Socceroos: Goalkeeper Joe Gauci has given an insight into how the squad are approaching their games against Japan and Saudi Arabia in the next two weeks.
. The method in which that outcome is achieved is far from straight forward. Anything from a win, a draw to back-to-back defeats remains on the table depending on other results. The side has set-up camp in Perth with an ace up its sleeve though with the stakes higher than at any other time during the four-year cycle between tournaments.
“It was important for the players also. After a long season at their respective clubs that they could come in and really bond well with the group and also with the coaching staff.Australia sits in second spot in Group C and if they can stay there at the end of these two fixtures then World Cup qualification will be assured.Australia coach Tony Popovic. Picture: Michael KleinWhen Paul Okon-Engstler arrived in camp in Abu Dhabi it was seen as a bit of work experience for a future Socceroo.
Kasey Bos is another who came from slightly left field, if for no other reason than receiving a maiden squad call-up at this point of a qualifying campaign is a little unexpected. Bos has been in fine form for beaten A-League Men grand finalists, Melbourne Victory, this season. In a twist of fate Kasey might not have been selected had older brother Jordy, who also plays left-back, been fit, but a hamstring injury continues to keep him sidelined.
An injury to Jackson Irvine looked set to open the door for midfielder Max Balard, who was a regular starter for NAC Breda in the Dutch top flight this season, but he departed from the Abu Dhabi training camp without a ticket to Perth.Balard has been a prospect since being called up for the first time in November last year. He didn’t get on the field against Saudi Arabia or Bahrain and then missed selection for the March qualifiers against Indonesia and China.
“He just said he has a lot of things on at the moment and a lot on his mind in terms of what he wants to do. We have to respect that and we’ll see what happens.”
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