Goodwin: Why Socceroos' friendly victory over Jordan was significant
Socceroos winger Craig Goodwin has hailed the friendly win over Jordan as an important step in the side's preparation for next week's do-or-die qualifier against the United Arab Emirates.
The Socceroos came from behind in Doha to beat Jordan 2-1 in their final warm-up match ahead of Wednesday morning’s (AEST) Asian play-off against the UAE.
Australia fielded a starting side comprised of players low on match minutes as Graham Arnold tried to condition his squad for the do-or-die qualifier.
The side included debutant Kye Rowles at centre-back, Jason Davidson returning for the first time since 2015 and Adelaide United’s Goodwin, who picked up an assist with a quality delivery from a set piece for Australia’s first goal.
After going into half-time locked at 1-1, the Socceroos came out for the second 45 minutes with a spring in their step and were rewarded in the 68th minute as Awer Mabil scored the winner from close range.
While the Green and Gold had to fight back from a goal down to secure the victory against a resolute Jordan team, Goodwin said the match was an important confidence booster ahead of their World Cup play-off.
“In this game, we needed to bring the intensity because for some of us it’s been a few weeks without a game,” Goodwin told Network Ten post-match.
“Probably at times, we needed to find the balance of changing the intensity from when we have the ball to when we don't have the ball but all in all, it was a good shift.
“It's important to, first and foremost, get the cobwebs out but to pick up a win and to build the confidence going into the UAE game is important.”
Australia must defeat UAE 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™.
The side now has six days to prepare for the do-or-die clash and Goodwin believes that time on the training pitch will be crucial, as they endeavour to qualify for a fifth consecutive World Cup.
“We have to be really confident but we have to focus on our game, on our roles and what we need to do in each moment of the match,” he said.
We're fully focused on the UAE and that's the game plan. We've got to focus on that and be ready in the last six days building into it because obviously, it’s a really big game.”
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