Match Preview: Socceroos v Oman
One down, three more to go. The Socceroos made the perfect statement towards automatic qualification for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ with last week's win over Vietnam but the bigger tests are still to come, starting with Wednesday morning's (AEDT) clash with Oman.
While big guns Japan and Saudi Arabia await the Socceroos in March, all focus is on trying to topple the world no.79 Ranked Omani's in Muscat to remain in the hunt for a vital top-two finish in Group B.
Confidence should be high in the Australian camp after Thursday night's 4-0 demolition of Vietnam in front of almost 28,000 fans in Melbourne.
The Socceroos' performance was full of attacking intent, creativity and power and coach Graham Arnold will demand something similar in this one.
After watching the win over Vietnam in isolation in his hotel room, Arnold will be on the sidelines for the Oman clash in another boost for the Green and Gold, who also welcome back Ajdin Hrustic from suspension, as well as Aziz Behich who flew in from Turkey.
It will be interesting to see what Arnold does with his starting side given the likes of debutant Joel King, playmakers Tom Rogic and Aaron Mooy, as well as attacking triumvirate Jamie Maclaren, Martin Boyle and Mat Leckie all starred against Vietnam.
History is well in Australia's favour heading into this clash, winning six and losing just one of the 10 previous meetings between the two nations.
One of those wins came back in October, a 3-1 victory thanks to goals from Awer Mabil, Martin Boyle and Mitchell Duke.
But the Omani's showed in their narrow 1-0 loss to group leaders Saudi Arabia last week they won't be pushovers, especially in front of what should be a boisterous home crowd at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.
The Socceroos start this round in third place in Group B just one point behind Japan and five behind the first-placed Saudis who currently occupy the two automatic qualification spots.
But with Japan hosting Saudi Arabia on Tuesday night, things could change dramatically as the race to Qatar 2022 heats up.
How to watch
The Oman clash will be broadcast live and free on Australia's 'Home of Football,' Network Ten.
Fans can tune in via television on Channel 10, or stream the action on 10 Play.
To watch all of the latest involving Socceroos and the rest of Asian Qualifying, Australian football fans can visit https://10play.com.au/socceroos.
For fans based outside of Australia, click here to read about how you can continue to access the action.
Matchday 8: Oman v Australia
Date: Tuesday, 1 February 2022
Venue: Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat, Oman
Kick-off: 8pm (local); 3am AEDT – Wednesday, 2 February 2022
Broadcast: Live and free in Australia on Network 10 and simulcast on 10 Play
World Ranking
Australia: 35
Oman: 79
Current standings
What they said
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold:
"That (Thursday’s match against Vietnam) was probably one of the worst nights of my life, to be honest. It was really hard.
"It's hard enough standing on the bench and watching a game or sitting up in the grandstand watching a game but to watch it on a computer connected to the bench with headphones ... with the delayed coverage - it was about a minute later than what was going on at the ground - that made it a little bit harder but the communication was there.
"I'm just so grateful to the great staff that I've got and there's one thing I probably have learned more out of this than ever is trust is the key.
"You need to trust people especially in the staff that you have but also the players. They handled the challenges very well."
Socceroos’ Next Match
Matchday 9: Australia v Japan
Date: Thursday, 24 March 2022
Venue: Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia
Kick-off: To be confirmed
Tickets: On sale from Wednesday, 2 February 2022 via Ticketek
Broadcast: Live and free in Australia on Network 10 and simulcast on 10 Play