DOHA: The fabled ‘Aussie DNA’ has long been a characteristic lauded by Graham Arnold in lieu of technical or tactical advantages against an opponent.
“I think at the end of the day, the quality of the French team – they are the previous world champions for a reason,” the Socceroos coach said following the 4-1 World Cup loss to the defending champions.
Australia started brightly, which Arnold noted, but said they were not only technically outmatched – but also physically – something that was quite surprising to hear.
READ MORE: Socceroos smashed in World Cup opener
READ MORE: Monumental Cup upset rocks Messi’s Argentina
READ MORE: $94 million problem that ‘destroyed’ Ricciardo
“They were just so much bigger and stronger and faster than us today, but overall the boys did everything they could, and that’s all I can ask.”
It was a frank admission in what was a tough last hour, when a 1-0 lead turned into a 4-1 loss in ruthless fashion, and could easily have been more.
Arnold said that one of the best examples of that was Kylian Mbappe, who tormented Nathaniel Atkinson on the left wing.
Watch Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League, streaming ad-free, live and exclusive on Stan Sport
Rabiot equalises for France
“I thought the kid actually did decently well – he did his best against one of the best players in the world. We had (Mathew) Leckie and Jackson Irvine helping, that was the plan when Mbappe got the ball – but how do you stop someone so quick like that?
“It’s very difficult. It’s a great lesson for the kid, and he’ll move on with it.”
Australia will have a swift turnaround before what is now a must-win game against Tunisia on Saturday night (AEDT).
Socceroos shock World Champs with Goodwin goal
“I’ll go back into the dressing room, and when we get back to the hotel, that’s that game gone,” Arnold said.
“It’s good that the other result was a draw (0-0 between Tunisia and Denmark) and now it’s about winning on Saturday, so we’ve got to get ready for it.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
