Osieck to ring in changes for China

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck will make changes for Australia's East Asian Cup game against China after a 3-2 loss to Japan and the 0-0 draw with Korea.

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck will make wholesale changes for Australia's East Asian Cup dead-rubber against China on Sunday.

The Socceroos almost snatched a draw with Japan on Thursday night only to be undone by a momentary lapse in concentration in a late flurry of three goals in four minutes.

The 3-2 loss at Hwaseong Stadium put Australia on the bottom of the table, ending their chances of winning the four-team tournament, and left Japan in the box seat to take it out.

Osieck used the same starting side from the scoreless draw with South Korea but his late substitutions - Mitch Nichols and Tomi Juric - really opened the game up.

Nichols created the chance for Mitchell Duke to score and Juric showed great touch to level just moments after going on - both players netting their first Socceroos goal in just their second international appearance.

While disappointed with the result, Osieck said he believed he had found a handful of promising players and would look for others on Sunday in a match that China need to win to retain the trophy won in 2010.

"The idea is that definitely I will give all players some run. It is clear that I will change the team for Sunday," Osieck said.

"It's more important that we find players (for the future), and I am convinced we have.

"All players who have not had a run will get one on the weekend."

Osieck admitted "the substitutions changed our game" and heaped praise on the two 22-year-old scorers.

"I think Mitch Duke had an outstanding game ...and when Juric came on he showed some aspects of what he can give to the team.

"He has an excellent striking technique."

While confident he'd unearthed some new talent Osieck hinted that some players may not have helped their chances of future selection.

"Perhaps I learnt that some players were not certain," he said.

"My criteria is always current form."

Central Coast Mariners young gun Duke was simply delighted to make a mark so early in his career.

"It's the greatest feeling in the world scoring at international level, and it was my first goal at international level as well, so it's been a great experience, love it," he said.

New Western Sydney signing Juric, who looks set to start against China after playing as a substitute in both games, hopes his efforts impressed the coach.

"It was a good touch I got out on my feet and thanks to Mitch (Nichols) who let it go for me," he said.

"I certainly hope it does impress Holger, but I'll keep doing what I'm trying to do my best at.

"If that impresses Holger then that's great, but it takes time, everything takes time."


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Source: AAP


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