Postecoglou has two concerns after Australia's opening triumph

Australia made a triumphant start to its 2015 AFC Asian Cup campaign, but two things bothered coach Ange Postecoglou in the Socceroos 4-1 belting of Kuwait.

Socceroos

Mile Jedinak (C) leads celebrations after scoring for the Socceroos against Kuwait in 2015 (AAP) Source: AAP

One was the sloppy goal they conceded. The other, an ankle injury to captain Mile Jedinak.

But Postecoglou hopes both can be fixed in time for the next fixture against Oman on Tuesday night in Sydney.

Jedinak twisted his left ankle contesting a header in the 41st minute of the comprehensive tournament opening victory in Melbourne on Friday night.

The skipper played on, heartening Postecoglou that the injury isn't overly serious.

"The medicos will have a look at it but hopefully it's nothing that will keep him out," Postecoglou said.

"But the pleasing thing is we have got a few guys on the bench that are pretty experienced and good footballers who are going to be ready to go on Tuesday night.

"So if anyone can't back up, we have got some real options."

Australia conceded the opening goal of the tournament when a gaping hole formed in defence, allowing Kuwaiti Hussain Fadhel to score with a header.

The goal displeased Postecoglou but he was keeping it in perspective.

"After a 4-1 victory, I'm pretty sure most of the emphasis will be on the positives out of the game," he said.

"Certainly the players were told in no uncertain terms that that kind of goal is unacceptable. We will need to ensure that it doesn't happen.

"But the positives far outweigh the negatives."

The major positive for Postecoglou was the spread of attacking threats.

Evergreen Tim Cahill netted the equaliser before man of the match Massimo Luongo, Jedinak and James Troisi also scored.

Others including Mathew Leckie and substitutes Nathan Burns and Tomi Juric also had narrow misses.

"There wouldn't be a defender in the world today that would like to be one-on-one with Tim Cahill," Postecoglou said.

"He was important. But it was also pleasing to see some other guys get some goals to get some confidence.

"With a bit of luck Nathan Burns, Tomi Juric, Mathew Leckie could have got on the scoreboard as well.

"So at least it shows we have multiple threats."


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2 min read
Published 10 January 2015 7:10am
Updated 10 January 2015 8:32pm

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