Match Preview: Socceroos v Canada

On Tuesday night at 7:30pm AEST, it's do or die for the Socceroos who must beat Canada in Sydney to have any hope of progressing in USA 1994 World Cup qualifying.

The Socceroos trail Canada 2-1 after a disappointing loss in the first leg of the CONCACAF/OFC intercontinental playoff at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.

Australia scored an all-important away goal courtesy of Canadian defender, Nick Dasovic who headed Ned Zelic’s teasing cross into his own net.

While the defeat was a setback, the priceless away goal has left the door open for a victory on aggregate.

Head coach Eddie Thomson will look to capitalise on the home advantage; however, he will be without goalkeeper Robert Zabica who was sent off just 17 minutes into the first leg.

20-year-old Mark Schwarzer is anticipated to retain the number one position, following a resolute display in his unexpected debut.

Watch the game on the Socceroos Facebook and Youtube pages from 7:30pm AEST on Tuesday, May 12.

Canada will be boosted by the return from suspension of Randy Samuel and Paul Peschisolido.

The mandate is simple. To progress, the Socceroos must win without conceding. If Australia concedes, they will need to score twice to send the game to an an extra time period.

If they do progress, they will play the CONMEBOL Group 1 winner for a place in the FIFA World Cup 1994 USA.

A loss will see Australia’s FIFA World Cup dreams shelved for another four years.

Form

Australia's last five matches: LWWLW

Canada’s last five matches: WLDDL

World Ranking

Australia: 52

Canada: 46

What They Said

Socceroos midfielder Paul Wade:

”Can we turn it around? No question at all.

”They're going to have to come to Sydney with 40,000 fans going berserk, and the huge atmosphere is going to help the guys lift themselves.

”Canada are a very competitive side, but I'm very confident as long as we play to our potential.”

Canada defender Mark Watson:

”We know we have a good team and if we perform well and have a bit of luck against Australia, we have a chance.”

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Squads

Australia

Manager: Eddie Thomson

Mark Schwarzer (GK), Mehmet Durakovic, Milan Blagojevic, Ned Zelic, Paul Wade, Alex Tobin, Tony Vidmar, Frank Farina, Aurelio Vidmar, David Mitchell, Graham Arnold, Jason Van Blerk, Robbie Slater   

Canada

Manager: Bob Lenarduzzi

Craig Forrest (GK), Frank Yallop, Mark Watson, Mike Sweeney, Carl Valentine, Randy Samuel, Colin Miller, Lyndon Hooper, Nick Dasovic, Domenic Mobilio, Grant Needham, Alex Bunbury, Dale Mitchell, Paul Peschisolido

How To Watch

Watch the game on the Socceroos Facebook and Youtube pages from 7:30pm AEST on Tuesday, May 12.

Click here and tag your friends to make a watch party on Facebook and click “Get Notification” to receive a notification when the match goes live.

Join in the conversation on social media with Socceroos fans from around the world by posting your photos and videos while using the hashtag: #AUSvCAN

Click here to watch on Facebook.

Click here to watch on Youtube or watch in the player below from 7:30pm AEDT!