“Clean sheets, scoring goals, winning games”: Irvine to the rescue again as Socceroos advance in Asian Cup
Jackson Irvine was the hero again for Australia in the second group stage game of the AFC Asian Cup.
The midfielder netted the only goal of the 1-0 victory over Syria which has seen the Socceroos safely through to the knockout stage of the tournament in Qatar.
The goal came in the 59th minute after a clever run down the right from Martin Boyle which eventually fell for Irvine who poked home from just outside the six yard box. It was his 11th goal for his country.
It was a scrappy win by the Socceroos but it was yet another clean sheet and Irvine spoke of how vital it is to pick up results without conceding in tournament football.
“It’s about winning football matches in tournament mode,” Irvine told the Paramount+ broadcast.
“Clean sheets, scoring goals, winning games and getting through to the next round.
“It was a hard-fought win, the boys had to dig in at times against a team that threw everything at us at the end.
IRV11NE 🔃@jacksonirvine_ steps up with another crucial goal for his country 🤩
— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) January 18, 2024
🎥 @10FootballAU#SYRvAUS #Socceroos #AsianCup2023 #DifferentBreed pic.twitter.com/PmlRp6daCW
“We’re pleased with the win.
“In these games that first goal is so important. We probably would have put the game to bed, we had a lot of open spaces after we scored the goal, but that’s something we can work on.
“A clean sheet is the most important thing, the defenders have done their job and we kept the ball out of the net.”
Irvine also scored the crucial opening goal in the 2-0 triumph over India to kick off the Asian Cup for the Socceroos, further highlighting his importance to the national team.
“You’ve got to be in there to score,” he added
“We’ve got good quality in the final third, in the wide areas, and if you get yourself in there enough times sometimes they drop for you.”
The 2015 Asian Cup champions have booked their spot in the Round of 16 but will first have to take on Uzbekistan in their final group stage game in Al Wakrah on Tuesday, January 23 from 10:30pm AEDT.
