The Subway Socceroos have finalised their preparations for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, with a fixture against Bahrain in Abu Dhabi confirmed for Saturday, 6 January 2024 (6.00pm local).
- READ MORE: Subway Socceroos AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Squad Revealed
- READ MORE: AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Squad Notes: Maiden call-ups, Potential debutants and returning players
- READ MORE: Talking Points - Graham Arnold on squad selection
The match – being played at Baniyas Stadium, Al Shamkhah – will be the final opportunity for Graham Arnold and his squad to prepare in a competitive setting prior to the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ commencing on Friday, 12 January 2024.
The clash with fellow AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ qualifier (Group E), Bahrain, will be the focal point of a brief pre-camp for the Subway Socceroos, with the 26 selected players to be released by their respective clubs for the tournament on Monday, 1 January 2024.
Following the completion of the fixture against Bahrain, the Subway Socceroos will make their way to Doha ahead of Australia’s opening Group Stage match against India on Saturday, 13 January 2024 (2.30pm local).
Subway Socceroos’ Head Coach, Graham Arnold said he was looking forward to some additional time with his squad in the lead up to the tournament, as they look to build on the success of the last 12 months.
“With the way international windows are structured and the distance we travel, our preparation usually entails one or possibly two training sessions ahead of a game,” Arnold said.
“To get the boys together for close to a week, with an international fixture against a team like Bahrain in conditions we can expect throughout the Asian Cup will be hugely beneficial.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1737969988009660658
“While it’s an opportunity for us to fine-tune our preparation, like any time we get to represent Australia, we’ll be looking to do the nation proud and lay the foundation for a successful campaign in Doha.
“We’ve built a fantastic camaraderie within the squad over a long period of time, and I know the players are excited to get into camp and get to work,” concluded Arnold.
For more information on the match schedule for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ please click here.
Catch the Subway Socceroos AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ campaign on Network 10 and Paramount+.
MATCH DETAILS:
Bahrain v Subway Socceroos
Saturday, 6 January
Baniyas Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Kick-off: 6.00pm local/1.00am AEDT (Sunday, 7 January)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
SUBWAY SOCCEROOS AFC ASIAN CUP QATAR 2023™ FIXTURES (GROUP B):
Australia v India
Saturday, 13 January 2024
Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan
Kick-off: 2:30pm local (10:30pm AEDT)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
Syria v Australia
Thursday, 18 January 2024
Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Doha
Kick-off: 2:30pm local (10:30pm AEDT)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
Australia v Uzbekistan
Tuesday, 23 January 2024
Al Janoub Stadium, Doha
Kick-off: 2:30pm local (10:30pm AEDT)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+