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Martin Boyle scores Australia’s first goal from the penalty spot past Utkir Yusupov of Uzbekistan.Credit:Getty Images

“They had one shot on target,you’re right,” Arnold said.

“At the end of the day,it’s what we build on. I thought that we played some good combination football,we played some good attacking football,but it’s the last pass,the last cutback or finish. That’s down to the individual. The individual has to be able to put them in the back of the net. I can’t do that.”

When pressed further on where he thought their improvement was coming from,Arnold’s response suggested that it would come as a dividend of their strong team ethos.

“You know how hard it is to get 26 players together?” Arnold said.

Uzbekistan’s Azizbek Turgunboev heads to score against the Socceroos.Credit:AP

“They play all around the world,different competitions,they’re coached completely different ways?

“The most important thing is when they come in to camp,that they have the honour,and the pride to play for the jersey and to play for the nation. We have a great team culture of mateship. When the energy is high,and the boys are good mates,then you can over-achieve. And that’s what we’re doing.”

While other so-called bigger teams at the Asian Cup are facing the same sort of problems –notably Japan,whose stunning 2-1 defeat to Iraq means they will be on the other side of the knockout draw to Australia – there is clearly much work to do for the Socceroos if they are to mount a serious tilt for a second Asian Cup crown.

The way their midfield lost control of the match after half-time,and their inability to find a solution,must be of concern to Arnold. Uzbekistan had a goal ruled out for offside on the hour mark before they finally broke through 12 minutes from full-time when Jaloliddin Masharipov’s terrific lofted cross was met at the back post by Turgunboev,who rose over Aziz Behich to head it in and end Australia’s run of over 10 hours without conceding.

“What some people don’t understand is we have four players here that have had Asian Cup experience,” Arnold said.

“In this squad of 26,we only have 12 players that were here in Qatar for the World Cup. So I’m blending and gelling a new squad together. I’ve nearly used every player in the group phase.

“It’s about us connecting as a group and I couldn’t be proud more proud of their workrate,their effort. Of course,we can do things better. But when you only have them for about two,three weeks to get them sorted out,and then we’ve got to play games as well,it’s always about that culture and commitment the boys give that is very,very good.”

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