The Socceroos are expecting a warm welcome from locals fans during Wednesday morning’s (AEST) World Cup qualifier against Kyrgyzstan in the capital Bishkek.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have arrived in Bishkek ahead of the match following their intense training camp in Dubai over the last week.
“I hear that there are a lot of people interested in this game and apparently Australia coming to Kyrgyzstan is the biggest thing that’s happened for the country in a long time,” Socceroo striker Tomi Juric told FFA TV.
“It’s going to be exciting to see how things turn out.”
The Socceroos trained in near 40 degree conditions in the UAE, but temperatures are expected to sit around the 20C mark come kick-off on Tuesday night (local time).
Juric says the cooler conditions will make things much easier for the Aussies, who couldn’t be better prepared ahead of their start of their 2018 World Cup qualification campaign.
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“We didn’t know much about the opponent heading into the game but we’ve done a little bit of research and we got a little bit of information on them now,” the 23-year-old said.
“We know what to expect from them and where we can hurt them.
“We’re looking forward to the game now and we’re positive we’re going to go out there and get the result we’re looking for.”
Juric spoke about the pride he gets in scoring goals for the national team and feels the team now has goal-threats everywhere heading into this qualifying campaign.
“There’s quality throughout the whole pitch to grab goals. We’re such a combined team in the front third and the middle third, when we go and attack we’re very dangerous,” he said.
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“Needless to say in defence we’re very strong and we’re not making as many mistakes as we used to make.
“It’s all very encouraging - looking forward to this game to see what we can combine up front.
“It’s very different a different feeling when you score for your national side [compared to club football],” Juric added.
“It brings you a lot of pride in what you do and obviously you can feel you’re on the right track in life and your football career.
“It makes me very proud to put the ball in the back of the net for the green and gold.”
