Match Preview: Socceroos v Argentina
Australia is one step away from qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 1994. All that stands in their way is the OFC–CONMEBOL play-off against Argentina.
The first leg of the tie will be at Sydney Football Stadium, which is anticipated to be played in front of a stadium record 40,000+ fans.
The Socceroos are in red hot form after defeating Canada in a penalty shootout in the previous stage of the qualification process.
Argentina has made six changes after the world’s ninth ranked side lost to Columbia 5-0 less than two months ago in their last FIFA World Cup qualifying match. Among the inclusions are Roma striker Abel Balbo and superstar Diego Maradona.
Watch the FULL game of the Socceroos v Argentina on Thursday, 2 June at 7:30pm AEST. Click here to watch on Facebook, Youtube or the My Football Live App.
Eddie Thomson’s side will be boosted by the return of Aston Villa goalkeeper Mark Bosnich, while striker Frank Farina will miss the match with suspension. Paul Wade and David Mitchell have been speculated to be possible replacements for Farina.
Diego Maradona has been identified as Argentina’s biggest threat, while Australian striker Aurelio Vidmar's recent form will in front of goal will have Argentina worrying after their performance against Columbia.
There has been constant conjecture as to who will mark Maradona. Mehmet Durakovic has been used in a similar role in recent matches, although his capability to play in the midfield alongside Maradona has been questioned. Utility Zed Zelic and possible inclusion Paul Wade have also been pushed as possibilities.
The two team will meet again in Buenos Aires, Argentina on November 17 to decide who goes to the 1994 World Cup.
Form
Australia’s last five matches: LDWLW
Argentina’s last five matches: LDWLW
World Ranking
Australia: 61
Argentina: 9
Read: How Wade tried to 'freak out' Maradona before marking him in FIFA World Cup play-off
What They Said
Australia’s Aurelio Vidmar said:
“I believe we have the quality to get a result here and it will be the biggest sensation ever if Australia can stop Argentina from making the World Cup finals."
Argentina head coach Alfio Basile said:
“They have good players in Europe, and we have some knowledge of their style from the match we played last year, but a draw will be no good to us."
Squads
Australia:
Manager: Eddie Thomson
Mark Bosnich (GK), Tony Vidmar, Ned Zelic, Robbie Slater, Graham Arnold, Mehmet Durakovic, Milan Ivanovic, Alex Tobin, Jason Van Blerk, Aurelio Vidmar, Paul Wade (C), David Mitchell
Argentina:
Manager: Alfio Basile
Sergio Goycochea (GK), Jorge Borelli, Jose Chamot, Carlos Adona, Javier MacAlliater, Sergio Vazquez, Jose Basualdo, Diego Maradona, Hugo Perez, Fernando Redondo, Abel Balbo, Gabriel Batistuta, Gustavo Zapata, Fernando Caceres
Read: How Socceroos sparked unique, first-ever Maradona praise after play-off
How to watch
Watch the FULL game of the Socceroos v Argentina on Thursday, 2 June at 7:30pm AEST.
Click here to watch on Facebook.
Click here to watch on Youtube or watch in the video player below!
Click to download the My Football Live App.
Click here and tag your friends to make a watch party on Facebook and click “Get Reminder” to receive a notification when the match goes live.
Join in the conversation on social media with Socceroos fans from around the world by posting your photos and videos while using the hashtag: #AUSvARG
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