Final thoughts
Well, that was an entertaining evening of football. There wasn’t a huge crowd but those that did make it out to Parramatta for the Socceroos’ homecoming were rewarded with an impressive showing from Graham Arnold’s side. Jackson Irvine was excellent, Duke and Goodwin stood out, Souttar and Rowls were solid at the back, O’Neill put in a fine debut performance and Kuol bagged his first Socceroos goal. Oh, and Alex Robertson needlessly kicked off near the end to endear himself to his new Australian fans. We were just deprived an appearance by Nestory Irankunda, but there’s always next time for that. All in all, a decent night out.
On to Melbourne on Tuesday. Be sure to join us again for that one. But for tonight, it’s goodbye.
Alex Robertson is a bit stuck for words. He’s here with his dad and his granddad.
“It was great, my grandad and my dad had done it. I cannot really describe how it feels.”
On the penalty incident:
“I took the touch and he tripped me up, there is no VAR so it is what the referee sees. I am playing for a country that means a lot to me and my family, I would do anything for the shirt and the team I am playing with and that comes with passion and I thought that was a penalty and that is why the reaction, pointing in my face, it was emotions being on the pitch.”
Asked if he’s now a Socceroo for life, he says: “I hope so, that is out of my hands but I hope so.”
