Socceroos final preparations complete

FIFA World Cup AFC Play-Off fixture details

The Socceroos’ on-field preparations for tomorrow’s (AEST) FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 play-off against United Arab Emirates (UAE) wrapped up on Monday evening with a familiarisation session at the impressive Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

Prior to training at one of Qatar’s eight match venues for this year’s FIFA World Cup, Socceroos Head Coach Graham Arnold and striker Mitchell Duke spoke with media at the team’s official pre-match press conference. 

Arnold said his players have great conviction in themselves leading into the contest against the UAE, having enjoyed a solid stint in Doha training and preparing over the past ten days. 

Read More:

“We have got a strong group of players at the moment who have a strong belief in themselves,” Arnold said. “Physically we are in great shape and mentally the boys are in great spirits.”

“My job today and tomorrow is to keep the boys relaxed. We have done a lot of work on the training pitch … this is the longest we have been able to get together to be able to train before a game and as I said, the Jordan game (played last week) was a very good hit-out for us.” 

“The boys have got strong belief and that’s the most important thing. There is a great atmosphere and great spirit in the group.”

“They (the players) know what the game is about, we all know it. But it is also a great opportunity for the boys to show their skills,” he said. 

Duke added: “It is very exciting, a great occasion. All the boys know what is at stake and we have had great preparation. There has been a good atmosphere around training and all the boys can’t wait to get on that pitch and do the job.” 

The Socceroos must defeat UAE in Doha on Wednesday morning (AEST) to keep the nation’s dream of competing at a fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup alive. Secure victory and the Socceroos will then meet Peru in a single-leg match for a place in Group D at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 next Tuesday morning (AEST). 

United Arab Emirates v Australia – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ – Asian Football Confederation Play-off
Date: Tuesday, 7 June 2022
Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Kick-off: 9pm local (4am AEST – Wednesday, 8 June 2022)
Broadcast: Live and free in Australia via Network 10, 10 Play, & Paramount+ from 3.30am AEST
Tickets: Available now via tickets.qfa.qa 

Create a Football Account Olyroos