Soccer-Australia coach left to rue late chances as Socceroos depart World Cup

Australia coach Graham Arnold lamented the chances his side missed as they fought to take Argentina into extra time of their World Cup last 16 tie on Saturday before losing 2-1 to the twice world champions. With nine minutes left on the clock, Australian defender Aziz Behich had the crowd in the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on their feet as he weaved through Argentina's defence, but his shot was blocked by a last-gasp lunge by Lisandro Martinez.

"If Behich had scored that, it would have been like a Lionel Messi in a yellow shirt because it was such a great action," Arnold told reporters. "Unfortunately, we didn't finish it." Then, in the dying moments, with Argentina clinging to their 2-1 lead, 18-year-old Socceroos substitute Garang Kuol found the ball at his feet in the box but his shot on the turn was smothered by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

"Garang had a great chance at the end but he's a kid, he'll learn from it and move forward," his coach said. Kuol has yet to make a first professional start but has already signed a contract to join English Premier League side Newcastle United in January.

Arnold said the way the younger players of his squad had performed with their more experienced teammates gave him hope for Australia's chances of qualifying for the next World Cup. He also had comforting words for Australia's captain and goalkeeper Mat Ryan, whose hesitancy with the ball at his feet was punished when he lost possession and allowed Julian Alvarez to score with the goal at his mercy in the 57th minute.

That doubled Argentina's lead after Lionel Messi had put them ahead in the 35th minute. "He's been fantastic captain," Arnold said of Ryan. "Fantastic kid, fantastic player. Everyone makes mistakes and you've got learn from it, get over it and move forward, and I'm sure that he will."

Arnold, whose contract as coach is due to expire after the World Cup, said he planned to "have a break and then see what happens."

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