It’ll be easily Australia’s hardest match of their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification process so far when they tackle Jordan overnight tonight.
Having suffered three defeats in five matches to the Middle Eastern side – including a 1-0 defeat in this year’s Asian Cup group stage – the Jordanians have proven themselves a tough side to shake over the journey.
Graham Arnold’s side enter this match full of confidence, accounting for Kuwait 3-0, Nepal 5-0 and Taiwan 7-1 in a blistering start to their World Cup qualifications.
Jordan, meanwhile, had to battle for a 2-1 win against Taiwan, before settling for a 0-0 draw with Kuwait at home. They were too good for Nepal in their last start, however, winning 3-0.
The Socceroos may have breezed through the second round of Asian qualification thus far, but how do they avoid slipping on the same banana peel again tonight at the King Abdullah International Stadium in Anman?
We were joined on the Game of Codes podcast by Roar football expert Matthew Galea to preview tonight’s big clash and make a call on whether the Socceroos can make it four out of four.
Listen to the discussion:
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
anon
Roar Pro
The refs often stitch us up in these kind of fixtures.
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
What makes you say that? With acknowledgement that refereeing for middle east games is a lucky dip to say the least, there's nothing to say that we cannot get the win
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
socceroos have two options against jordan,ethier park the bus at back,or just go for a draw,because they will not get a win.
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
Are you blokes serious!!! I agree our defence could use a little more rigidity, but when was the last time you saw goals from a variety of players and goals from open play. There is real potential here for the first time since 2006. We have depth, we have genuine talent and we still have not had a full strength side on the park. We are still missing Nabbout, Arzani, and Luongo coupled with the potential to bring on Ziegler and Al Hussain. Boyd and Rogic are only just coming back and I am going to presume you dont watch Championship football, so you would not be aware that Kenny Dougall (defensive midfielder) and Callum Elder (defender) are both playing excellent football and are currently in camp with the team. Oh and don’t forget Brad Smith (defender) who had a brilliant season in the MLS. I believe your perspective needs to be a tad more strategic.
Ad-O
Guest
Its the players (Mooy aside) . Jurgen Guardiola-Mourinho couldn't get this collection of cloggers to string more than 3 passes together against decent opposition.
Tyke
Roar Rookie
Hey now, Sainsbury takes the spot of worst defender
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
They need a real defender at the back, Souttar is not a defender is more a specialist header of the ball , and Degenek is one of the worst defenders I have ever seen.