Seemingly the same old perennial issue that has always dogged Socceroo teams; inability to convert scoring chances.
Yep, same old. We still lack anyone with the true abilities of a top striker who can really just take their opportunities, and also make opportunities. It's what separates any quality side in this game IMHO. We have only ever produced one such striker *- Mark Viduka - who would set up chances for others to score as well as find them himself on a consistent basis. Although Boyle is good/promising, providing chances that others could not take; when he wasn't being dragged down by Saudi defenders. [ *Add Tim Cahill who was a brilliant header of the ball, but hardly anyone since who is remotely similar?]
But how Hrustic and especially Irvine could not get a shot on target last night from great opportunities is really puzzling for me, as professional players?
Surely McClaren was worth subbing in for the last 15m? There is almost no idea how to set up a cohesive attack under Arnold. Players often fail to utilise someone in a more offensive position like Leckie not switching it back for 2 players running into the box, instead just blasting it at the keeper.
But Saudis were allowed to kill so much time with flops and dives as if shot. Then, after lengthy injury stoppages, we only get 3m extra time. The refereeing and time-keeping in this sport is a complete joke e.g. watch the faking players soon jump up and start running hard after the ball when their theatricals are ignored and ref says 'play on'!
And agree on Harper; seems to be a mumbler to me.