Winger Martin Boyle is hoping to take an important step towards qualifying for his first World Cup when the Socceroos face off against UAE in familiar surroundings on Wednesday morning (AEST).
The Socceroos' hopes of reaching a fifth-consecutive World Cup hinge on two must-win play-off matches in Doha over the next week and a half.
The side must defeat UAE on Wednesday morning at 4am (AEST) to earn a one-off qualifying match against Peru in a fortnight, with the winner of that fixture to earn a spot at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
While Australia have not won in their last three qualification matches, the Socceroos are familiar with Doha after playing their "home" qualifiers against China and Oman there last year due to COVID-19 border restrictions.
And the Socceroos have won their last three games in the Middle East for an overall record of five wins, three losses with 12 goals scored and six goals conceded.
Boyle is hoping the Socceroos' previous experiences in Qatar will lead them through the do-or-die clash with the UAE.
“Qatar has been good to us,” Boyle told Socceroos.com.au.
It’s kind of been our home away from home. It's been kind to us and made us feel welcomed.
“We’ve played a few games here and we've got a good record but we are just treating it as every other game.
“With preparations, we have to train the way we want to play and everyone has to be at it. I’m sure when the game comes that we will be fired up and if everyone is at it, I’m confident we can get the result and progress.”
Despite being born in Aberdeen and representing Scotland at youth level, Boyle declared his allegiance to the Socceroos courtesy of his Sydney-born father.
The 29-year-old made his Socceroos debut in November 2018 and since then, he has gone on to become a mainstay in Graham Arnold’s side.
Boyle has scored five goals in 16 appearances so far for the Socceroos and he is hoping to make a meaningful contribution against UAE to cement himself in Australian football folklore.
“The idea of qualifying for a World Cup, considering where I’ve come from in my career, I’d say that’s a bit surreal,” Boyle said.
“Making the change from Scotland, I don’t regret anything that I’ve done.
The Socceroos have made me feel welcome. I’d like to think that every time I’ve put on the jersey I’ve given 100 per cent, and I’ve done quite well. But these games coming up, this is where you can definitely make yourself a legend and put your name in the books.
“Qualifying for a World Cup, there’s a lot of people in this team that have done it.
“To see yourself there, and make your family proud and the nation proud – that’s exactly where I want to be.”
The Socceroos FIFA World-Cup Play-off match will be broadcast live and free on Australia's 'Home of Football,' Network Ten.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ – AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar (Play-Off)
Date: Wednesday, 8 June 2022
Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Kick-off: 4:00AM AEST
Broadcast: Live and free in Australia on Network 10 and simulcast on Paramount+ and 10 Play