Holger Osieck Laments Australia’s Poor Finishing In Japan Final Defeat

An inability to put the ball in the net was fatal for Australia, Holger Osieck has stated.
Australia coach Holger Osieck has been left to rue his side’s missed chances during their 1-0 Asian Cup final defeat against Japan on Saturday night.

The Socceroos created a host of chances during normal time but failed to beat in-form Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima.

“We had our opportunities and what is always encouraging is the way we play and we create opportunities,” the coach stated to the media after the game.

“However, it is crucial to convert them and later on in the game it backfired and that is a problem. We had to be more clinical in our finishing and it's not enough to win a game if you don't score.

“We have seen a very exciting game between two very good teams. You can imagine we are disappointed, we definitely had our opportunities but unfortunately we couldn't convert.”

German-born coach Osieck believes his side perhaps deserved better than the extra-time defeat.

“I'm very proud of my players, their performance and their attitude. I give them credit and really feel sorry for the boys that they didn't get the reward for their efforts. You can imagine in our dressing room it's not a great atmosphere, everybody's really sad.

“All in all, our team represented Australia in a great way.”

When Australia next attempt to claim the Asian crown, they will do so on home soil in four years' time.