The Socceroos are set to take on China PR tonight at Suncorp Stadium, with the winner earning a place in the semi-finals.
The Chinese finished Group B in top position on maximum points, and will enter tonight’s match full of momentum when they take on a Socceroos side coming off a disappointing loss to the Korea Republic.
The Socceroos will be the betting favourites, but the Chinese will fancy their chances. Here are five talking points ahead of their clash tonight.
1. The Return of Mile Jedinak
Despite conceding a sloppy opening goal, the only real negative that came out of the Socceroos win against the Kuwaitis in the Asian Cup’s opening fixture was an ankle injury to skipper Mile Jedinak.
The midfielder missed two matches for the Socceroos, and his absence was felt in Australia’s 1-nil loss to the Korea Republic.
The return of Mile will be a huge boost for Ange Postecoglou’s side, and the skilled skipper should motivate the rest of his side to perform to international standard, and produce a result for the Socceroos in front of their home fans.
2. The absence of Matthew Spiranovic
Due to a yellow card received in against the Korea Republic in their last fixture, Socceroos’ central defender Matthew Spiranovic will miss his sides Quarter-Finals clash against China tonight. Spiranovic will be most likely replaced by Alex Wilkinson.
Spiranovic is an essential part of the Socceroos’ squad. He has already proven he can stop first-class strikers from causing damage when he’s on form and, he has the ability to play ninety minutes comfortably.
Spiranovic has fully backed Alex Wilkinson, who he is confident will step up and perform should he be the man to replace him. However, with the likes of Sun Ke and Hao Junmin collaborating up front, Spiranoivic’s absence will be felt.
3. The state of Suncorp Stadium
A pitch that at one point was award winning, has become the pitch to avoid. Complaints have been made by players and non-players alike. Robbie Kruse referred to the pitch as a “disgrace”, and many believe that the state of it has tarnished the Asian Cup.
Both teams have played on the pitch in this competition, however with the Chinese have won both their Brisbane fixtures, and could have a slight advantage having already worked out how to play on the dodgy ground.
4. All the people watching
Fans of most sides have turned out in numbers, however none have a greater fan base in Australia than the home-grown Socceroos.
The Asian Cup has brought a lot of attention to Australian football and Australian footballers, and with so many eyes (mainly from Asia) on the games, the Socceroos will be eager to perform and show the world that Australians can play quality football.
For all the people tuning in globally, there are set to be tens-of-thousands in attendance in Brisbane tonight, and the overwhelming support that the Socceroos will have behind them will motivate them to give that little bit more.
5. The pressure on the Socceroos
The fans expect them to go far in the tournament, Ange Postecoglou has set high standards for his side, the Socceroos are not only expected to win this game, but are one of the favourites to take home the Asian Cup.
The Socceroos have all the tools they need to make the semi-finals, and have something to prove after that eye-opening loss to the Korea Republic.
The advantage Australia had in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil was that in a group with Spain, the Netherlands and Chile- nobody expected them to do well. They exceeded expectations there, and need to live up to them here.
The question becomes whether they will step up to the plate or crumble under the pressure. The Socceroos need to win this game, as they take on Alain Perrin’s Chinese squad that has nothing to lose.
What do you think will be key in the Socceroos success or failure tonight? Comment below any thoughts you have on tonight’s fixture.
You can join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the Socceroos’ must-win Asian Cup clash from 9:30pm (AEDT).
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