Arnold hits back at suggestions Australia too negative at Asian Cup

The Socceroos have reached the last 16 in Qatar even before Tuesday’s final group match against Uzbekistan thanks to a 2-0 win over India and 1-0 defeat of Syria.

The stodgy Syria win came from a neat Jackson Irvine swivel and shot just before the hour – Australia’s only shot on target all game. Syria also had one shot on target. Arnold said afterwards that “clean sheets win tournaments“, but on the eve of the Uzbekistan game said that comment had been unfairly misconstrued.

“My methods are playing attacking football, putting high pressure on. I got asked a question about winning this tournament and I said clean sheets win you this tournament. I think probably the Australian media read that the wrong way, as normal,” he said on Monday.

“I think probably the Australian media read that the wrong way, as normal. What’s important is that the…