Mo Toure missed a sitter which summed up a toothless display from the Socceroos as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Mexico.
Hosts Mexico dominated possession in the first half before finding the back of the net in the 27th minute off a well-worked set piece.
An outswinging corner from Vega found Johan Vásquez near the penalty spot, who headed past a helpless Mat Ryan.
Despite a lacklustre display Australia would have gone in level at half-time if Toure had not missed an open goal – a moment which summed up the first 45 minutes for the Socceroos.
After the Mexican defenders got all muddled up leaving the goalkeeper stranded, the Aussie striker missed an abolute sitter from about 20 metres out, somehow shooting wide with the goal gaping.
You can watch the howler in the player above.
Australia came into the match against Mexico on the back of three straight defeats, to the USA, Venezuela and Colombia, scoring just once in those three games combined.
And former Socceroos striker Alex Brosque said on Stan Sport at halftime that things aren’t looking good ahead of the World Cup as Australia failed to manage a single shot on target in the first half against Mexico.
“With the way that Popa and this team play, it should be 1-1, but as we mentioned pre-game, it’s been hard viewing and there doesn’t seem to be any patterns of play or any real build-up,” Brosque said.
“When the defenders are bringing it forward, it’s so static in midfield and just no movement at all.
“So you wonder the work they’ve been doing, the tactical side and being ready for Round 1 (of the World Cup). It’s just really poor.”
Fans agreed with Brosque, with Aussies fans already seemingly losing hope in the Socceroos’ chances at next month’s World Cup.
“Pretty woeful half in all respects. Can’t move anything through midfield, and our right side of Italiano/Leckie is just not really it,” one wrote on X.
“Just defending and waiting for a counter-attack will not work at the world cup we will get destroyed,” another said.
“Won’t get a point this cup Australia..too rubbish up front,” a third wrote.
Despite his miss Toure was actually a bright spark and was a handful for the Mexico defenders until being taken off in the 80th minute.
His pace in behind was a big outlet for the Socceroos and Mexico were fortunate to avoid a sending off after Toure was hauled down when racing through on goal.
Improving the service he is given must be high on the agenda given the recent lack of goals however, with fans understandbly concerned about the support he is receiving.
“Mo Toure is becoming a bit of a menace. Being manhandled by the Mexican defenders. Aside from the miss, he’s been pretty good,” wrote one fan.
Another added: “Play like we did in the second with Volpato, Toure and Irrankunda starting, then we looking good. Still concerned about our two midfielders though.”
