Tag: World Cup Qualifying

Australia’s pragmatism vs. China puts World Cup qualification in doubt

November 17, 2021

Australia’s quest to secure a fifth straight appearance at a men’s World Cup has begun to show dangerous signs of burnout, as coach Graham Arnold’s side put forth their third uninspiring result in a row with a 1-1 draw with China in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Full story published in ESPN: https://www.espn.com.au/football/fifa-world-cup-qualifying-afc/story/4521447/australias-pragmatism-vs-china-puts-world-cup-qualification-in-doubt

Australia homecoming stalemate vs. Saudi Arabia a setback for World Cup qualification hopes

November 12, 2021

“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity,” Sun Tzu wrote in “The Art of War” around 2,500 years ago. Perhaps, following Australia’s 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia on Thursday, it could be said to be “The Art of Arnold.” Full story published in ESPN: https://www.espn.com.au/football/fifa-world-cup-qualifying-afc/story/4516717/australia-homecoming-stalemate-vs-saudi-arabia-a-setback-for-world-cup-qualification-hopes

Australia extending winning streak has Socceroos’ qualifying campaign far surpassing expectations

October 8, 2021

Australia has extended its unbeaten run in 2022 World Cup Qualification to 11 — a new world record for wins in a single campaign — after downing Oman 3-1 in Qatar. Full story published in ESPN: https://www.espn.com.au/football/australia-aus/story/4493218/australia-extending-winning-streak-has-socceroos-qualifying-campaign-far-surpassing-expectations

Australia pass Vietnam test but more will be needed for Japan trip on road to World Cup

September 8, 2021

Australia continued its perfect 2022 World Cup qualification campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Vietnam at Hanoi’s My Dinh National Stadium on Tuesday. Full story published in ESPN: https://www.espn.com.au/football/blog-the-match/story/4469960/australia-pass-vietnam-test-but-more-will-be-needed-for-japan-trip-on-road-to-world-cup

Can Vietnam pull off upset in World Cup qualifiers? Or will Australia win two in a row?

September 6, 2021

The third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup continues on Tuesday. And there will be plenty of interest cast on Hanoi as the My Dinh National Stadium hosts a competitive international since before the COVID-19 pandemic back in November 2019. Having already made history by getting this far in World … More Can Vietnam pull off upset in World Cup qualifiers? Or will Australia win two in a row?

Games, games and more games: how Harry Souttar became a Socceroos’ regular in his early 20s

September 4, 2021

Paying your dues, taking your lumps, and putting in the hours isn’t exactly the most novel concept in sports — even Michael Jordan had to ride the bus. And Socceroo defender Harry Souttar is certainly no exception.  Since being plucked from relative obscurity by Graham Arnold to represent the Olyroos at the 2019 AFC U23 … More Games, games and more games: how Harry Souttar became a Socceroos’ regular in his early 20s

Socceroos forced into coaching reshuffle ahead of World Cup qualifiers

September 1, 2021

Graham Arnold has been forced to re-jig his technical staff just days out from the resumption of the Socceroos’ World Cup qualification campaign after assistant coach Rene Meulensteen tested positive for asymptomatic COVID and Tony Vidmar was forced into 28-days of post-Olympic quarantine.  Set to re-commence their 2022 World Cup qualification campaign against China on … More Socceroos forced into coaching reshuffle ahead of World Cup qualifiers

After Toulouse move, Genreau keen to kick on with Socceroos

September 1, 2021

From becoming Macarthur FC’s first-ever Player of the Year, earning a Socceroos debut, experiencing an Olympics campaign, making a move to France, and receiving another international call-up — it’s been a whirlwind 2021 for Denis Genreau.  A member of Graham Arnold’s squad for both the Socceroos’ June World Cup qualifiers and the Olyroos Tokyo 2020 … More After Toulouse move, Genreau keen to kick on with Socceroos

“He thoroughly deserves his selection” – Daniel Arzani continues national team comeback

August 28, 2021

Daniel Arzani’s 2021 renaissance has continued after being named in Graham Arnold’s 27-player squad for coming World Cup Qualifiers against China and Vietnam — putting him in line for a first senior international cap since 2018. Fresh off debuting with new side Lommel SK, Arzani will fly into Doha in the next 48 hours, where … More “He thoroughly deserves his selection” – Daniel Arzani continues national team comeback