The Socceroos flexed their muscle and delivered an inspiring performance for home fans in their 3-1 win over Ecuador in Sydney.
Graham Arnold named several new faces with the stars that took Australia to the round of 16 at the World Cup, In their first clash since Qatar.
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In front of 20,668 fans at Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium, Football Australia showcased the emerging talent that’s coming through, foremost among them is Garang Kuol, the teenage striking sensation already signed by Newcastle United in England.
Australia’s opening two goals came from seasoned campaigners in Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil but fans got on their feet late in the second half when teenager Kuol grabbed his first international goal.
Uncapped Melbourne City midfielder Aiden O’Neill was the only player in Arnold’s starting XI who did not go to the World Cup and it allowed the Socceroos to quickly get into their rhythm.
Mitchell Duke slid low to turn a Craig Goodwin free kick back across the six-yard box in the 12th minute and Irvine was given the simplest job to tap in.
Replays showed Duke was offside but with no VAR in use, Australia had the lead.
Ecuador would equalise ten minutes later through Jeremy Sarmiento, but the Socceroos’ lead was restored shortly after though when Irvine assisted for Mabil, with the Young Australian of the Year smacking the ball into the roof of the net.
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