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Takeaways from Australia's loss to Jordan

Australia have opened their Asian Cup campaign with a shock 1-0 loss to Jordan in Al Ain on Sunday.

FIVE TAKEAWAYS FROM AUSTRALIA'S 1-0 LOSS TO JORDAN IN THE ASIAN CUP ON SUNDAY

* INJURIES HAVE DISRUPTED AUSTRALIA

The loss of Andrew Nabbout to a groin strain on the eve of the match was the latest injury to strike the Socceroos. With Mat Leckie already unavailable and key players Aaron Mooy, Daniel Arzani and Martin Boyle at home the lack of cohesion in Australia's attacking play was stark. There is also a doubt over the fitness of Josh Risdon.

* THE UAE WILL BE A HOSTILE PLACE FOR AUSTRALIA

The Jordanian contingent in the crowd wasn't huge but they were loud, providing a boost for Vital Borkelmans' side. Australia face two more Arabic teams in their group and reports are the final group game against Syria will be close to a sell-out with Syrians backing their team in numbers at the tournament. The Socceroos will need to block out that hostility to avoid any more slip ups.

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* ROBBIE KRUSE REMAINS UNDER PRESSURE TO PERFORM

The 30-year-old winger came under criticism for his displays at last year's World Cup and was largely anonymous again on Sunday. Substituted early in the second half, he could find himself benched for Friday's clash with Palestine with young talent such as Chris Ikonomidis pushing for selection.

* AUSTRALIA MUST COME OUT FIRING

The Socceroos were surprisingly passive in possession for most of the first half and didn't spark into life until late in the second half. From there Tom Rogic missed a great chance, Awer Mabil hit the post and Jamie Maclaren had a goal ruled out for offside. Keeping that intent for the start of the next game will be important.

* DEFEAT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD

Graham Arnold was philosophical post match, arguing if you're going to lose any match at a tournament, the first game is the one to do it. With even third place likely to lead to a place in the knockout stages, Australia have plenty of time to get back off the canvas.


2 min read

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Source: AAP



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