The Socceroos are one step closer to Russia 2018 after comprehensively disposing of Tajikistan 7-0 at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.
The majority of the team played its part; Mat Ryan saw little of the ball, a good indication of Australia’s dominance, and play was rarely seen in Australia’s defensive half.
Debutant Apo Giannou was in the thick of the action and played a full 90 minutes. Involved in many of the game’s major moments, the Guangzhou R&F man was brought down to win both penalties, awarded to Australia.
The 26-year-old said the frantic pace was different to what he faces at club level in China but felt he can still improve at the national level.
“I think I did alright for the first game, bit of nerves before the match, but as time passes I’ll improve,” he said.
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“I got tired after 66th minute, I tried hard and to keep up. I think it takes time, if the team gives you a bit of time then I’ll be very helpful.”
There was a sense of ambiguity looking back on Australia’s fifth goal, scored with 30 minutes remaining. Tom Rogic initially had his shot cannon off the crossbar, the rebound was pounced on by Giannou, but the ball crossed the line according to the linesman awarded the goal to Rogic.
Giannou was gracious, saying the moment mattered little but did not hold back his sense of humour.
“No it didn’t (cross the line), I think the ref gave it to Rogic. Where is he? I’m trying to find him!” Giannou joked.
“(It) doesn’t matter, as long as the team won, I’d be happier if I scored the last one, I hit the post and I couldn’t believe I missed that.”
Australia now fly to Sydney straight from Adelaide on Friday afternoon to prepare for their crucial clash against Jordan. Giannou says he is not fussed by the amount of minutes he would be afforded having playing a full game against the Tajiks.
“It’s Ange’s job (to select the team), I’ll be ready when I’m needed or not to either play full or one minute,” he said.
“I think we showed tonight, we tried to play attacking football, we want to play attacking football and dominate the game.”
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