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Socceroos look to clubland for play-off clues

Aaron Mooy of the Socceroos celebrates. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Roar Guru
3rd October, 2017
1

The Socceroos will glean as much knowledge as possible from their overseas-based stars in the hope domestic play-off experience can translate to the international stage.

Australia’s repechage World Cup qualifying route is uncharted territory for all but veteran Tim Cahill, an added unknown to the stress of carrying the weight of a nation on their shoulders.

But for Hull City midfielder Jackson Irvine, there’s comfort in the fact some teammates have experienced a similar pressure cooker – albeit at a club level.

Those with pertinent insight include Aaron Mooy, who played a key role in Huddersfield Town’s promotion to the English Premier League, while Massimo Luongo had League One play-off final heartbreak with former club Swindon Town.

Tom Rogic is well-versed on continental play-offs through his Champions League experience with Celtic.

“A lot of people can bring domestic form and (experiences),” Irvine said.

“Someone like Aaron having been through a play-off system last year and Tom Rogic having played in the Champions League play-offs.

“Other players have had similar experiences in domestic levels. We’ll be needing all of that experience from every player.”

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Historically, Asian World Cup play-offs are tight affairs, making away goals a precious commodity against Syria in Malaysia on Thursday.

“Everyone knows that the away games are always different, always more difficult,” Irvine said.

“And with conditions it poses entirely different questions to those at home.

“But it’s important to lay down a good marker. We’ll be coming at it all guns blazing to try and put ourselves in a good position going into the home tie.”

Ange Postecoglou’s full complement has arrived in camp in Malacca, with Mathew Leckie, Mat Ryan, Tomi Juric and Nikita Rukavytsya among the last to land.

The coach said no players were in doubt at this stage and expected the entire squad to complete a full training session together on Wednesday.

The return leg will be held next Tuesday at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.

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