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With Japan firmly in the driver’s seat in Group C, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are locked in a tight battle for the second automatic qualification spot, making this match-up pivotal for both teams. Fresh off a solid international window in October, where Australia secured four valuable points against China and Japan, the Socceroos have the chance to strengthen their qualification hopes on home soil.
The team currently sits second in Group C, level on points with third-placed Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. A positive result here could create some breathing room in the standings as the qualification race heats up.
Head coach Tony Popovic has made eight changes to his squad from the October window. Three players have received their first-ever call-ups: Max Balard, a standout in the Eredivisie with NAC Breda; Hayden Matthews from Sydney FC; and Anthony Caceres, also from Sydney FC.
Additionally, five Socceroos make their return, including Milos Degenek, Rhyan Grant, Brandon Borrello, Martin Boyle (who recently recovered from wrist surgery), and Kusini Yengi. Their experience and form will add crucial depth and versatility to the squad.
The November window will test Australia’s resilience, as they face Saudi Arabia at home before travelling to Bahrain. Historically, Saudi Arabia has proven to be a thorn in the Socceroos’ side, having forced Australia into play-offs in previous World Cup qualifying cycles.
The Green and Gold last faced the Green Falcons at this stage during qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, in two tense encounters. Their clash in Jeddah saw Saudi Arabia edge out a narrow 1-0 victory, while the first leg in Sydney ended in a goalless stalemate.
However, the current Saudi side has struggled, with only one win in their last three matches. Home losses, including a 2-0 defeat to Japan and disappointing draws against Indonesia and Bahrain, prompted the managerial shift from Roberto Mancini back to Hervé Renard. Known for his early successes with national teams, Renard’s tactical approach could present challenges.
With Craig Goodwin suspended for the match, others will need to fill the creative and attacking void. Martin Boyle, making his return after wrist surgery, offers speed and directness down the wings and could be a key outlet for Australia’s attack.
Riley McGree, in impressive Championship form, has shown a talent for creating chances and threading decisive passes, making him essential for linking midfield to the forward line. Popovic has a wealth of midfielders at his disposal and will likely be looking to strike the balance between defensive solidity and attacking threat – Jackson Irvine, Aiden O’Neill, Max Balard, Patrick Yazbek and Anthony Caceres could all be considered in the central midfield berth with Ajdin Hrustic, like McGree, another creative option higher up.
With an infusion of new talent and a few familiar faces back in the lineup, Popovic’s squad will look to build on October’s momentum. A victory in Melbourne would not only elevate Australia’s standing but also mark a significant stride in their journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Australia: 24
Saudi Arabia: 59
Played: 10
Wins: 5
Draws: 3
Losses: 2
On being back in Melbourne
“Obviously, it’s a pleasure to be back here [in Melbourne] again. Some wonderful memories here in this stadium, so I look forward to another one tomorrow. A packed house supporting the Socceroos.
“I’ve experienced it now in Adelaide – I know it’s special and I’m sure they’ll bring a wonderful atmosphere tomorrow and get behind the team. We’re aiming to put on a performance that can excite them. One to make them proud and get a vital three points.”
On the challenge of Saudi Arabia
“We expect them to bring that energy and enthusiasm which comes about through playing for your country. So we expect that tomorrow night – a very energetic, determined team, maybe desperate to get a result. We know what’s coming and we need to match that enthusiasm and energy, but have the patience and calmness to play our football at the right moments and identify what the game is presenting. If they play a higher line as they did at the World Cup, to identify those moments. If they sit deeper, to identify the patience we need.
“And be aware of talented individuals that like to do things on their own because they can. We feel it’s in our hands – in our home stadium, our crowd, the players look calm and confident – I want to see that in their performance tomorrow.”
“They’re all big games and the attitude of the players and the staff is one that we approach every game with – the seriousness of what they are, which is playing for your national team, playing a World Cup qualifier and the importance of that.
So, the approach doesn’t really change for us – we recognise and obviously respect our opponents but focus on our own game and deal with the circumstances that come with that.”
“Whether they come out or sit in the low block, we’re going to be patient and try and move the ball around and find opportunities to break their defence down and score goals.
“If they come out and attack us, we have threats that can run in behind and cause chaos on counter attacks. So I think either way the game plays out, we’re well-equipped and prepared.
“We can’t take any game lightly at the moment. That’s the situation we’re in, and I don’t think the coaches want to take those situations lightly either. So we need to prepare as best as we can. I’m sure we’ll have a few video sessions on them and make sure we iron out the details for the game.
“Melbourne is known for supporting their teams in terms of Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City – they’ve got some of the best fan bases there. As a Socceroo, I think that’ll give us a bit of an edge, having the home crowd advantage, which will be great. Obviously, that’s the 12th man for us. But if we don’t do what we do on the pitch, then the fans don’t get behind us. So we need to make sure that we represent them as much as we do ourselves on Thursday night.”
“I think the last camp was about laying the foundations. As you can see, we want to dominate the ball as much as possible, but also be hard to beat. So, if we can combine those two things on and off the ball, I think we’ll produce good performances.
“It’s an exciting prospect. We know we’ve got to win both games and we’re looking to win both games. I think it’s always a good challenge to have this problem, but I think we’re ready to go.”
Subway Socceroos v Saudi Arabia
Thursday, 14 November 2024
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-off: 8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
Bahrain v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday 19 November 2024
Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa
Kick-off: 9.15pm local (5.15am AEDT – Wednesday, 20 November)
Broadcast: Paramount+
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