Unfazed: Socceroos’ Milos Degenek Dismisses China’s Challenge for World Cup Qualification

Milos Degenek remains undaunted by the “threatening” challenge posed by the Chinese national team as the Socceroos seek World Cup qualification.

Australia is gearing up to secure vital points against China on Tuesday evening, with both nations eager to gain an edge in the race for an automatic berth in the World Cup.

The Chinese team is desperate for a win against their highly-ranked Australian counterparts, as their hopes of staying in the qualification mix hang by a thread.

Currently, Australia is only a point ahead of Saudi Arabia in the second round of Group C qualification, while Japan leads the group with an impressive record of six wins and one draw.

Under Tony Popovic’s guidance, the Socceroos have struggled to find their footing in qualification matches, having conceded the first goal to China before facing intense attacking pressure from Indonesia.

China is expected to launch a fierce performance against the Socceroos, but the prospect of both physical and external pressure does not seem to faze Degenek.

“As a footballer, you live for matches like this, in stadiums filled with 70,000 to 80,000 spectators,” Degenek commented.

“You thrive on that energy; it’s motivating – I don’t feel pressured at all.

“Pressure is something you feel when you wake up and have to put food on the table for your family. This, on the other hand, is pure joy and passion.

“We are thrilled to play in such significant matches.

“That’s one of the reasons we started playing football – to engage in encounters like this.”

“However, I can’t pinpoint a single player who stands out as a major danger for us… the challenge lies in confronting the team as a whole.

“I find China to be a dangerous side due to their playing style.

While their home advantage gives them added motivation, we are thoroughly prepared and know our plan.

“We are ready and determined to take control of the game.”

Degenek is set to make his 47th appearance for the national team in China, marking his return to the squad after an 18-month absence.

This change was one of several adjustments Popovic had to make due to a significant number of Australian players sidelined by injury.

With Kusini Yengi and Adam Taggart unavailable, Popovic has called Mitch Duke back into the squad for the upcoming match against China.

The decision to exclude the 34-year-old from recent line-ups had left many puzzled, particularly as Popovic cited a preference for Yengi based on “style of play.”

Duke’s limited playing time with his Japanese club Machida Zelvia also influenced that decision.

Nonetheless, his reliability and experience at the international level played a crucial role in Popovic’s choice to include him for the China encounter.

“Mitch has stepped in well, looking sharp and fully attuned to what’s required in the Socceroos setup,” Popovic noted.

“We have several options in the striker position and have some strategies that the players are informed about.

“We expect China to come out strong initially. We need to match that intensity, but we also have to maintain the confidence and courage to play our style.

“It’s a significant challenge. We approach the match with plenty of confidence. Being prepared to fight hard is crucial, as I’m sure China will also bring their all, given the stakes for both teams.”