The Socceroos will take to the sector on the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, in lower than a month and Australia might be hoping their staff could make it out of the group stage for the primary time since 2006.
The boys in inexperienced and gold have a troublesome draw this day trip in Group D, going through off in opposition to Tunisia, Denmark and a blockbuster opening recreation in opposition to defending champions France.
Each Denmark and France have been in Australia’s group for the final FIFA World Cup in 2018, and again then, the Socceroos managed a 1-1 draw with the Danes and a 2-1 loss to eventual winner France. The Soccerroos could have to do higher than that this 12 months if they need any likelihood of profitable the massive $42 million jackpot for lifting the trophy.
So, how will the Socceroos squad fare come kick-off in Qatar? Learn on as DMARGE breaks down all of the Socceroos’ opponents and the expected outcomes for every recreation.
France
- November 23
- 6.00 a.m. kick-off AEST
The Socceroos couldn’t have been dealt a a lot worse hand for his or her opening recreation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. They play present champions France, who look to be the primary nation since Brazil – in 1958 and 1962 – to win back-to-back World Cups.
When the pair squared off within the group phases in 2018, the Socceroos have been large underdogs, however nonetheless placed on a superb exhibiting. An Antoine Griezmann penalty put France forward, earlier than the Socceroos received a penalty of their very own, which captain Mile Jedinak transformed from the spot. The sport ending a draw, earlier than an Australian personal objective broke Aussie followers’ hearts.
The Socceroos might be underdogs once more, particularly with celebrity Kylian Mbappé and 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema seemingly beginning for France. The Australian defence will have to be watertight to maintain the French forwards at bay.
Nonetheless, France are additionally responsible of letting of their justifiable share of targets, and with star defender Rafael Varane doubtlessly side-lined for the primary recreation, France’s defence might be much more susceptible this 12 months. The likes of Jason Cummings, Jamie Maclaren and Adam Taggart – if picked – might be trying to exploit this potential defence weak point.
There are additionally different saving graces for Australian followers. Firstly, France are in no way surging going into the match; of the eight video games they performed in 2022, they’ve solely received three, having misplaced three and drawn the opposite two.
Additionally, when wanting again on the performances of earlier World Cup winners within the match after they have been victorious, it typically ends badly. Italy in 2010, Spain in 2014 and Germany in 2018 all crashed out within the group phases, regardless of profitable the prior tournaments.
Will historical past repeat itself and see Australia beating France on the get-go? It’s nonetheless unlikely, however we’ll maintain our fingers crossed for this one.
Predicted End result: 2-1 France
Tunisia
- November 26
- 9.00 p.m. kick-off AEST
Of their second recreation of the World Cup, the Socceroos face off in opposition to Tunisia.
The Tunisians have loved respectable outcomes heading into the match. In 2022, they have been victorious within the Kirin Cup Soccer, beating Japan and Chile to elevate the trophy. Final 12 months in addition they reached each the ultimate of the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup held in Qatar– ultimately shedding to Algeria 2-0 – and the quarter finals of the 2021 African Cup of Nations.
Nonetheless, they have been simply thumped 5-1 off of World Cup favourites Brazil, which can knock their confidence slightly heading into the match.
Regardless of what this end result suggests, the place Tunisia shine is with their defence. Behind defence talisman and Serie A centre-back Dylan Bronn, the Tunisians stored seven clear sheets in 2022. As such, Australia must be scientific in assault and take what little probabilities they’re given if they’re to achieve this recreation.
The 2022 World Cup may be the coming-out occasion for younger Tunisian Manchester United attacking midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, as he appears to make his stamp on the world stage. Trent Salisbury, Miloš Degenek and different Socceroos defenders will look to lock him right down to cease any Tunisian probabilities on the different finish.
Realistically, that is the sport the Australian’s have the very best likelihood of profitable, and if the Socceroos are in a position to rating early, they can maintain off Tunisia’s weaker assault for the remainder of the sport.
Predicted end result: 1-0 Australia
Denmark
- December 1
- 2.00 a.m. kick-off AEST
Denmark are one other staff that the Socceroos performed within the 2018 World Cup. A Christian Eriksen thunderbolt and Mile Jedinak penalty noticed the groups draw the sport one apiece.
The Danes have regarded fairly robust in 2022, beating France twice, however dropping video games to each Croatia and the Netherlands. A semi-final run within the 2020 European Soccer Championship final 12 months additionally confirmed what they’re able to.
They’ve a sturdy backline led by Barcelona centre-back Andreas Christensen, Simon Kjaer and excessive flying full-back Joakim Mæhle, which makes them harmful on the counter. A wholesome Christian Eriksen can also be a scare for the Socceroos and is likely to be what Denmark have to take them additional on this 12 months’s match.
The Danes could find yourself being Australia’s hardest recreation, and the Socceroos will have to be at their very best to have any likelihood of beating them. It might be an extended evening for Australian captain and goalkeeper Matt Ryan if they aren’t.
The Matildas have been in a position to do it in a current pleasant, now its time for the Socceroos to do the identical.
Predicted end result: 2-0 Denmark
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