Australia's defender Trent Sainsbury (R) is marked by UAE's forward Ali Mabkhout during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup quarter-final football match between UAE and Australia at Hazaa bin Zayed Stadium in Al-Ain on January 25.
Arnold’s men fell to a sucker-punch from host nation the UAE in Al Ain, with central defender Milos Degenek’s horror second-half mistake gifting the Emiratis the only goal in Saturday’s (AEDT) 1-0 loss.
But the 24-year-old’s pass was short and UAE striker Ali Mabkhout nipped in ahead of Ryan to steal the ball and score into an empty net.
Speaking after the match Degenek, he only had one way to describe the dreadful error: “S–t to be in my shoes and my skin”.
“I don’t feel sorry so much for myself as I do for my country and my teammates, because obviously we ended a tournament because of my mistake,” Degenek said.
The goal was a double blow, coming minutes after Australia thought they’d taken the lead when birthday boy Apostolos Giannou finished after combining with substitute Mathew Leckie.
Leckie however was flagged for offside in the build up and Giannou’s goal was ruled out.
“Football can be a cruel sport. It’s probably the only sport in the world that you can control possession, you can have much more possession, can have more chances on goal, you can spend more time in the opposition’s half and you can still lose,” Arnold said.
“I think that we’ve done very, very well this tournament.
“The whole frontline for the first three games had less than 10 games between all three of them.
“A couple of players from the A-League have stepped up in Rhyan Grant, Chris Ikonomidis, who hadn’t played before.
The UAE threatened on the counter, particularly through pacey winger Ismail Al Hammadi who forced Mat Ryan into one good save after bursting through Australia’s defence.
But largely it was the Socceroos in control with Giannou – the man who went from injury replacement for Boyle to starting striker in three weeks – leading the way.
The introduction of Leckie, Andrew Nabbout and Awer Mabil was Arnold’s attempt to force a goal but – for the third time in five matches this tournament – Australia drew a blank.
“You’ve got to remember I’ve been in charge only for four months. I’ve only had eight games with these boys.