Connor Metcalfe from Australia has urged his teammates to remain calm and not react to Saudi Arabia’s gamesmanship when the two sides clash in Jeddah on Tuesday, with direct qualification for next year’s World Cup finals at stake.
Tony Popovic’s squad heads into the contest at King Abdullah Sports City with one foot already on the plane to North America, following their narrow 1-0 victory against Japan last Thursday, which has provided the Socceroos some breathing space in their pursuit of a World Cup spot.
Despite this advantageous position, Metcalfe is intent on keeping the team’s focus sharp ahead of this critical match, which will be played in front of over 50,000 passionate fans and under oppressive heat.
“There will be plenty of diving and acting, but our priority is to block out the distractions, concentrate on our own game, and perform to the best of our abilities,” stated the midfielder from St. Pauli.
“It’s crucial not to let any of their antics or noise affect you. If you do, it could impact the game, and they’ll gain an unfair advantage over you.”
Australia currently holds a three-point lead over Hervé Renard’s side, plus a significant goal difference, meaning the Saudis would need to win by at least five goals to leapfrog into second place and secure the last automatic spot from this stage of Asia’s qualifiers.
Japan has already clinched the top spot in Group C, while Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Jordan have also secured their places at the expanded World Cup from the third round of qualifying.
Two additional spots will be available from the upcoming fourth round of qualifiers, scheduled for October.
If Saudi Arabia fails to secure a substantial victory against Australia, they will finish third in Group C and move into the next qualifying phase, where they will be joined by the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, and Indonesia.
Palestine Still in the Running
In the meantime, Oman and Palestine are also vying for a spot in the fourth round, both aiming to secure either third or fourth place in Group B on Tuesday.
The two nations are set to face off in Amman, with Palestine needing a win to surpass Rashid Jaber’s squad and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.
Neither country has ever competed in a World Cup, and Palestine enters this match following a 2-0 victory over Kuwait last Thursday, remaining in contention for a place in the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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