 10th attempt relieved the pressure on player and country.
Chris Ikonomidis – 7: An excellent start to life at Perth Glory has been extended into the Asian Cup. Hung up an enticing deep cross for fellow winger Mabil to convert, plus teed up replacement Giannou. His energy was the perfect antidote to Robbie Kruse’s slumber.
⚽️⚽️⚽️🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 back on track lads 👏🏼🙌🏽
— TIM CAHILL (@Tim_Cahill) January 11, 2019
SUBSTITUTES
Massimo Luongo – 6: Kept Australia ticking over as Rogic was given a rest.
Apostolos Giannou – N/A: Rose off the bench to flick in Australia’s third.
Robbie Kruse – N/A: Veteran winger helped see out the win.
