Socceroos captain and first-choice goalkeeper Matt Ryan is likely to feature in Australia’s Asia Cup opener against India, with Joe Gauci potentially replacing him if needed. be.
Ryan is fully back in training after fracturing his cheekbone last month, but will miss Australia’s final friendly against Bahrain on Saturday night (Sunday AEDT) in Abu Dhabi, a week after the start of the campaign in Qatar. was unable to participate.
Adelaide United shot-stopper Gauci earned his second cap after denying Western Sydney’s Lawrence Thomas in goal.
Gauci, 23, was largely untested in the 2-0 win, but the Socceroos took the lead in the 35th minute with an own goal, when Amin Benadi turned in a ball in front of Craig Goodwin.
At Baniyas Stadium, Mitch Duke added another point in the 61st minute, setting up Goodwin with a header.
Australia face India on January 13, followed by Syria five days later and then Uzbekistan on January 23.
Asked if Ryan was fit to play against India, Arnold told AAP: “I think so.”
“He would be touch-and-go.
“But he’s trained well and it’s great to be here for his experience.
“Today he had a great conversation with Joe Gauci, not only about playing for the national team, but also about this experience, which was good.
“It was good to have Joe Gauci on the pitch and give him a chance. Obviously we have to add depth in our goalkeeping department as well, and I thought he did a really good job.”
Arnold reiterated that the decision to start Gauci over Thomas was with goalkeeping coach John Crowley.
The win, in which Australia had dominant possession but struggled to create clear chances with only seven shots, was a result of some of the similar defenses they may face in Qatar. brought about insight that could be tested.
However, Arnold wasn’t too worried, instead enjoying the friendly test.
“Physically, it was bigger than we expected,” he said.
“But for us, it’s the perfect match to play before the Asian Cup because when you play against these types of countries, they flinch.
“Most of the countries we’ve played against in the last 12 months haven’t really done that.
“As the game progressed we got better and better and we were able to not only beat our opponents but also prevent them from getting counter-attacks, which they like to do.
“So this was probably the perfect match going into this Asian Cup and I’m sure quite a few teams will play the same way.”
Goodwin contributed to both goals, and Sammy Silvera impressed in his first start.
Jackson Irvine served as captain in Ryan’s absence.
On his debut, Gethin Jones started at right-back and was solid.
“For a player making his debut, and for a player who has never played with us or played with us before, I think he did very well, especially defensively,” Arnold said. he said.
Arnold emphasized that this game is an opportunity to gain valuable game fitness for players like Duke’s off-season players.
Pleasingly, the Socceroos avoided another fitness concern with midfielder Riley McGree returning from injury as a second-half substitute.
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