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Aussie coach rues costly defeat
Source: AFP |
September 13, 2012, Thursday
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Print Edition
AUSTRALIA coach Holger Osieck has hinted at changes after his side's damaging defeat to Jordan, which leaves its 2014 World Cup qualifying hopes hanging in the balance.
Already under pressure after draws against Group B rivals Oman and Japan, the Socceroos now face an uphill battle to reach their third straight World Cup after Tuesday's disappointing 1-2 loss in Amman.
"We didn't get into the game, our passing was a disaster, we never could get into our normal rhythm," said Osieck, who said the disappointment was "enormous". "We played a lot of long balls and I don't know why that happened. There was not enough movement in midfield. It was definitely a very poor showing in the first half."
Osieck said his side worked hard after the break but its inability to convert its chances cost it dear.
"A couple of words have been said in the dressing room already. As for (the next game), I already have my plans," he said.
Victory for Jordan, ranked a lowly 87th in the world, lifted it above Australia to second in the qualifying group with four points from three matches behind leader Japan, with 10 points from four games.
With only the top two teams automatically qualifying for the World Cup finals in Brazil, Australia is level on two points with Iraq and Oman.
Also, Japan strengthened its grip in Group B but mighty Iran was sent spinning to its first ever defeat at Lebanon.
Japan beat Iraq 1-0, while Group A leader South Korea was held to a pulsating 2-2 draw by Uzbekistan. Lebanon had Shandong Luneng midfielder Roda Antar to thank for a famous 1-0 win over Iran that raised hopes of an unlikely World Cup berth. In the 28th minute in Beirut, China-based Antar rose to head home a free-kick, a goal that proved enough to lift Lebanon off the foot of Group A and put it three points behind South Korea.
Already under pressure after draws against Group B rivals Oman and Japan, the Socceroos now face an uphill battle to reach their third straight World Cup after Tuesday's disappointing 1-2 loss in Amman.
"We didn't get into the game, our passing was a disaster, we never could get into our normal rhythm," said Osieck, who said the disappointment was "enormous". "We played a lot of long balls and I don't know why that happened. There was not enough movement in midfield. It was definitely a very poor showing in the first half."
Osieck said his side worked hard after the break but its inability to convert its chances cost it dear.
"A couple of words have been said in the dressing room already. As for (the next game), I already have my plans," he said.
Victory for Jordan, ranked a lowly 87th in the world, lifted it above Australia to second in the qualifying group with four points from three matches behind leader Japan, with 10 points from four games.
With only the top two teams automatically qualifying for the World Cup finals in Brazil, Australia is level on two points with Iraq and Oman.
Also, Japan strengthened its grip in Group B but mighty Iran was sent spinning to its first ever defeat at Lebanon.
Japan beat Iraq 1-0, while Group A leader South Korea was held to a pulsating 2-2 draw by Uzbekistan. Lebanon had Shandong Luneng midfielder Roda Antar to thank for a famous 1-0 win over Iran that raised hopes of an unlikely World Cup berth. In the 28th minute in Beirut, China-based Antar rose to head home a free-kick, a goal that proved enough to lift Lebanon off the foot of Group A and put it three points behind South Korea.
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