"After starting the Tony Popovic-era with a 12-game unbeaten run, an experimental Socceroos lineup fell to their second-straight defeat, going down 1-0 to Venezuela at Houston's Shell Energy Stadium. While there was a certain level of fight to their 2-1 loss to the United States last month, this was a much more passive, disappointing defeat. Just 20 minutes in, the 50th-ranked Venezuelans had three-quarters of possession, which only fell to two-thirds at half-time and 66% at game's end."
"Venezuela's positive approach was paired with an immediate press whenever Australia took possession, harassing and haranguing their attempts to move the ball and more often than not taking it back before they could progress beyond the halfway line with any kind of momentum. The Socceroos did show early flashes Mohamed Toure twice shooting on goal but that soon faded. After attempting to bring a more physical dimension to their game against Canada and the US last month,"
An experimental Socceroos lineup lost 1-0 to Venezuela at Houston's Shell Energy Stadium, ending a 12-game unbeaten run to start the Tony Popovic era and marking a second straight defeat. Venezuela dominated possession early, holding roughly three-quarters after 20 minutes, around two-thirds at half-time and 66% by full-time. Venezuela applied an immediate press, repeatedly regaining the ball before Australia could progress beyond the halfway line. Australia showed early flashes with Mohamed Toure twice shooting on goal, but the momentum faded. Debutant goalkeeper Patrick Beach produced key saves while Venezuela created multiple chances and secured the narrow victory.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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