Match preview: Korea Republic v Caltex Socceroos

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

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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.

REVEALED: The chance conversation that led to Harry Souttar's Australia call-up

Stadium
The Busan Asiad Main Stadium, where Korea Republic hosts the Caltex Socceroos on Friday

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

Arnie
Arnold: 'To play against top opposition is the best test you can have'

Form

Australia’s last five matches: LWWWL

Korea Republic’s last five matches: WWLWW

BEHICH: Fullback glowing about life-changing month
THOMAS: Newcomer ready to learn from the best

Williams
Ryan (left) and Rhys Williams could be first brothers to feature for the Caltex Socceroos since Dylan and Ryan McGowan

World ranking

Korea Republic: 37

Australia: 41

O'NEILL: O'Neill aims high as possible debut draws near
DUKE: How the J-League changed me
AMINI: Midfielder primed to take chance after European grind

Arnold 310519
Arnold and the Caltex Socceroos have worked hard on the training pitch in the lead up to Friday's friendly

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)

BORRELLO: Why fit-again forward is a good match for Arnie's Caltex Socceroos
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SPIRANOVIC: Senior man grows from golden generation

Redmayne
Goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne is one of six potential debutants in Arnold's squad

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

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