We are certainly past our golden age that's for sure. We are still annoyed at Fabio Grossi's dive in the 2006 World Cup. We feel we could have beaten Italy in extra time or on penalties, then made it past Ukraine and into the semi finals. Oh well. If's and buts.
We were the dominant team over two legs and should have won much more easily, but we struggle to convert dominance into goals. Yes, Syria could easily have snuck a goal, and had a storming free kick smash away off the post in the last minute which would have sent them through. They were resolute, despite showing the worst of Middle Eastern football with their continual time wasting and feigning of injury. They have a couple of very good players, and were missing a few key ones through suspension last night.
Our coach has had good success, winning the Asian Championships in 2015, and has great success in Australia at club level, but some of his decisions recently have been baffling. He dropped Aaron Mooy last night, but had to bring him on after an injury to Bournemouth's reserve left back Brad Smith. Mooy was easily the dominant player in the game. His ability to hold the ball and pick passes is outstanding. The coach, Postecoglou, also chose not to play Massimo Luongo in either game and he is one of the better midfielders in the Championship with QPR. Tommy Rogic does really well with Celtic and had flashes last night, but needs to impose himself more on games.
@[deleted] - yes, how surprising eh that an Iranian ref gave Syria a soft penalty in the first game. The ref last night was pretty good. He subbed himself off after 90 minutes and the 4th official came on and also did well.
Australia will most likely play Panama or Honduras (please USA beat T&T - don't want to play them). It should be tight. We have a very good home record, but our defence is shaky. Attackers seem to get in behind much too often. Personally I think I'd prefer Honduras - we typically like a good old fashioned bruising encounter. Anyway, I'll be back at the Olympic Stadium in November yelling myself hoarse again. That's what football do to ya.
