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Arnold wants Socceroos goals to flow against Bangladesh

3 minute read

With a fresh bunch of attackers, Socceroos coach Graham Arnold wants the goals to flow in Australia's World Cup qualifier against Bangladesh.

GRAHAM ARNOLD.
 GRAHAM ARNOLD. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Graham Arnold wants the Socceroos' attacking talents to shine and the ball rippling the back of the net regularly against Bangladesh.

Australia are already through to the next round of World Cup qualifying and are top of Group I ahead of Thursday night's game in Dhaka.

After a 7-0 win in Melbourne last November, when now out-of-favour Jamie Maclaren scored a hat-trick, Arnold wants his fresh attacking stocks to deliver again.

"We've been working on those attacking patterns and getting men in the box to score," Arnold said on Wednesday.

"All the statistics and all the data worldwide shows that to score those goals, you've got to get players in the box and good numbers in the box. Then it gets down to the calm finishing.

"That's all the stuff we've been doing, we haven't really worked on defence at all. It's been all about build-up and our attacking patterns and shape.

"We'll do a little bit of work today on defence but not too much because I expect us to control this game tomorrow with a lot of the ball and not just show our team qualities, it's also releasing them (the players) to show their individual qualities and for them to go out there and enjoy the game."

Former Adelaide United wunderkind and Bayern Munich recruit Nestory Irankunda will debut, likely off the bench, providing even more firepower.

Kusini Yengi appears likely to get the nod to start at striker, while Apostolos Stamatelopoulos is poised to debut at some point, with Mitch Duke and Adam Taggart the squad's two experienced options.

"You will see Kas tomorrow play," Arnold said.

"We've got to throw a lot of belief in the kid and give him these opportunities.

"Because at the moment the age group of those No.9s, there's probably one or two that can make it all the way through to America (2026) and that is Kas and young Stamatelopoulos.

"I'm looking to look at those boys over these two games."

Resurgent tricky winger Daniel Arzani could also feature after a standout season at Melbourne Victory.

"He's been great," said Arnold.

"He's brought in some energy. Everywhere he sits, everyone's laughing - which is great. But on the training pitch, he's been very good as well.

"We don't have the time to change his complete style of game. It'll be very similar to Melbourne Victory and he will get game time.

"It's been four years or so since he's been with the Socceroos and you can see he has the real commitment and the hunger to get back and be with us on the long journey ahead."

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