Meulensteen: Socceroos ready for “great occasion” against UAE

Assistant coach Rene Meulensteen believes should the United Arab Emirates live up to their pre-game vow to attack the Socceroos, it could play into Australia’s hands in Saturday morning’s (AEDT) AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™ Quarter Final.

In his pre-game press conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash, UAE boss Alberto Zaccheroni said he’ll instruct his side to attack the Socceroos at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.

It’s a scenario Australia hasn’t encountered too often at the tournament so far, with most opponents happy to sit deep and play on the counter-attack.

Asked if UAE’s plan to attack would benefit the Socceroos, Meulensteen said: “Yes I believe so because it’s always very difficult if you come up against opponents that basically start the game not to lose it.

“Then it’s for us to break them down. You need the quality, you need the speed of play, but you also need things going for you.

“The chances you create, you need to put in the back of the net. But if a team plays to win it becomes a more expansive game and that will definitely suit us.”

Australia put the final touches to their preparation on Thursday, with a short but intense session designed to ensure the players are ready for the challenge of trying to book a spot in the last four.

As the host nation, UAE will have the majority of support in Al Ain but it’s a scenario the Socceroos are thriving under.

“It’s an exciting game for us. Its always great to play the home nation, they have great support and whether that brings extra pressure for them, I don’t know,” Meulensteen said.

“We just have to make sure we’re at our best, at our very, very best, and it will be a great occasion that’s for sure.”

The Socceroos get underway against UAE at 3am (AEDT) on Saturday and you can catch all the action live on FOX SPORTS 505.

You can also see all the goals and follow the game from Al Ain in our live match blog on www.socceroos.com.au.

 

Source : Socceroos WEBSITE

Your Ultimate Guide to United Arab Emirates v Socceroos

And then there were eight. The Socceroos shootout triumph over Uzbekistan on Tuesday morning (AEDT) has earned Graham Arnold’s side a thrilling Quarter Final shot at hosts United Arab Emirates in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™.

On another day, Australia’s attacking philosophy – which brought six goals in the group stage – would surely have paid dividends, with more than 60% of possession and 17 shots seeing them through in the regulation 90 minutes.

But a combination of good defending and a fine performance from Uzbek goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov led to a nerve-shredding shootout that made standout stars of Mat Ryan and a fit-again Mathew Leckie, who netted the vital winning spot-kick.

Now the Socceroos’ attention turns to the hosts, who reached the last eight courtesy of a 3-2 win over the Kyrgyz Republic on Tuesday morning (AEDT).

Build Up

Having finished the group stage with confidence-boosting wins over Palestine (3-0) and a dogged Syria (3-2), Australia faced another free-scoring side in Uzbekistan in the Round of 16.

In the event, two of the highest scoring sides in the competition battled out an absorbing 0-0 draw, before two fine saves from Mat Ryan paved the way for a 4-2 win in the shootout, capped by Leckie’s decisive spot-kick.

There is sure to be a full house at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, as the host nation face the Socceroos, but belief is running high for the Green and Gold.

Squad news

The Socceroos reported a clean bill of health after the tense victory over Uzbekistan, but will go into the Quarter Final without playmaker Tom Rogic, who picked up his second yellow card of the tournament in the Round of 16 match.

Mat Leckie returned from a hamstring injury to make his first appearance at this year’s Asian Cup in the last round, and his presence added a spark to Australia’s forward play.

The winger, who plays his club football in Germany with Hertha Berlin, played for almost an hour against Uzbekistan, and was a calm presence as he fired home the crucial spot-kick to take the Socceroos through to the last eight. He is likely to figure in Graham Arnold’s plans as the manager looks to outsmart the UAE.

The dependable Mark Milligan has been outstanding so far, and led the way by scoring Australia’s first in the shootout.

Confidence will be high for forwards Robbie Kruse and Apostolos Giannou, who were also on target from 12 yards, while further good news for Arnold’s striking options comes with the revelation that Andrew Nabbout is recovering well from a groin problem.

Elsewhere, Josh Risdon – who went off at half-time with a groin injury in the tournament’s opening match against Jordan – is available again after being named among the substitutes against Uzbekistan in the last round.

Source : Socceroos WEBSITE

Match preview: Socceroos v Uzbekistan

Having finished the group stage on a strong note, the Socceroos head into their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™ Round of 16 clash against Uzbekistan in a do-or-die encounter.

Australia bounced back from their opening fixture to score six goals in two games, putting three goals past Palestine and Syria apiece and sealing their progression to the knockout stage.

Tom Rogic was the hero for the Green and Gold against Syria, firing an injury-time rocket past Syria’s keeper to seal all three points for the Socceroos.

We demand an investigation into how good of a strike this was from Tom Rogic

While a draw would have been enough for Australia to progress, the win was a just reward and epitomises the attacking philosophy Graham Arnold has introduced to the Socceroos.

Standing in Australia’s way is an Uzbekistan outfit that finished second in Group B following their 2-1 loss to Japan on Friday morning AEDT.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514577001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5989756861001

Where and when

Australia v Uzbekistan
Date: Monday, 21 January 2019
Venue: Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Kick-off: 6:00pm (local); 1:00am (AEDT – Tuesday, 22 January 2019)
Broadcast: Live in Australia on FOX SPORTS
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae

Socceroos squad news

All signs are promising after the Socceroos came out unscathed in their win against Syria on Wednesday morning AEDT. That, along with their six-day gap between games, means Arnold’s side will be raring to go come Tuesday morning AEDT against Uzbekistan.

Awer Mabil and Chris Ikonomidis have had a tournament to remember thus far, with Mabil grabbing two goals, and Ikonomidis bagging a goal and four assists.

The midfield haven’t been too far behind, oozing strength and guile in the form of Massimo Luongo, Jackson Irvine and Tom Rogic. The Celtic midfielder has been particularly impressive with one goal and two assists in three games.

At the back, Milligan’s transition to centre-back in the absence of Trent Sainsbury has highlighted the versatility of Arnold’s outfit. Though that versatility may not be called upon as Sainsbury is once more available for selection following his one-game suspension for an accruement of yellow cards.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514577001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5989760462001

Current AFC Rankings

Australia:     2
Uzbekistan: 14

Final word

Earlier in the week, Mabil iterated ‘the best is yet to come’ for Graham Arnold’s firing Socceroos.

And why would anyone bet against that? Australia have looked stronger as each game has passed, revealing a new bow in their string every time they take to the field.

Arnold brought a relatively young side to the United Arab Emirates, but already it is paying dividends with new stars emerging and familiar faces taking their game to another gear.

Mabil and Ikonomidis have headlined this youthful exuberance, but take nothing away from the likes of Rhyan Grant and Jamie Maclaren who are getting their chance to shine too.

Of course, the Socceroos can ill afford to get complacent as every game at this stage of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™ brings its own challenges. However, with the forwards firing on all cylinders and the backline looking increasingly cohesive, it’s hard not to back Australia putting in a top-drawer performance against Uzbekistan.

The Socceroos take on Uzbekistan at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at 1:00am AEDT. The game will be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS 505.

 

Source : Socceroos WEBSITE

Trent Sainsbury gains fresh perspective from stint on the sideline

Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury said the one-match suspension he served during Australia’s 3-2 win against Syria in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™ gave him a different perspective on the game.

Sainsbury was forced to sit out the Socceroos’ final Group B fixture after accruing consecutive yellow cards against Jordan and Palestine.

And while the PSV Eindhoven defender lamented the suspension, being on the sideline offered him the chance to analyse Australia’s performances with a fresh pair of eyes.

“Obviously it wasn’t nice being outside watching in, but at the same time it gave me a different perspective,” said Sainsbury.

“I get to see some of the key passes that can be made in the games, get to see what the coaches see.

“Plus it gave me a bit of a refresher and I can take that into the next game.”

The 27-year-old has been in fine form under Graham Arnold, developing a mature understanding with his centre-back partner which has included Milos Degenek, Mark Milligan and Matt Jurman.

Indeed, according to Sainsbury, such a large, adaptable squad is vital in tournaments such as the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™, where all hands on deck are needed for an intense campaign.

Those hands will be needed on Tuesday morning (1:00am AEDT) as the Socceroos take on Uzbekistan in their do-or-die, Round of 16 clash for a spot in the quarter-finals.

“It’s important to have the depth in the squad,” said Sainsbury.

“When you come to tournaments like this, anything can happen — suspensions, there could be an injury.

“But at the same time we’ve got boys who are going to step up and take that leadership into the match and it showed the other day in the game.

“They handled the pressure very well and the boys came out the other side with the win.”

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514577001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5990562741001

Leckie building towards full fitness

In promising signs for the Socceroos, it seems star winger Mathew Leckie is close to returning to full fitness.

The 27-year-old, who plies his trade for Hertha Berlin in Germany’s Bundesliga, was rested for Australia’s group games to nurse a hamstring injury he’d sustained while playing for his club.

Sainsbury believes that now, after weeks of rehab with the Socceroos’ medical staff, Leckie may be closing in on a return to action.

“It’s nice to see him come back — he’s looking sharp, he’s looking very strong and quick out there today so I expect him to be back very soon,” said Sainsbury.

“If he does get to take part in this next game, it’s all good for us, we’ve got an extra cog to the arsenal and take it on further into the tournament.”

The Socceroos face Uzbekistan at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain on Tuesday, January 22 at 1:00am (AEDT).

The game will be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS 505.

 

Source : Socceroos WEBSITE

#AFCAsianCup2019 Opposition Confirmed: Socceroos take on Uzbekistan in Round of 16

Following their 3-2 win over Syria in Group B, the Socceroos have earned themselves a Round of 16 clash against Uzbekistan in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™.

The meeting was confirmed when Uzbekistan fell 2-1 to Japan in their Group F encounter, putting the White Wolves in second place.

The Socceroos sealed their passage to the Round of 16 thanks to a 3-0 win over Palestine, along with a 3-2 victory over Syria.

Graham Arnold’s side return to the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain to take on Uzbekistan on Tuesday, January 22 at 1am AEDT. Incidentally, that ground is where the Socceroos downed Syria in the group stages.

Uzbekistan’s Eldor Shomurodov taking on two Japan players.

Tuesday morning’s winner will face the victor between hosts United Arab Emirates and Kyrgyzstan, who kick off three hours after the Socceroos at 4:00am AEDT.

Australia v Uzbekistan

Date: Monday, 21 January 2019
Venue: Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Kick-off: 6:00pm (local); 1:00am (AEDT – Tuesday, 22 January 2019)
Broadcast: Live in Australia on FOX SPORTS
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae

 

Source : AFC Asian Football Confederation WEBSITE

The Equation: Socceroos await Round of 16 opponent at AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™

The Socceroos are through! Wednesday morning’s (AEDT) thrilling 3-2 win over Syria means Graham Arnold’s men have finished in second spot in Group B. 

Goals for Awer Mabil and Chris Ikonomidis either side of the break, followed by Tom Rogic’s stoppage-time winner made it two wins from three for Australia to move into the knockout phase. Jordan topped the group on seven points following their goalless draw with Palestine.

How things stand

Following the final round of fixtures, the Group B ladder is so:

1. Jordan – 7 points
2. Australia – 6 points
3. Palestine – 2 points
4. Syria – 1 point

What’s next?

With their Round of 16 berth secured, the Socceroos now await who they will face in the first knockout match.

As runners-up in Group B, Australia will take on the second-place getter in Group F.

That will either be Uzbekistan or Japan, who meet in a shootout for top spot in their group early on Friday morning (AEDT).

If Uzbekistan avoids defeat against the Samurai Blue, the Socceroos will take on Japan in the last 16, but a win by the Japanese would see Australia face the Uzbeks.

In a bonus for Australia, they will play their Round of 16 tie at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, the same venue as the win over Syria.

The Round of 16 clash will be played on Tuesday, January 22 (AEDT), kicking off at 1am.

The Socceroos will take on either Japan or Uzbekistan on Tuesday, January 22 at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium. Kick-off is at 1am AEDT and will be broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS 505.

 

Source : Socceroos WEBSITE

Your Ultimate Guide to Socceroos v Syria

The Socceroos have destiny in their own hands as they head into their final Group B clash at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™, taking on Syria early on Wednesday morning (AEDT). 

A draw is all Graham Arnold’s men need at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium to ensure progression to the last 16 but you can be sure they will go all-out for victory to build on Friday’s excellent win over Palestine.

Syria has yet to find the net in their opening two matches but are still very much alive in the tournament, setting up a mouth-watering clash in Al Ain.

Build up

Building on Friday’s impressive win and performance against Palestine will be high on the agenda for the Socceroos.

There was a real rhythm to Australia’s display in their last outing, and it will now be about consistency and not letting the momentum drop ahead of the knockout stage.

That’s been the theme coming out of the camp in the lead-up to Syria, with players and coaches alike all demanding the same standards for the final group match.

The good news for Arnold is that belief is now sky-high in the camp with every player keen to grasp the opportunity in front of them.

It’s going to be a big 90 minutes ahead for the side, with a win or draw needed for the Socceroos to seal their progression to the Round of 16.

The Socceroos celebrate a goal against Palestine.

Squad news

Arnold will be forced into at least one change from the side that defeated Palestine, with defender Trent Sainsbury suspended due receiving a yellow card in each of the opening two games.

Matt Jurman or skipper Mark Milligan – who has been deployed in midfield in the first two games – are the two options to partner Milos Degenek in the heart of defence.

Apart from that, the Socceroos boss has a squad that is in-form and confident.

Strikers Jamie Maclaren and Apostolos Giannou are both buoyant after scoring against Palestine, while there’s a stack of options in attack with the likes of Awer Mabil, Chris Ikonomidis, Robbie Kruse, Andrew Nabbout, Jackson Irvine and Tom Rogic all vying for starting spots.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514577001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5988928262001

Mathew Leckie and Josh Risdon are making good progress in their respective recoveries from injury, but Arnold may look to deploy them in the knockout phase rather than the final game of Group B.

Current AFC rankings

Australia: 2

Syria: 6

What they said

Striker Apostolos Giannou

“Everyone was very happy with the performance [against Palestine], with the win and that everything we had been working on came off,” the centre-forward said.

“Now we just look forward to the next game, concentrating on that. It’s a very important game for us.

“We want to perform, we want to score a lot of goals, and we want to win so we can be in the next round.”

Assistant Coach Rene Meulensteen

“We want to carry on and look at ourselves critically and again make sure that we take out the good parts and share that with the players and also the things that we can improve upon,” he continued.

“It’s basically all about us, we make sure that we get the right 11 players on the pitch which we expect they’re going to be very good in dealing with that game.”

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514577001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5988985707001

How to watch

Tune into FOX SPORTS 505 at 12.30am AEDT on Wednesday morning to watch all the action live.

You can also follow updates from the crunch clash with Palestine and keep up to date with all the latest news and information from the Socceroos at www.socceroos.com.au and by following @Socceroos on Twitter.

 

 

Source : AFC Asian Football Confederation WEBSITE

Match preview: Socceroos v Syria #AFCAsianCup2019

The Socceroos will determine their fate on Wednesday morning AEDT when they take on Syria in the final Group B fixture of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™.

Australia bounced back from their game against Jordan with a solid 3-0 win over Palestine, displaying the composed yet free-flowing, attacking football Graham Arnold promised fans.

Captain Mark Milligan produced a game-high 97 passes, with 90% of those finding their target, while Awer Mabil grabbed four shots, two of which were on target and one that found the back of the net.

In their way is a Syrian outfit who are yet to win a game in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™.

Qasioun Nosour were held to a stalemate against a 10-man Palestine in their opening fixture, before falling 2-0 to Jordan. That winless start saw head coach Bernd Stange relieved of his duties.

The top two teams of each group progress to the Round of 16, along with the four-best, third-placed sides. With the Socceroos currently in second place on three points, a win or draw would guarantee their progression to the next round.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514577001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5987846412001

Where and when

Date: Wednesday, January 16 2019
Venue: Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
Kick-off: 12:30am AEDT

Socceroos squad news

By all accounts, the squad appears to be fit and ready for the big encounter.

A selection dilemma may confront Arnold, with both Jamie Maclaren and Apostolos Giannou showing fine form and grabbing a goal apiece in the game against Palestine.

In the midfield, Chris Ikonomidis has shone under Arnold, grabbing two assists against Palestine, while Tom Rogic grabbed one, too.

Jackson Irvine has worked his socks off in both games of the campaign thus far, and Robbie Kruse is fresh having come on late in Australia’s 3-0 win.

Trent Sainsbury will be ineligible to face Syria, having received a yellow card in each of Australia’s opening two fixtures.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514577001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5988484825001

Current AFC Rankings

Australia:  2
Syria: 6

Final word

The Socceroos put their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™ campaign into a winning rhythm with a 3-0 win over Palestine on Friday night.

Maclaren and Mabil found the back of the net, while Australia’s centre-back pairing of Sainsbury and Milos Degenek looked as sure as ever. Sainsbury’s replacement will no doubt slot right in, such is the adaptability of Arnold’s side.

Rhyan Grant and Aziz Behich have embodied the Socceroos’ attacking philosophy, showing incredible athleticism and match awareness to maraud up and down their corridors throughout the 90 minutes.

A win or draw for the Socceroos will seal their progression to the Round of 16, so set your alarms and get ready for a thriller.

 

Source : Socceroos WEBSITE

How to watch the Socceroos against Palestine

The Socceroos will be prepared for a huge clash when they take on Palestine in their second Group B clash at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019™ on Friday. 

Graham Arnold’s side do battle with Palestine for the very first time at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai, with kick-off at 10pm (AEDT).

With both nations looking to register their first win off the tournament, it promises to be a thrilling encounter and one not to be missed.

How to watch

The Caltex Socceroos will kick-off against Jordan at 10:00PM AEDT and you can catch the action live on FOX SPORTS 505.

You can also keep up to date with all the goals and action in our LIVE MATCH BLOG on www.socceroos.com.au.

Also follow the Socceroos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as we provide behind-the-scenes coverage of the squad in the UAE.

Palestine v Australia
Date: Friday, 11 January 2019
Venue: Rashid Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Kick-off: 3.00pm (local); 10.00pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: Live in Australia on FOX SPORTS
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae

 

Source : Socceroos Website

Daniela Mercury com o elenco do “Vai que Cola”

Vai que cola

Daniela Mercury vai aparecer na quinta temporada do “Vai Que Cola”, do Multishow, em uma participação ao lado de Marcus Majella, Cacau Protásio, Catarina Abdalla e Samantha Schmütz.

Episódio está previsto para ir ao ar no dia 11, às 21h15.

 

Flávio Ricco com colaboração de José Carlos Nery