Melbourne City duo Jamie Maclaren and Mathew Leckie were both named in the starting XI as the Socceroos took on World Champions, Argentina, in an international friendly in Beijing on Thursday night.
The two City stars were joined by several familiar faces in the starting line-up, as Australia went down 2-0 to the World Champions.
Argentina 2-0 Socceroos
It took Argentina less than two minutes to open the scoring as Leo Messi curled the opener in from the edge of the area, immediately putting the Socceroos on the back foot.
Despite Argentina’s early dominance, Graham Arnold’s men wrestled their way back into the content and went inches away from finding an equaliser. City Academy product and 2022/23 Premiership winner, Jordan Bos, cut inside onto his root foot before delivering a brilliant cross which was met by Mitch Duke, only for the striker to be denied by shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez who parried his effort into the upright.
The World Champions doubled their lead in the second period, as substitute German Pezzella’s glancing header made it 2-0 in the 68th minute.
Familiar faces
City stars Jamie Maclaren and Mathew Leckie were named in the starting XI alongside 2022/23 premiership winning teammates Jordan Bos and Aiden O’Neill.
It was a starting debut to remember for Bos, as the youngster showcased his exceptional talent on the world stage.
Former City player Riley McGree was also in the starting line-up, alongside City Academy graduate Nathaniel Atkinson. Connor Metcalfe and Denis Genreau came off the bench.
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