Socceroos learn 'lessons' as Ecuador get revenge

FRIENDLY Socceroos learn 'lessons' as Ecuador get revenge

Izuchukwu Akawor 15:46 - 28.03.2023

Australia and Ecuador completed their double-header friendly with a fiery encounter at the Marvel Stadium.

It was a fiery battle as Australia and Ecuador ended their double-header friendly with a three-goal thriller at the Marvel Stadium.

Ecuador defeated host the Socceroos 2-1 in the second leg to avenge their loss in the first leg on Friday.

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The South Americans came from behind to score two goals in the second half to shock the home side and their fans.

The match brief

Four days ago, Australia was too strong for their counterparts following a brilliant 3-1 win in Sydney.

Ecuador came into the second leg looking for revenge but it was the home side that took the lead in the 16th minute thanks to Brandon Borrello.

Australia vs Ecuador: Socceroos shocked.
Borrello celebrates his first international goal for Australia.

It was Borrello's first international goal for Australia but it proved not to be enough to give the Asians another win.

Australia could have had a penalty just before the break, but Riley McGree was denied by the referee, with Ecuador taking over.

Two goals in the space of 14 second half minutes completely turned the tie around in favour of the South Americans.

The first goal came six minutes after the restart via a penalty before William Pacho headed in the winner in the 65th minute to complete the come back win.

Socceroos coach react

In what was an keenly contested encounter, the home side had most of the possession but both sides were evenly matched in terms of chances created.

After the game, the coach of the home side spoke to the media where he noted that his team had learnt lessons from the physically imposing South Americans.

"I think it was a great lesson," Graham Arnold said, according to Fox. "You see how physically strong they were, I think they won the physical battle. I think that was one of the biggest standouts. They won pretty much every second ball because they were physically better.”

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