Socceroos coach Graham Arnold says he’s “very happy” with Australia’s Asian Cup draw regardless of his group virtually definitely needing to beat Saudi Arabia and Japan simply to make the ultimate.
The Socceroos have been drawn in Group B with Uzbekistan, Syria, India for the event, which is being held in Qatar from January 12 to February 10 subsequent yr.
Provided outcomes go as anticipated, the Socceroos are anticipated to satisfy Saudi Arabia within the quarter-finals, with the winner of that match prone to face Japan within the semi-finals.
Both Saudi Arabia and Japan beat Australia throughout the qualifying phases for the 2022 World Cup, which was additionally held in Qatar.
“Obviously every draw is tough, but I’m very happy with that draw,” Arnold mentioned.
“Having the familiarity of playing here in Qatar will help us as well.
“Asia has come a long way in football and in strength. We played Syria in World Cup qualifiers, we played Uzbekistan before, we are familiar with the way that they like to play, and we are looking forward to it.”
He additionally mentioned “Qatar” had been a “home away from home” in recent times for the Socceroos, with Australia having performed a number of matches there because of Covid-19-enforced journey and quarantine restrictions.
“We are very comfortable (in Qatar). We are familiar with the stadiums, the surroundings, and we are looking forward to getting this Asian Cup underway,” Arnold mentioned
Under Arnold, the Socceroos reached the quarter-finals earlier than being knocked out by the United Arab Emirates.
“Last time was with an older group of players and I had to find some youngsters, but this time we’re more settled as a group and I’ve been in the job now for nearly five years, so, I’m very familiar with all the players, what they expect from us, and my expectations from them,” he mentioned.
“We’re going into this tournament with a great mindset and looking forward to doing well.”
The Socceroos’ Asian Cup Group B matches –
January 13 – v India, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan.
January 18 – v Syria, Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Doha.
January 23 – v Uzbekistan, Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha.
Source: www.news.com.au
