Graham Arnold says the Caltex Socceroos have attacking threats all over the park as they aim to end 2019 on a high against Jordan.
Australia can all-but assure themselves of progression to the next phase of qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a win in Amman on Friday morning (3am kick-off AEDT).
It’s been a ruthless start on the road to Qatar for Arnold’s squad so far, playing some exciting, attacking football in three big wins over Kuwait, Nepal and Chinese Taipei.
While the away clash against Jordan is tipped to be Australia’s toughest test yet, the Caltex Socceroos boss says there’ll be no change to his attacking philosophy.
“When I took over it’s been something we’ve been working a lot on over the last six to nine months,” Arnold told reporters on the eve of the clash with Jordan.
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“The proof is in the pudding, we’ve scored 15 goals in three games…we’ve done a lot of work on our attacking play and [this game] is no different.
“We’re working more as a team together. If you look at the 15 goals we’ve scored - and we’ve scored a lot of goals since I’ve been in charge - we share the goals now.”
It’s the attacking depth at his disposal that rightly fills Arnold with plenty of confidence.
While striker Jamie Maclaren and Mathew Leckie are both unavailable for the trip, the likes of Scottish-based duo Martin Boyle and Tom Rogic have been able to return.
The availability of Boyle is particularly please for Arnold, who plans to deploy the Hibernian winger as a weapon off the bench.
“Martin is in great shape. If you asked him what he can do for us he’d say he could give us 60 or 70 great minutes,” Arnold said.
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“We have many options. Everyone is fit, everyone is healthy.
“We have a great team environment of mateship and we’re looking forward to the game.”
Asked who would captain the side in the absence of injured skipper Mark Milligan, Arnold said: “We have a number of players that can lead.
“Over the last 13, 14 months I’ve been in charge a lot of it has been about transition of the squad.
“I feel and believe now we are in great shape and we have leaders to lead."
Next Match – Caltex Socceroos – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and AFC Asian Cup China 2023™ – Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2
Jordan v Australia
Date: Thursday, 14 November 2019
Venue: King Abdullah II Stadium, Amman, Jordan
Kick-off: 6.00pm (local); 3.00am AEDT – Friday, 15 November 2019
Broadcast: Live in Australia on FOX SPORTS, ABC TV, Kayo Sports, and via the My Football Live App, Live, Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers
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