The Socceroos have never conceded a goal against Bangladesh and won their only three previous meetings by 7-0 (November 2023), 4-0 (November 2015) and 5-0 (September 2015). And there’s the final whistle, putting us all out of our misery. The Socceroos have claimed a 2-0 win over Bangladesh in tonight’s World Cup qualifier, their fifth in this stage of the process.
Ajdin Hrustic scored the opening goal in the 29th minute courtesy of a very fortunate deflection which took his long-range shot past Bangladesh’s goalkeeper. Kusini Yengi added the second goal in the 62nd minute with a header from a fantastic Jordy Bos cross from the left. Australia will be disappointed, though, that they didn’t score more goals.
Conditions were tough, the pitch was terrible and their opponents were ultra-defensive but the Socceroos generated just four shots on target, meaning the questions over their attacking ability will linger. But there is a risk of over-analysis, too. Playing in Asia is difficult, especially on nights like this.
Alex Brosque is on the broadcast talking about how you take the three points and move on from games like that. Nestory Irankunda made an eye-catching debut while Daniel Arzani was pretty impressive off the bench in the second half too. Not that I want this match to go on for any longer, but the fourth official has just indicated there will be three minutes of additional time - and that’s just ridiculous.
There has been at least six minutes of stoppages, if no.