The Socceroos are determined to remain focused on their football as they prepare to face Palestine in a World Cup qualifier set against the backdrop of conflict in the Middle East.
After thrashing Bangladesh 7-0 at Melbourne’s AAMI Park in their opening qualifying match on Thursday night to take early control of Group I, Australia will fly directly to Kuwait on Saturday for Tuesday’s game.
Lebanon and Palestine drew 0-0 in the other group match on Thursday to ensure Australia are already two points ahead at the top of a pool which has been thrown into disarray by the escalation in violence in the region.
Australia’s game against Palestine was originally going to be held in the West Bank but was ultimately relocated to Kuwait.
“It’s horrific what’s going on over there at the moment,” coach Graham Arnold said.
“But I don’t think we have any control over that.
“What we do have control over is our performance and playing against Palestine and going out and getting the job done for Australia.
“We’re very sympathetic for everyone with what’s going on.
“But again, it’s a game of football and that brings a lot of joy to everybody.”
The game has raised questions over the sanity of playing a game against a nation currently involved in a war with Israel.
The Socceroos will have an additional rest day in Melbourne on Friday before heading to Kuwait, chosen by Palestine as their nominated ‘home’ venue, on Saturday.
“We heard actually the game could be sold out, which is crazy and exciting as well,” striker Mitch Duke said on Friday.
“You always love a good atmosphere and it is going to be probably a little bit hostile.
“They’re going to create as much of a home advantage for themselves as they can.
“But a lot of the boys have probably experienced it and the others that haven’t it will be a great learning experience for them as well. We’re all prepared mentally and physically, we’re in great condition.
“So we’re ready to take that test and start off this campaign with two wins.”
Duke expects an “emotional game” for his Palestinian counterparts and with defender Harry Souttar urged the Socceroos to turn in a professional performance.
“We know that Palestine are going to be right up for it,” Souttar said.
“We know that they’re going to be playing for a lot more than just football.
“But we’re there to get a result and get a job done. We’ll be professional and be going for the win.”
Arnold hailed the “fantastic and supportive” Football Australia for booking a charter flight to Kuwait, which cuts travel time by approximately six hours, while Duke said the players had been made to feel “as safe as possible”.
The coach flagged changes to his starting line-up.
He expects mainstays Jackson Irvine, Duke and Craig Goodwin to be fresh after being taken off against Bangladesh.
Martin Boyle, who skipped the trip to Melbourne with knee swelling, will also be available.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Russia has indeed targeted Ukraine hospitals, with far fewer casualties than what we are seeing in Gaza. I'm not aware that Russia has occupied any hospitals and forcibly removed patients. I would add that Russian warfare doctrine is pretty much unchanged from WW2.
Garry
Roar Rookie
politics aside..or maybe not!! "United is one of eight clubs that were announced by FA at a media conference on Monday, joining APIA Leichhardt, Avondale, Marconi Stallions, Preston Lions, South Melbourne, Sydney Olympic, and Wollongong Wolves."
Aiden
Roar Rookie
Well I didn’t mention the playoffs did I. The thing is your predictions are unrelentingly consistently negative so of course you are going to be right sometimes. But you were wrong about eventual qualification, and how the WC would play out and the idea that we can’t get past Palestine is nonsense. Football being what it is anything can happen but on form we should best them.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Hospitals get targeted much more frequently than you're suggesting; Russia in Ukraine is just one example.
Sheffield WesDay
Roar Rookie
I am not sure it is Albanese's place to voice his concern over the fixture. If Palestine wish to play, then who are we to say no, they are the ones at war and face the disadvantage. We know the power sport has to bring people together. Now I am not suggesting that we all sit in circles holding hands singing Kumbayah, hoping everyone will just get along, but I think the recent strides forward in the AUS/China relationship is a great example. Our two nations were not even speaking with each other until we scheduled that fixture against Argentina in China allowing some obviously very significant unofficial back-channel talks to occur, then all of a sudden, we are getting reports of tariffs being lifted, trade resuming, political trips to China and even a sit down in the last few days with Albanese and President Xi. The last thing a country like Palestine (or Israel for that matter) needs now is to be cut off and cast out by the rest of the world, especially when it comes to something the "regular" people love, like football.
NoMates
Roar Rookie
I clearly predicted the Socceroos playoff spots both last and one before that World Cup.
Redondo
Roar Rookie
Anyone whose analysis of the Palestinian situation ends with 'Israeli good, Palestinian bad' has either a serious comprehension problem or a terrible blind spot. Or both.
Redcap
Roar Guru
I think you'll find Brett means he's read one book several times. :happy:
Grem
Roar Rookie
Who wrote what you read? What was their perspective? It’s a very complex situation with a lot of history that I don’t pretend to know enough about.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
battle? I study and write about wars and military history. The last time hospitals were targeted and patients and medical staff killed in a war, other than Israel’s previous invasions of Gaza, was Singapore February 1942. This is not the appropriate forum for a discussion on war but under no definition can this be called a battle.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
like we are seeing in East Jerusalem and the West Bank?
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
There are tens of thousands of Arab & Palestinians living peacefully in Israel, and they are more than welcome by Israel. As I said, Israel as a nation are happy to share, but Hamas doesn’t want to, they refuse to even negotiate in good faith. They don’t want peace, they want conflict by any means. What is Israel supposed to do ? They have the right to exist, they have the right to defend that existence. Hamas and Gazan’s don’t want that, they want Israel exterminated. It really is black and white. Again let’s remember, Gaza CHOSE Hamas to be their government knowing full well that Hamas was a terrorist organisation. What did they think would happen ? The reality it is on the people of Gaza to rise up and overthrow Hamas, but they won’t, because down deep they are essentially Hamas sympathisers. Bottom line, if Hamas & Hezbollah laid down their weapons today there would be peace in the Middle East tomorrow.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
I am very well read, and I am confident of the accuracy of my statement.
Grem
Roar Rookie
I don’t believe it’s that simple. As I wrote before this is more complex than most of us are aware. Like all decent people, yourself included, we’d like to see peace in this area and no more atrocities. I am sure the vast majority of Palestinians and Israelis (the innocent people) feel the same. The further expanding into and settlement of new territories does not help this situation improve, but there is a lot more to it than I pretend to know.
Redondo
Roar Rookie
Brett, you might want to read a bit more before posting your thoughts on Israel.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
The vast majority do in this instance. Israel just wants to live in peace with its neighbours, the neighbours do not.
Brett Allen
Roar Rookie
No, but this particular battle did.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Don't kid yourself, this war did not start on October 7
Jack
Roar Rookie
There is no Palestinian state. There are two territories ruled by despotic thugs. Israel won’t allow a 2 state solution. 100s of thousands are collateral damage. There is no moral high ground. All the violent men are guilty. All the children are innocents.
Grem
Roar Rookie
And the Israeli government as well? Definitely not the people.