Visitors grind out a victory over lowly opponents in Dhaka but Graham Arnold says the playing surface was dangerous and ‘unacceptable’
When it comes time to remember the Socceroos’ 2-0 win over Bangladesh on Thursday evening most will do well to recall much beyond it marking the start of what – hopefully – was the start of a long and successful career in green and gold for Nestory Irankunda. For Graham Arnold, however, he’s grateful his side will be leaving Dhaka unscathed after playing on an “unacceptable” pitch.
Time and time again Australia came forward – they would end the opening half with 70% of the ball, which rose to 74% by the end of the game – but failed to fashion quality chances against a mass of Bangladeshi bodies. The efforts that were fashioned, meanwhile, the half-sights on goal that are so critical in games against the lowest of low blocks, weren’t being pounced on.
Irankunda left the pitch after that goal, part of a double sub that saw he and Yengi make way for Adam Taggart and Daniel Arzani. It was a narratively appropriate change; Australia’s next big thing making way for one of its former wunderkind, himself making a return to the national stage for the first time since becoming the youngest player at the 2018 World Cup.
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