World Cup a step closer
Shock result a boost for Socceroos
Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said Saudi Arabia’s shock loss to the UAE yesterday had done nothing to alter his side’s preparation for tonight’s crunch World Cup qualifier against Japan.
Australia’s chances of qualifying directly for Russia 2018 were given a dramatic and unexpected boost when Saudi Arabia lost 2-1 in Al Ain.
All of a sudden, a win for the Socceroos at Saitama Stadium will stamp their ticket to sport’s biggest event.
And where a Saudi win yesterday morning coupled with an Aussie loss today would have condemned the Socceroos to the dreaded playoffs, now the stakes aren’t so cut-throat.
But that’s not the view Postecoglou is taking.
The coach woke at 1.30am Japan time to watch the Gulf rivals go head-to-head.
And while many expected the Saudis to win considering what was at stake for them combined with the fact that the UAE needs several miracles to go its way to qualify, Postecoglou said the result wasn’t “entirely surprising”.
“I guess the only question mark was how motivated UAE were going to be,” Postecoglou said.
“They played quite well and obviously the Saudis probably struggled a bit with the pressure of the situation.
“That’s two losses on the bounce for them.
“But it doesn’t really change anything for us.
“From our perspective, everything’s still the same.
“Our goal is to win here tomorrow night and win on Tuesday (against Thailand at AAMI Park).
“Our fate’s been in our hands the whole way and it continues to be.”
A win for Saudi Arabia would have taken it two points clear of Japan and three points clear of Australia ahead of that pair’s meeting.
The Green Falcons next host Japan in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST), hours after Australia plays Group B stragglers Thailand.
Because the dates of the Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj meant the Saudi Arabia-UAE game was unusually played two days earlier than the other Group B encounters, both Japan and Australia now have the advantage of knowing exactly what is on the line at Saitama Stadium.
But Postecoglou said there are bigger factors at play than just qualifying for Russia.
“The overriding thing is it’s not about qualifying for a World Cup, because we’ve done that before – not that we take it for granted,” he said.
“It will obviously be a big occasion should we do it. But if that’s our only end goal then we’re kind of not doing our role whilst we’re in this position.
“My job and the players who are currently representing the country (is) to progress the country.
“Progression for me means qualifying, but (also) playing a brand of football that will be successful at a World Cup.
“While people are making a big deal about last night’s result, I can guarantee the boys won’t bat an eyelid because the motivation for tomorrow is the same as it would be regardless of what happened.”