‘We want to put smiles on faces’: Arnold’s message to Aussie fans ahead of qualifiers
Ahead of this week's first two FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Round 3, Socceroos Head Coach Graham Arnold wants his side to bring happiness to those who are doing it tough in Australia.
Arnold’s squad will assemble in Doha this week to begin preparations for upcoming matches against China PR and Vietnam.
Speaking on the Socceroos Insider: Squad Announcement Edition, Arnold is confident that players can bring joy to those who may be struggling in lockdowns.
“We’re going to do Australia proud. That’s what I believe,” Arnold shared.
“I’ll drive the message to the players about putting a smile on Australian football fans' faces.
A lot of us in Australia are in tough situations and tough challenges in life with lockdowns so our plan and my expectations are that we put smiles on their faces.
“The boys are coming into camp, and they will be in great energy. To get back together with the Socceroos family, I'm getting goosebumps, I can't wait.
“I've been sitting and waiting in the UAE for this camp to happen so let's bring it on.”
With the likes of Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic and Daniel Arzani all returning to Socceroos camp for the first time this year, fans can expect entertaining football as the squad looks to pick up exactly where they left off in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ qualifying.
Mooy and Rogic both missed the previous camp in June due to injury and personal reasons.
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Rogic has seen a rejuvenation at Celtic under Australian coach Ange Postecoglou, while Mooy, who plays his club football in China, has also been included.
As two of Australia’s most experienced players, Rogic and Mooy bring more attacking quality to the Socceroos setup, and Arnold cannot wait to have them back on the pitch.
“Tommy is obviously in great form with Celtic. I know him very, very well and I know that when he is happy off the field, he brings a lot of energy on the field,” Arnold explained.
“He is in great shape at the moment and physically, his body is well so I can’t wait to see him.
“Aaron cannot wait to get here as well. I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about seeing him again because he's such a great kid and a great person.
“Obviously he hasn't had much football time lately, but I do know that with his freshness and with the adrenaline rush that will kick as he puts that Green and Gold shirt back on, he will do a great job for us.
Selecting three out of eight or four out of eight of those boys to put into that midfield is going to be a challenge but it just shows that we have some strength in depth there.”
Talented attacker Daniel Arzani, who could play his first match for the Socceroos since the 2018 FIFA World Cup, has also been included in Arnold’s squad after impressing in the Olyroos' recent campaign.
While the technical winger has endured a tough time at club level in recent years, he showed that he is back on the path to fulfilling his immense potential in Tokyo.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion adds a different option for Arnold, who has selected five forwards for the camp.
“It’s a strong front line. We have some good players there with good individual actions that can change games,” Arnold said.
“We are a little bit light on numbers compared to other areas on the pitch but I’m happy with the squad.”
The Socceroos face China PR on Friday, 3 September, with kick-off at 4am (AEST). Australia's second World Cup qualifier against Vietnam in Hanoi will be played on Tuesday, 7 September.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ – AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar (Final Round)
Australia v China PR
Date: Thursday, 2 September 2021
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Kick-off: 9pm local (4am AEST – Friday, 3 September 2021)
Broadcast: Live and free in Australia on Network 10 – pre-game coverage from 3.30am AEST
