Match Preview: Socceroos v UAE
The Socceroos' FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ qualification campaign has reached its final stretch with the play-off against United Arab Emirates on Wednesday morning at 4am (AEST) to decide the Green and Gold’s fate.
The Socceroos’ qualification path towards this year’s FIFA World Cup™ commenced in September 2019 with a 3-0 win over Kuwait in Kuwait City, and after 18 games, 12 wins, and 43 goals, it has come down to a set of play-off fixtures against UAE and Peru over the coming week.
And Australia must defeat UAE at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium – a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ venue – to set up a winner-takes-all match-up against Peru in one of FIFA’s two intercontinental play-offs on the same pitch.
Australia have played UAE six times over the years with three victories, two draws and one defeat. The last time the two faced off was in the quarter-final of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup when the UAE ended the Socceroos tournament with a 1-0 result.
Read More:
- Ultimate Guide: How to watch the Socceroos versus UAE
- Martin Boyle: Why playing at home away from home will help
- Riley McGree: Our togetherness will help us against UAE
The UAE enter the match having inflicted the first defeat on South Korea on the final match day in their qualifying group to clinch third position and set up a play-off against the Socceroos. In preparation for this crucial play-off, they also played out a 1-1 draw against Gambia in Dubai a week ago.
While Australia have lost each of their last two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, after losing only one of their 21 games prior (W15, D5), the Socceroos have never previously lost more than two consecutive World Cup Qualifiers.
And with a come from behind 2-1 over Jordan to prepare for the clash, the Socceroos will enter the match full of confidence.
Graham Arnold deployed an experimental starting side against Jordan but he will likely favour experience in this do-or-die play-off.
The Socceroos notably have a near full-strength squad to call upon for this match with Tom Rogic the only absentee.
The likes of Aaron Mooy and Adam Taggart have all returned to the team after recent absences and Jason Davidson has also been recalled after a strong domestic season with Melbourne Victory.
Meanwhile, the UAE have recalled Omar Abdulrahman for the first time in two and a half years. Abdulrahman has been the shining light of UAE football for the last decade but his recent career has been hampered by injuries.
The match has all the makings of a tight affair and with so much on the line, Arnold will be hoping his men can rediscover their mojo in World Cup Qualification as they endeavour to qualify for a fifth-consecutive tournament.
How to watch
Yet again the match will be broadcast live and free on Australia's 'Home of Football,' Network Ten. For fans based outside of Australia, click here to read about how you can continue to access the action
Network 10 will also have a crew covering the Socceroos in the Middle East, ensuring that supporters are able to stay in touch with the team’s campaign via regular features on 10 News and other programming.
To watch all of the latest involving Socceroos and the rest of Asian Qualifying, Australian football fans can visit https://10play.com.au/socceroos.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ – AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar (Play-Off)
Date: Wednesday, 8 June 2022
Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Kick-off: 4:00AM AEST
Broadcast: Live and free in Australia on Network 10 and simulcast on Paramount+ and 10 Play
World Ranking
Australia: 35
UAE: 68
What they said
Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold
“Our qualification journey for this year’s FIFA World Cup™ has been challenging, however the bigger the challenge, the greater the reward. Just like in 2017 and 2005 I have full belief that our boys will emerge through the play-off system and seal Australia a place at the FIFA World Cup™.
“It’s clear to them what’s at stake. The players now know that it’s not a case of saying, ‘Well, if we fall short in this game we’ve still got a chance if we win the next one.’ We need to win both games – it’s as simple as that. If we don’t, we won’t be at the World Cup.
“It’s a different challenge in that respect. Normally in play-offs we’ve been used to playing home and away, whereas now it comes down to one-off games. But the players seem to be in a good, positive mindset and I believe we’ll get the job done.
“The players, coaches, staff, their families, and our supporters have invested so much time, passion, and commitment into this FIFA World Cup™ qualification campaign, so we will be giving it 100 per cent to ensure that the effort and sacrifices so many people have made over the past three years is rewarded in the best way possible."
UAE striker Ali Mabkhout
“I think the two teams are evenly matched, based on close matches in recent years and the fact that we both finished third in our respective groups. Therefore, we’ll have to focus and avoid any mistakes.
“Being just 180 minutes away from a World Cup is an opportunity that doesn't come around too often. Our fate is in our own hands, so we’re not relying on other results to go our way. Our immediate focus is on the upcoming Australia match, and we’ll give it our all. Hopefully, luck will be on our side.”
What's next for the Socceroos?
Australia must defeat UAE at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium – a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ venue – on June 7 (local time) to set up a winner-takes-all match-up against Peru in one of FIFA’s two intercontinental play-offs on June 13 (local time) on the same pitch.
The victor of UAE/Australia v Peru will secure a place in Group D featuring France, Denmark, and Tunisia at this year’s FIFA World Cup which will be held between November 21 and December 18.