‘It’s all in our hands’: Arnold looks ahead to China game

Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold believes his side will get back to winning ways against China on Wednesday morning (AEDT) as qualification for a fifth consecutive World Cup remains in their hands. 

In their first game back on Australian soil since 2019, the Socceroos played out a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia in front of 23,314 fans at Western Sydney Stadium.

The Green and Gold were unable to break through a resolute Saudi defence and capitalise on their superior attacking opportunities. 

Despite dropping two points against the Saudis on Thursday night, Arnold remained upbeat with his side's performance. 

“I just said to the boys that they should be very proud of their fantastic effort,” said Arnold post-game. 

“I’m someone who always looks at the positive side of things and as I said to the boys in the dressing room it was one of those nights where the ball wouldn’t go in the back of the net.

“I can’t complain about the performance and the effort was very good.

“That's all you can ask for is an effort like that with a lot of energy but it's one game at a time and that game is over. 

I'm already thinking about the China game and I just said to the boys that the most important thing now is recovery.”

The result means the Socceroos now have 10 points from their opening five Group B matches and are three points behind group leaders Saudi Arabia with five games to play.

The top two teams from the group will qualify automatically for the World Cup, while a third-place finish would send the Socceroos to a play-off against the third-place team from Group A, followed by an intercontinental play-off.

Australia is one point ahead of Japan, who are third on nine points, while Oman is fourth with seven points.

While Japan are nipping at Australia's heels, Arnold insisted that qualification is still in their own control. 

“We're in a great spot, it's all in our hands,” he explained. 

“If you've got something that's in your hands, you're in a great position rather than having to rely on other results. 

The most important thing now is that we go and play China and get three points and have a great Christmas.”

The Socceroos clash with China on Wednesday morning (AEDT) marks a return to the United Arab Emirates for Australia. 

In June, the team assembled for a hub in the UAE prior to the end of the second phase of qualification. 

The last time the Socceroos and China met in September, Australia claimed a 3-0 win thanks to goals from Awer Mabil, Martin Boyle and Mitchell Duke.

Once again, the action will be broadcast live and free on Australia's 'Home of Football,' Network Ten.