The value of foreign-developed players: What Football Australia can learn from Morocco for Socceroos success
Morocco is not the only nation to find success with a large contingent of foreign-developed players - and the Socceroos can join that list.
The Socceroos officially kick off their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign when they travel to Bishkek to take on Kyrgyzstan. Join us on The Roar from 12am (AEST) for live scores and commentary.
Kyrgyzstan will be looking to build off their successful start to the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a shock win over Asian champions, the Socceroos.
Coming off a 3-1 win over Bangladesh in Dhaka earlier in the week, Kyrgyzstan will be confident that they can use their home field advantage to stun Australia and move another step closer to a spot in the World Cup.
Anton Zemlianukhin showed impressive form for Kyrgyzstan, finding the net twice in the first half, and he will be looking to improve his tally in front of a faithful home crowd.
The Socceroos travel to uncharted lands coming off a successful AFC Asian Cup campaign, an impressive 2-2 draw against world champions Germany and a lukewarm performance in a lacklustre scoreless draw to Macedonia.
Looking to build on recent positive results, coach Ange Postecoglou will be confident that his side will dismantle Kyrgyzstan and show why his sided are Group B favourites.
With the likes of Massimo Luongo and Robbie Kruse out due to injuries, there will be changes to the team’s usual layout, however with plenty of depth for the Socceroos in the midfield areas Postecoglou shouldn’t have too much trouble filling the void.
Prediction: Kyrgyzstan 0-3 Socceroos
Despite having to travel to an unfamiliar ground, the Socceroos should be able to cruise past Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek. Australia coach Postecoglou will not want his side to take any chances, and will be looking for plenty of goals from his side to go with the three points.
Can Kyrgyzstan stun the Asian champions in front of their home fans in Bishkek, or will the Socceroos start off their road to Russia with a win? You can always join us from 12am (AEST) for live scores and commentary to find out.
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Morocco is not the only nation to find success with a large contingent of foreign-developed players - and the Socceroos can join that list.
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