Sydney: Ange Postecoglou believes Australia can make it another special night at Stadium Australia, the scene of their 2015 AFC Asian Cup triumph, when they host Syria in the second leg of their FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Continental Play-off on Tuesday.
Having drawn the first leg 1-1 last Thursday in Melaka, after Robbie Kruse’s opener was cancelled out by an Omar Al Soma penalty, the Socceroos go into the Sydney tie with the away goal advantage and an unbeaten home record in the qualifiers.
The venue also has a special significance for coach Postecoglou and his charges after it hosted the 2015 AFC Asian Cup final where Australia defeated Korea Republic 2-1 after extra-time to become continental champions.
Ange Postecoglou led Australia to the 2015 AFC Asian Cup title at Stadium Australia
“We’ve had some great memories at this stadium,” said the former Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory tactician.
“Eighty percent of this squad play abroad, so anytime they play at home they get a big lift from playing in front of families and friends.
“Obviously, the 2015 AFC Asian Cup was a great moment for us, but we want to create another great moment at a great stadium, where we have a great history.”
There have already been some enforced changes in the Australia squad with defender Bailey Wright and goalkeeper Danny Vukovic withdrawn due to injury and replaced by Dylan McGowan and Mark Birighitti.
However, for those who started the first leg, Postecoglou has reported a clean bill of health, while also hinting that veteran forward Tim Cahill (pictured below), who did not take part in Melaka, could have an important role to play in Sydney.
“We’ve used different formations and different players at different times, Tim [Cahill] is one of those,” he added.
“We didn’t use him the other night but, obviously, he’s raring to go and he could be one of those we’ll look at in terms of selection.
“We’ll make a final decision after training today.”
Even if the Socceroos’ all-time top scorer does not start at Stadium Australia, midfielder Mark Milligan (pictured below) emphasised that Cahill’s influence goes beyond his role on the pitch.
“Everybody sees Tim’s passion for the game and the national team. It’s nothing new, he’s been doing it for a long time now,” said the Melbourne Victory man.
“Not just his ability on the pitch but his ability to drive others on and give them a lift. That he hasn’t lost that is a tribute to him.
“That doesn’t just help us on gameday but also every day.”
Not only will it be Cahill cajoling his teammates to new heights but a vocal and passionate home crowd, which, Milligan admits, will be the main motivation for the Green and Gold.
“The boys always look forward to playing in front of our fans,” he said.
“Playing for the national team is not about ourselves, it’s about representing our families, our friends and our country.
“We want to make sure we put in a good performance, get a good result, and that we don’t let anyone down.”
Photos: AFC & Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com