The Socceroos trained in front of hundreds of fans on Tuesday as preparations ramped up ahead of Thursday night’s 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier™ in Perth.
After only 10 players took part in Monday’s session, 22 were on the pitch at nib Stadium, with only youngster Chris Ikonomidis set to arrive in camp on Tuesday night.
After the warm-up, the ‘keepers went off into their own group to work with coach Tony Franken.
With regular no.1 Mat Ryan out injured, there was a bit more incentive to perform for the glovesmen with the starting spot for the Bangladesh clash wide open.
Defender Alex Wilkinson was the only outfield player to train away from the main group, doing some light jogging and ball work with trainer Craig Duncan.
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The rest of the squad began with a pass-and-move drill, with assistant Ante Milicic again barking the instructions as Ange Postecoglou watched on.
The session lifted in intensity the longer it went on.
“Get the body moving, keep the legs working,” was Milicic’s directive.
After around 15 minutes Milicic progressed the session to include another passing drill around and through poles over almost the entire length of the pitch.
It enabled the group to play, longer, firmer passes as well as stretch out more with their running. Again movement and communication was paramount.
The players went then split into two groups for a possession game of 6 v 3, with the keepers at either end, the aim work their way from one side to the other without losing the ball.
After less than an hour the session was done and the players went into a warm down before meeting the fans, signing autographs and posing for photos.
Just one session left to prepare for battle with Bangladesh.
Socceroo Match Details
Australia v Bangladesh Tajikistan v Australia
3 September 2015 8 September 2015
nib Stadium, Perth Republican Central Stadium, Dushanbe
7pm (AWT) kick off (9pm AEST)6pm kick off (10pm AEST)
