Kuwait
0
Match Complete
Australia
3
| S. A. Enezi |  | 83' | ||
| 82' | | J. Jeggo | ||
| 44' | | A. Taggart | ||
| 38' |  | A. Mooy | ||
| 30' | | M. Leckie | ||
| A. A. Mawi | | 11' | ||
| 7' | | M. Leckie |
| 8 | Shots | 14 | ||
| 2 | On Target | 6 | ||
| 13 | Fouls | 24 | ||
| 4 | Corners | 3 | ||
| 0 | Offsides | 3 | ||
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 | ||
| 2 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
The Socceroos face Kuwait in the opening match in their quest to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 1:30am (AEST).
After the momentous and tense qualification campaign that led to eventual qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the Socceroos next mission comes around incredibly quickly and the journey begins tonight against Kuwait.
The Socceroos are grouped with Nepal, Chinese Taipei, Jordan and Kuwait in the opening stage of qualifying.
Whilst advancement should be relatively easy, the strength of Asian football should never be underestimated, and Jordan have traditionally been something of a nemesis for the Socceroos.
It will be interesting to see how Graham Arnold attempts to navigate the early matches; knowing full well that a quick start is of immense value to his team, considering the stresses of previous campaigns.
Kuwait will hustle, bustle and attempt to stifle the more credentialed Australians tonight and it will be up to the Socceroos to find consistent avenues through their defence and the goals, that could set them up well in the group going forward.
Prediction
Logic suggests that the Socceroos will be too strong for Kuwait tonight and anything less than a clear victory by two or three goals for the Socceroos will be assessed as nothing less than a failure considering the stakes. They should be well and truly primed for this match and Graham Arnold will have left no stone unturned in their preparation.
Australia 5 – Kuwait 1.
Game information
Where: Al Kuwait Sports Stadium, Kuwait
When: Wednesday 11th September 2019, 1:30am (AEST)
TV: Fox Sports
Betting: Australia $1.15, Draw $4.00, Kuwait $7.75
Australia (squad)
Mustafa Amini, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Milos Degenek, Apostolos Giannou, Craig Goodwin, Rhyan Grant, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, James Jeggo, Mitchell Langerak (Gk), Mathew Leckie, Massimo Luongo, Awer Mabil, Jamie Maclaren, Mark Milligan, Aaron Mooy, Andrew Redmayne (Gk), Mathew Ryan (Gk), Trent Sainsbury, Brad Smith, Harry Souttar, Adam Taggart
Kuwait
TBC
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
It wasn't a bad stop from the Kuwaiti keeper as he was almost chipped at close range. Still, a pleasing bit of football.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
How nicely did he bring it down? Shot was a bit hopeful though.
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the excellent review Stuart. 3 points on the road are never anything to snear at, particularly when those 3 points were wrapped up early with those 3 first half goals.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
That beautiful long ball from Mooy to Mabil will give pause to coaches who are considering a high defensive line against us.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
The Socceroos have begun their long quest for a spot in the 2022 World Cup with a strong performance and a 3-0 win against Kuwait. There was an obvious difference in class between the two teams tonight and the Australians used their power and experience to ensure the three points; moving into second place in their qualifying group. Mathew Leckie will take credit for the first goal despite not really planning the strike that opened the scoring. His second after 30 minutes also came from a set piece and once again saw the Hertha Berlin player sniffing around the 6 yard box. Aaron Mooy scored a quality goal in the 38th minute after the Kuwait goal keeper spilled the ball and he found the top corner with a cracking strike. After the break the match struggled to get going and just a few half chances to the home side were worthy of note. The incredibly warm conditions no doubt played a role and the Socceroos did not find top gear in what became something of a grinding affair. Manager Graham Arnold will be well pleased with the performance and the points. James Jeggo and Brandon Borrello were excellent for the Socceroos and Aziz Behich was his usual solid self in the back half. Whilst the match was not the toughest test for the Australians to open their campaign, it was one that needed dealing with to gain some immediate momentum. Step one is done after the comfortable victory and now the Socceroos return home in a months time to face Nepal in what will be another important clash at GIO Stadium in Canberra. Final Score Kuwait…………………0 Australia………………3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
FULL-TIME The Socceroos have enjoyed a comfortable win against Kuwait. Kuwait…………………0 Australia……………...3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90+3 That will be all in Australia's first match in their quest for a spot in Qatar. Kuwait…………………0 Australia……………...3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90+2 It looks like a goalless second half in Kuwait City. Not a great second half to be frank. Kuwait…………………0 Australia……………...3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90' The keeper does well from the Mabil chip. Lovely play from the Socceroos. Kuwait…………………0 Australia……………...3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90' Behich with a nice challenge in defence after a brisk Kuwait attack. Mooy picks up the ball and gives Mabil a chance on the edge of the box. Kuwait…………………0 Australia……………...3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
89' Amini on the run down the right side. Now Mooy in the middle. Once again the Australians head back to Ryan and appear happy to hold the ball. Kuwait…………………0 Australia……………...3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
88' Australia on the ball again and they appear quite happy to possess and protect their lead. Kuwait…………………0 Australia……………...3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
88' Just a couple of minutes remain now and this has not been a second half to inspire fans of either side. Kuwait…………………0 Australia……………...3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
86' The header on goal is a little high and Ryan is under no danger after the corner. Kuwait…………………0 Australia……………...3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
86' Kuwait with a half chance of the back post......corner for the home side after the ball in is deflected away from the attacker. Kuwait…………………0 Australia……………...3
Stuart Thomas
Expert
85' Jeggo throws a long ball forward for Mabil but it is a little long and offers no danger for the Kuwait defence. Kuwait…………………0 Australia……………...3
83'
Stuart Thomas
Expert
83' Now Mabil is brought down by a strong challenge. That was a little cynical. Booking to follow for Alenezi. Kuwait…………………0 Australia……………...3
82'
Stuart Thomas
Expert
82' Amini comes on for the Socceroos and Irvine takes a seat on the pine. Kuwait…………………0 Australia……………...3