The always-electric Jordy Bos has scored the Socceroos’ late match-winner in their 1-0 win over Cameroon in Sydney.
After an underwhelming first half, the Australians were improved after the break, largely thanks to Bos and Nestory Irankunda, who came on in the second half as a striker rather than winger.
The result of this first match of the FIFA friendly series mattered little on a macro level for Socceroos, but the stakes were high on a personal note.
With the World Cup just over two months away, these last games at home are a chance for established and emerging players to prove their credentials to coach Tony Popovic.
And while the collective performance against Cameroon was not the Socceroos’ best, it did provide some valuable insights.
Italiano, Herrington with positive first half
In the absence of injured first-choice striker Mo Toure, Deni Juric was handed his Socceroos debut.
A more surprising debutant was 18-year-old defender Lucas Herrington lining up in central defence.
Deni Juric is the younger brother of former Socceroo Tomi Juric. (Getty Images: Darrian Traynor)
It was a fairly uneventful first half, as the Socceroos controlled possession for significant patches, but consistently broke down in the midfield.
Cameroon fashioned more half-chances than the Australians could manage, though none of their six shots troubled goalkeeper Mat Ryan.
Jacob Italiano was at the heart of the brightest moments.
He was an energetic presence at right-back, making the most of his position as the new leading contender to lock down the spot, with Lewis Miller and Fran Karačić both out injured.
Jacob Italiano impressed in just his third game for the Socceroos. (Getty Images: Brendon Thorne)
The 24-year-old, in his third Socceroos appearance, was the main attacking threat, providing most of the highlights in a largely lacklustre first half.
His best moment came late in the half.
Alessandro Circati’s long ball looked to be beyond his reach, but he put on the afterburners to chase it down, before getting it to Riley McGree, who found Juric on the edge of the box, but Juric failed to make it past the first defender.
Herrington was the other main positive in the half, he was ultra composed throughout, having to deal with plenty of traffic and dealing with everything capably.
18-year-old Lucas Herrington looked composed on debut. (Getty Images: Darrian Traynor)
Bos steps up
Juric’s debut was short-lived, his inability to make any real inroads in the final third, albeit with limited chances, saw him replaced by Irankunda to start the second.
Martin Boyle’s ineffectual stint also saw him pulled in place of Awer Mabil.
Their injection saw the Socceroos resume with more intent and liveliness after the break, though they still rarely troubled Cameroon’s defence.
The tide started to change when a well-constructed attack culminated in Mabil finding Italiano, who floated an almost-perfect cross, with the ball barely eluding Irankunda’s head.
Nestory Irankunda played as a striker in the second half, rather than his customary position on the wing. (Getty Images: Brendon Thorne)
Aiden O’Neill collected it on the edge of the box, but was brought down by an overzealous Oliver Kamden, with VAR awarding a penalty.
Ajdin Hrustic took the penalty but didn’t have the best angle, as goalkeeper Devis Epassy collected it low to his left.
Popovic wants World Cup contenders to play with freedom in final home matches
That was the moment that changed the complexion of the game, lighting a fire under the Socceroos who looked determined to find the back of the net.
Irankunda was involved in everything, delivering an excellent cross, and having two shots of his own.
Bos made several surging runs through the game, and was rewarded with his goal.
Paul Okon-Engstler’s pass went past Hrustic whose presence drew in the defender, and Bos was left to slam away a straightforward, but utterly deserved goal.
It enlivened the 23,798 fans at Stadium Australia, although there was a sour note for Connor Metcalfe who exited in the second half with a knee injury.
