THE Socceroos have suffered an embarrassing 2-2 draw with Thailand in their World Cup qualifier in Bangkok that provides a major set-back on the country’s ambition to be at the 2018 tournament in Russia.
On a night where the green and gold could have restored some national pride after the debacle in the cricket against South Africa, the national football side was equally as poor.
The importance of the dropped points was heightened because Japan beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the other crucial Group B game tonight, dropping Australia to third in Group B.
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1:58Captain Mile Jedinak opened proceedings from the penalty spot in the eighth minute and it looked as though it might be a comfortable night at the office for Ange Postecoglou’s side, who started in fine form.
But the hosts hit back via Teerasil Dengda, prodding home after a well crafted move that tore the Australian rear guard apart.
Jedinak scores early penalty
1:32BANGKOK MATCH REPORT: Jedinak spares Socceroos in Thailand embarrassment
From there, it was frantic and high tempo, and the hosts then took a shock lead when Mathew Leckie gave away a 57th minute penalty, also converted by Teerasil.
Dangda gets the equaliser
1:04Thailand had Australia on the ropes, but, Jedinak won a penalty in the 65th minute, which he converted, to hand Postecoglou’s side a reprieve.
The end-to-end action continued as the Thai’s refused to wilt and despite Nathan Burns and Mark Milligan’s introductions changing things momentarily in Australia’s favour, the final ball in the attacking third was not good enough all night.
Indeed, the hosts finished the stronger, with Mat Ryan, Australia’s best, forced into a clutch late save to ensure Australia departed with a desperate point.
Postecoglou deployed a 4-3-3 formation, with four personnel changes from the last start against Japan. Jamie Maclaren came in for his first start in a World Cup qualifier, Milos Degenek got the nod at right back, while Mathew Leckie and Robbie Kruse flanked Maclaren up front.
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Jedinak scores second penalty
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