Former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich has teed off at Socceroos coach Graham Arnold following his side’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Oman in Muscat.
Australia led twice throughout the match only to concede an 89th penalty which allowed Oman to snatch a point at the death.
The Socceroos now must beat Japan and Saudi Arabia in their final two group games to qualify automatically for the 2022 World Cup.
As things stand, Australia will have to go through two cut-throat playoff matches against Asian and South American opposition to make a fifth consecutive World Cup.
Bosnich doesn’t think Arnold is the right man to lead the Socceroos through the playoffs if they do finish third in Group B.
“We are producing completely robotic players,” the former Socceroo told 1170 SEN Drive.
“Regardless of robotic players or regardless of anything else, you should not be drawing with Oman in an important World Cup qualifier, you should not be drawing with China in an important World Cup qualifier.
“Right now, we’re in big trouble in terms if we come third.
“If we come third my belief, and I’ve said this before, is that we will not qualify. This comes down to the manager. I have known Graham Arnold since I was 14 years of age, we have had good and bad moments.
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“I had a crack at him after I heard him come out and say after they got one point out of six against Saudi Arabia and Japan that everything is going fine – no, it’s not Graham. And you always told me you had a plan B, plan C, plan D – it’s quite apparent that you don’t.
“I really do think that Football Australia have to have a serious think if we go into the playoff - is Graham Arnold is the right man to lead us into those playoff games?
“After what I have seen during the World Cup qualifiers, as well as the Asian Championships, the answer to that question right now in my opinion is no.
“You are accountable as the manager for your team’s performance. That’s the way it always has been.”
Australia next host Japan in Sydney on March 24 before a tough away match in Saudi Arabia on March 29.