Australia’s match with Korea Republic this Friday evening (kick off 9:00pm AEST) offers head coach Graham Arnold a fantastic opportunity to blood some exciting fresh faces against one of the strongest teams in Asia.
Arnold, 55, has a wide pool of talent to select from his Caltex Socceroos squad - which includes six potential debutants and 11 players from the Hyundai A-League - for the clash with Paulo Bento's side.
WATCH: Korea Republic v Caltex Socceroos
MABIL: It's just a taste of what's to come
Australia have been training hard at their Busan base ahead of the match, with every player eager to seize their opportunity to impress.
And when the time comes to step out at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium, you can be assured that the Caltex Socceroos will be fired up and ready to do battle with the Taeguk Warriors.
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What they said
Caltex Socceroos boss Graham Arnold
“To play against top opposition is the best test you can have.
This game will bring the maximum out of every player and it will create a lot more depth in the squad.
“It’s going to be a great challenge and one the players and myself are extremely looking forward to.”
ARNOLD: Competition for places at its highest against Korea Republic
Form
Australia’s last five matches: LWWWL
Korea Republic’s last five matches: WWLWW
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THOMAS: Newcomer ready to learn from the best
World ranking
Korea Republic: 37
Australia: 41
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How to watch
Korea Republic vs. Caltex Socceroos (International Friendly)
Date: Friday, 7 June 2019
Venue: Busan Asiad Stadium, Busan, Korea Republic
Kick-off: 8.00pm (local); 9.00pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Live in Australia on FOX SPORTS and Network 10 (10 Bold)
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Caltex Socceroos Squad | FIFA Window – June 2019 | Korea Republic Friendly
Name |
Club, Country |
A-International Caps (Goals) |
Mustafa Amini |
Aarhus Gymnastikforening, Denmark |
5 (0) |
Terry Antonis |
Melbourne Victory, Australia |
3 (0) |
Aziz Behich |
PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands |
35 (2) |
Brandon Borrello |
SC Freiberg, Germany |
0 (0) |
Joshua Brillante |
Sydney FC, Australia |
5 (0) |
Thomas Deng |
Melbourne Victory, Australia |
1 (0) |
Mitchell Duke | Western Sydney Wanderers |
4 (2) |
Craig Goodwin |
Adelaide United, Australia |
3 (0) |
Rhyan Grant |
Sydney FC, Australia |
7 (0) |
James Jeggo |
Austria Wien, Austria |
1 (0) |
Matthew Jurman |
Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia |
7 (0) |
Awer Mabil |
FC Midtjylland, Denmark |
9 (4) |
Brandon O’Neill |
Sydney FC, Australia |
0 (0) |
Dimitri Petratos |
Newcastle Jets, Australia |
2 (0) |
Andrew Redmayne |
Sydney FC, Australia |
0 (0) |
Brad Smith |
Seattle Sounders FC, USA |
19 (0) |
Harry Souttar |
Stoke City FC, England |
0 (0) |
Matthew Spiranovic |
Perth Glory, Australia |
35 (0) |
Adam Taggart |
Suwon Bluewings, Korea Republic |
8 (4) |
Lawrence Thomas |
Melbourne Victory, Australia |
0 (0) |
Rhys Williams |
Al-Qadsiah FC, Saudi Arabia |
14 (0) |
Ryan Williams |
Rotherham United, England |
0 (0) |
Bailey Wright |
Bristol City FC, England |
23 (1) |
Chris Ikonomidis was named in the original squad, but withdrew to undergo shoulder surgery. He was replaced by Western Sydney Wanderers forward Mitchell Duke.
Mitch Langerak withdrew from the squad with illness.