Saudi heat on as Socceroos approach date with destiny
Australia's 1-0 win over Japan in Perth on Thursday, inspired by a 90th-minute winner from defender Aziz Behich, has put the Socceroos within a whisker of snaring an automatic spot for the 2026 World Cup finals.
There remains just one tiny step to go, and one the Socceroos should pass with flying colours - not losing to Saudi Arabia by five goals or more in Jeddah on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning AEST).
Entering a match with the luxury of being able to lose by four goals and still progress presents a unique challenge in itself.
The Socceroos have a simple answer to ensure there's no complacency - go in with a must-win mindset.
"We haven't qualified. That's the reality of the situation," Socceroos defender Jason Geria said.
"Yes, Saudi have a big task ahead of them if they're to qualify in the second automatic spot, but I think we're all approaching these games as if we have to win.
"It's not just going to be a game where we can't concede X amount of goals. We're here to get three points.
"We're expecting a very attacking, sort of hell-bent, relentless Saudi Arabia.
"But we've played them before, we've watched their games, so we know how they attack and how they can be vulnerable as well."
The Socceroos will have to deal with a hostile home crowd when they take on Saudi Arabia.
And they're already dealing with extreme heat, with the maximum temperature in Saudi Arabia set to be around 39 degrees Celsius for every day the Socceroos are there.
As for the minimum temperatures? A toasty 31 degrees.
Not that the Socceroos will let a bit of heat get in their way.
"For me, I think the will to win, the will to get to a World Cup, that can sort of get you through a 35-degree game," Geria said.
"It can get you through moments. It can get you through times when you feel like it may be a bit too hot."
Geria said the key would be holding off the Saudis for as long as possible.
"The opening 15 minutes definitely, if we were to concede a goal, things could get a bit hairy," Geria said.
"It's definitely going to be one where the first 15 minutes, it's going to be the time for them to pile the pressure on us, to make us nervous, make us sweat, and see if they can mentally get ahead of us in the game.
"But I think we're capable of keeping them to zero again."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Wallaroos can match Wales in Sydney wet: skipper
Wallaroos captain Emily Chancellor admits her side have learnt from their Ballymore upset as a wet-weather Wales rematch looms in Sydney. The hosts were stunned 22-12 in Brisbane last week and the sides will clash again on Friday at North Sydney Oval, the Wallaroos' final Test before next month's World Cup. Keen to play up-tempo rugby under coach Jo Yapp, Chancellor admits they must also show they're not one-trick ponies. With rain forecast, they'll get their chance. "We're confident with a lot of what we did, just need that execution to be a little better," Chancellor said ahead of her second game in charge. "We've been well aware it's going to rain for most of the time we've been here and it's stuck true. "We want to play to the conditions well and prove ... we can play this kind of rugby as well." Chancellor, captaining with Siokapesi Palu (foot) injured, said the return of lethal winger Maya Stewart from a knee injury was "an emotional win" ahead of England's World Cup. Wales have made seven changes to last week's side, with back-rowers Alex Callender and Kate Williams to co-captain the side for the first time. Winger and three-time rugby sevens Olympian Jasmine Joyce will win her 50th Wales cap in Sydney. "Wounds are still open and you're feeling the pain ... it's a great opportunity," Chancellor said of the quick turnaround. Wallaroos captain Emily Chancellor admits her side have learnt from their Ballymore upset as a wet-weather Wales rematch looms in Sydney. The hosts were stunned 22-12 in Brisbane last week and the sides will clash again on Friday at North Sydney Oval, the Wallaroos' final Test before next month's World Cup. Keen to play up-tempo rugby under coach Jo Yapp, Chancellor admits they must also show they're not one-trick ponies. With rain forecast, they'll get their chance. "We're confident with a lot of what we did, just need that execution to be a little better," Chancellor said ahead of her second game in charge. "We've been well aware it's going to rain for most of the time we've been here and it's stuck true. "We want to play to the conditions well and prove ... we can play this kind of rugby as well." Chancellor, captaining with Siokapesi Palu (foot) injured, said the return of lethal winger Maya Stewart from a knee injury was "an emotional win" ahead of England's World Cup. Wales have made seven changes to last week's side, with back-rowers Alex Callender and Kate Williams to co-captain the side for the first time. Winger and three-time rugby sevens Olympian Jasmine Joyce will win her 50th Wales cap in Sydney. "Wounds are still open and you're feeling the pain ... it's a great opportunity," Chancellor said of the quick turnaround. Wallaroos captain Emily Chancellor admits her side have learnt from their Ballymore upset as a wet-weather Wales rematch looms in Sydney. The hosts were stunned 22-12 in Brisbane last week and the sides will clash again on Friday at North Sydney Oval, the Wallaroos' final Test before next month's World Cup. Keen to play up-tempo rugby under coach Jo Yapp, Chancellor admits they must also show they're not one-trick ponies. With rain forecast, they'll get their chance. "We're confident with a lot of what we did, just need that execution to be a little better," Chancellor said ahead of her second game in charge. "We've been well aware it's going to rain for most of the time we've been here and it's stuck true. "We want to play to the conditions well and prove ... we can play this kind of rugby as well." Chancellor, captaining with Siokapesi Palu (foot) injured, said the return of lethal winger Maya Stewart from a knee injury was "an emotional win" ahead of England's World Cup. Wales have made seven changes to last week's side, with back-rowers Alex Callender and Kate Williams to co-captain the side for the first time. Winger and three-time rugby sevens Olympian Jasmine Joyce will win her 50th Wales cap in Sydney. "Wounds are still open and you're feeling the pain ... it's a great opportunity," Chancellor said of the quick turnaround.
Perth Now
4 hours ago
- Perth Now
Wallaroos can match Wales in Sydney wet: skipper
Wallaroos captain Emily Chancellor admits her side have learnt from their Ballymore upset as a wet-weather Wales rematch looms in Sydney. The hosts were stunned 22-12 in Brisbane last week and the sides will clash again on Friday at North Sydney Oval, the Wallaroos' final Test before next month's World Cup. Keen to play up-tempo rugby under coach Jo Yapp, Chancellor admits they must also show they're not one-trick ponies. With rain forecast, they'll get their chance. "We're confident with a lot of what we did, just need that execution to be a little better," Chancellor said ahead of her second game in charge. "We've been well aware it's going to rain for most of the time we've been here and it's stuck true. "We want to play to the conditions well and prove ... we can play this kind of rugby as well." Chancellor, captaining with Siokapesi Palu (foot) injured, said the return of lethal winger Maya Stewart from a knee injury was "an emotional win" ahead of England's World Cup. Wales have made seven changes to last week's side, with back-rowers Alex Callender and Kate Williams to co-captain the side for the first time. Winger and three-time rugby sevens Olympian Jasmine Joyce will win her 50th Wales cap in Sydney. "Wounds are still open and you're feeling the pain ... it's a great opportunity," Chancellor said of the quick turnaround.
The Advertiser
15 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Wallaroos' mixed injury news ahead of last pre-Cup Test
Wallaroos attacking weapon Maya Stewart has made a rapid recovery from knee surgery to earn a start in the side's final home Test before the World Cup. The winger and 2024 Wallaroos player of the year is among the inclusions as coach Jo Yapp confirmed sweeping changes for the Wales rematch at North Sydney Oval on Friday. Stewart was injured in the side's season-opening defeat of Fiji on May 3 and missed the next five Tests, four of which have been losses. That includes an upset defeat by the touring Welsh in Brisbane last week, a reality check ahead of the World Cup in England next month. Stewart, whose 15 Test tries is a Wallaroos record, shifts Waiaria Ellis to the bench while Faitala Moleka and Samantha Wood start at flyhalf and scrumhalf respectively. Michaela Leonard is back at lock after being rested last week while Faliki Pohiva has overcome a hamstring injury and will start in the front row. Props Eva Karpani (back) and Bree-Anna Browne (leg) were both injured in Brisbane, with Western Force's Alapeta Ngauamo rushed into the squad and likely to earn a fourth cap off the bench. "We were disappointed with last week's performance," Yapp said of the 21-12 Ballymore loss. "We've all had some honest reviews, and we are pleased with how the squad has responded at training."We know Alapeta will come in and do a great job and we are also excited for Maya Stewart's return after injury." Yapp has been dealt her share of injury blows during this campaign. Rugby sevens gun Bienne Terita (hamstring) has been ruled out of the World Cup, while fellow Olympic sevens star Charlotte Caslick (ankle) and regular captain Siokapesi Palu (foot) are targeting returns during the showpiece tournament. Meanwhile Wales head coach Sean Lynn has made seven changes. Kate Williams is brought into the team and will co-captain alongside Alex Callender. Carys Cox makes her first start of the tour, while an all-new front row is selected, with Carys Phillips and Gwenllian Pyrs drafted into the line-up. Aisilia Tuipulotu and Abbie Fleming are also recalled, while Harlequins' Kayleigh Powell starts at fly-half Lynn said: "The squad were told before we came out that every player will get game time here in Australia. The seven players selected have been told to be brave and to build on what we achieved in Brisbane and stake a claim for World Cup places." WALLAROOS: Faliki Pohiva, Katalina Amosa, Bridie O'Gorman, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard, Piper Duck, Emily Chancellor (c), Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Samantha Wood, Faitala Moleka, Desiree Miller, Trilleen Pomare, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Caitlyn Halse. Bench: Tania Naden, Lydia Kavoa, Alapeta Ngauamo, Ashley Fernandez, Ashley Marsters, Layne Morgan, Tia Hinds, Waiaria Ellis. Wallaroos attacking weapon Maya Stewart has made a rapid recovery from knee surgery to earn a start in the side's final home Test before the World Cup. The winger and 2024 Wallaroos player of the year is among the inclusions as coach Jo Yapp confirmed sweeping changes for the Wales rematch at North Sydney Oval on Friday. Stewart was injured in the side's season-opening defeat of Fiji on May 3 and missed the next five Tests, four of which have been losses. That includes an upset defeat by the touring Welsh in Brisbane last week, a reality check ahead of the World Cup in England next month. Stewart, whose 15 Test tries is a Wallaroos record, shifts Waiaria Ellis to the bench while Faitala Moleka and Samantha Wood start at flyhalf and scrumhalf respectively. Michaela Leonard is back at lock after being rested last week while Faliki Pohiva has overcome a hamstring injury and will start in the front row. Props Eva Karpani (back) and Bree-Anna Browne (leg) were both injured in Brisbane, with Western Force's Alapeta Ngauamo rushed into the squad and likely to earn a fourth cap off the bench. "We were disappointed with last week's performance," Yapp said of the 21-12 Ballymore loss. "We've all had some honest reviews, and we are pleased with how the squad has responded at training."We know Alapeta will come in and do a great job and we are also excited for Maya Stewart's return after injury." Yapp has been dealt her share of injury blows during this campaign. Rugby sevens gun Bienne Terita (hamstring) has been ruled out of the World Cup, while fellow Olympic sevens star Charlotte Caslick (ankle) and regular captain Siokapesi Palu (foot) are targeting returns during the showpiece tournament. Meanwhile Wales head coach Sean Lynn has made seven changes. Kate Williams is brought into the team and will co-captain alongside Alex Callender. Carys Cox makes her first start of the tour, while an all-new front row is selected, with Carys Phillips and Gwenllian Pyrs drafted into the line-up. Aisilia Tuipulotu and Abbie Fleming are also recalled, while Harlequins' Kayleigh Powell starts at fly-half Lynn said: "The squad were told before we came out that every player will get game time here in Australia. The seven players selected have been told to be brave and to build on what we achieved in Brisbane and stake a claim for World Cup places." WALLAROOS: Faliki Pohiva, Katalina Amosa, Bridie O'Gorman, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard, Piper Duck, Emily Chancellor (c), Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Samantha Wood, Faitala Moleka, Desiree Miller, Trilleen Pomare, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Caitlyn Halse. Bench: Tania Naden, Lydia Kavoa, Alapeta Ngauamo, Ashley Fernandez, Ashley Marsters, Layne Morgan, Tia Hinds, Waiaria Ellis. Wallaroos attacking weapon Maya Stewart has made a rapid recovery from knee surgery to earn a start in the side's final home Test before the World Cup. The winger and 2024 Wallaroos player of the year is among the inclusions as coach Jo Yapp confirmed sweeping changes for the Wales rematch at North Sydney Oval on Friday. Stewart was injured in the side's season-opening defeat of Fiji on May 3 and missed the next five Tests, four of which have been losses. That includes an upset defeat by the touring Welsh in Brisbane last week, a reality check ahead of the World Cup in England next month. Stewart, whose 15 Test tries is a Wallaroos record, shifts Waiaria Ellis to the bench while Faitala Moleka and Samantha Wood start at flyhalf and scrumhalf respectively. Michaela Leonard is back at lock after being rested last week while Faliki Pohiva has overcome a hamstring injury and will start in the front row. Props Eva Karpani (back) and Bree-Anna Browne (leg) were both injured in Brisbane, with Western Force's Alapeta Ngauamo rushed into the squad and likely to earn a fourth cap off the bench. "We were disappointed with last week's performance," Yapp said of the 21-12 Ballymore loss. "We've all had some honest reviews, and we are pleased with how the squad has responded at training."We know Alapeta will come in and do a great job and we are also excited for Maya Stewart's return after injury." Yapp has been dealt her share of injury blows during this campaign. Rugby sevens gun Bienne Terita (hamstring) has been ruled out of the World Cup, while fellow Olympic sevens star Charlotte Caslick (ankle) and regular captain Siokapesi Palu (foot) are targeting returns during the showpiece tournament. Meanwhile Wales head coach Sean Lynn has made seven changes. Kate Williams is brought into the team and will co-captain alongside Alex Callender. Carys Cox makes her first start of the tour, while an all-new front row is selected, with Carys Phillips and Gwenllian Pyrs drafted into the line-up. Aisilia Tuipulotu and Abbie Fleming are also recalled, while Harlequins' Kayleigh Powell starts at fly-half Lynn said: "The squad were told before we came out that every player will get game time here in Australia. The seven players selected have been told to be brave and to build on what we achieved in Brisbane and stake a claim for World Cup places." WALLAROOS: Faliki Pohiva, Katalina Amosa, Bridie O'Gorman, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard, Piper Duck, Emily Chancellor (c), Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Samantha Wood, Faitala Moleka, Desiree Miller, Trilleen Pomare, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Caitlyn Halse. Bench: Tania Naden, Lydia Kavoa, Alapeta Ngauamo, Ashley Fernandez, Ashley Marsters, Layne Morgan, Tia Hinds, Waiaria Ellis.
