SYDNEY, — The Australian team will finally be able to play on its own soil on Thursday when it hosts Saudi Arabia, group leader in Asian qualifiers for World Cup.
Fran Karacic, a Croatian-born, Italy-based defender, has played five times for Socceroos since June’s debut, but he only visited Australia this week.
The Saudi team will be making this rare trip after having played almost exclusively at home during the COVID-19 epidemic. The Saudis have won eight games, including four against Japan, China and Vietnam in this round of qualifying. However, they have never lost to the Socceroos in Australia.
This is not surprising considering Australia’s impressive record in World Cup qualifying matches at home. Graham Arnold, Australia’s head coach, is more confident than ever ahead of the Group A game at the Western Sydney Stadium.
Arnold stated that “we know the Saudis have a great run, and they’ve played many games at home during that run.” “I expect that our mentality will be one of getting in their face and making sure we are on the front foot from the beginning and not allowing them to play,” Arnold said.
Australia’s home last game was a 5-0 victory over Nepal in October 2019. Jamie Maclaren scored three goals, while Harry Souttar scored twice.
Because of Australia’s COVID-19 and closed borders, the Socceroos have had to play every game abroad. They will now have a home crowd to support them. Sydney is no longer under lockdown, and supporters are allowed in the stadium.
Arnold stated that it was great to be able play in the country against Saudi, and that he expected a performance. But “it’s all about the three points tomorrow evening.”
With a win in Sydney, Australia could move to level with Saudi Arabia and be at the top of the group. Then it will travel back to the Middle East to face China five days later. With the win in Sydney, Australia of the Saudis’ first match in back-to-back away matches against Vietnam and Australia, they could be six points ahead.
A rejuvenated Japan team is coming off a win at home against Australia, ahead of its trip in Hanoi to face Vietnam. China is also playing in Group B, where it faces Oman in Sharjah. Japan and Oman are still in contention to be among the two automatic qualifiers for Qatar 2022.
Iran is leading Group A with three wins, a draw and one point ahead of its trip in Lebanon. South Korea is second.
The game at Saida Municipal Stadium in Lebanon will be the first home match since its 2-1 victory over Turkmenistan. They are currently on a 14-game streak of unbeaten games in Lebanon.
On Thursday, the Koreans will be at home in the United Arab Emirates. Iraq and Syria will meet up in Doha and each team will aim for their first win of this round. Syria is down to three draws and one loss while Iraq is at home with three losses.
