Socceroos Talking Points: How ‘brain explosion’ sealed Roos’ fate despite ‘best performance’ of Asian Cup

The Socceroos have been sent packing at the quarter final stage for the second consecutive Asian Cup after losing 2-1 to South Korea in extra time.

It was a cruel result considering the graft the Aussies had put in throughout regular time, before a costly error from a substitute gave the Taegeuk Warriors a late, late avenue back into the contest.

The errors coupled with the Socceroos inability to convert gilt-edged chances contributed to their exit, leaving Aussie boss Graham Arnold wondering what could have been.

Foxsports.com.au analyses the Socceroos’ defeat in Talking Points!

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AUSSIE’S ‘BRAIN EXPLOSION’ CRUELS ASIAN CUP HOPES

You’d have thought Lucas Neill giving away a penalty in the Socceroos’ Round of 16 clash against Italy at the 2006 World Cup would have served as a lesson why defenders don’t go to ground inside the box.

Unfortunately for Lewis Miller, he didn’t heed the warning.

The Hibernian defender replaced Nathaniel Atkinson in the 73rd minute, largely due to the latter struggling with an ankle injury sustained during the first half.

Sadly, it was a substitution that will be remembered by Socceroos fans for some time to come, but for all the wrong reasons.

With only a handful of minutes remaining in second half stoppage time and the Socceroos inching closer towards a semi final against Jordan, South Korean skipper Heung Min Son picked up the ball in the Aussies’ 18-yard box.

Son, who didn’t have much room to operate,