The Socceroos topped Group B at the AFC Asian Cup following a 1-1 draw with Uzbekistan in Qatar overnight.
It was an unconvincing performance from Graham Arnold’s men but they managed to pick up a point in Al Wakrah to confirm their status as the group’s top side.
A questionable penalty on the stroke of half-time gave the Australians the lead after striker Kusini Yengi forced his way into the area and was seemingly felled.
The final call was hand ball against Odiljon Hamrobekov who did make contact with the ball as he used his arm to support his attempted tackle.
Nevertheless, Martin Boyle stepped up to the spot and expertly tucked it away for his seventh international goal.
After the controversial decision, @MartinBoyle9 makes no mistake from the spot 🥶
— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) January 23, 2024
🎥 @10FootballAU#AUSvUZB #Socceroos #AsianCup2023 #DifferentBreed pic.twitter.com/LqKLjQ0vzN
Uzbekistan were plucky throughout and were able to level it up in the 78th minute through Azizbek Turgunboyev which enabled them to hold second spot in Group B.
Hibernian attacker Boyle felt the Socceroos were unlucky not to pick up all three points despite Arnold making five changes to the starting line-up.
“Unfortunate not to get the win,” Boyle said post-match.
“But it was a hard-fought draw today. They've managed to score, but the main objective was topping the group and we've managed to do that.”
The Socceroos will now prepare to take on the best third-placed team from Group C or D meaning they could play Palestine or Indonesia, but possibly Japan if they lose to Indonesia on Wednesday.
Their Round of 16 match takes place in Al Rayyan on January 28.
Image from Socceroos on X.