We Are The Reds

This round of qualifying was always going to be a formality.

Will be very interesting to see how we go in the next round.

I think it will be a very tough assignment.

As mentioned earlier, our lack of goal scoring from open play even against minnows is something of concern.

We don't look overly convincing.

Looks like the upcoming home game against China is going to be played at a neutral venue as we can't get quarantine exemptions.

One of the Gulf States makes the most sense, hopefully Qatar.

No excuses as we should beat China in China, let alone at a neutral venue.

Looks like the upcoming home game against China is going to be played at a neutral venue as we can't get quarantine exemptions.

One of the Gulf States makes the most sense, hopefully Qatar.

No excuses as we should beat China in China, let alone at a neutral venue.

Considering how ridiculous the Govt is making international travel for it's own citizens I'd be surprised if outside nations are keen to come here.

Considering how ridiculous the Govt is making international travel for it's own citizens I'd be surprised if outside nations are keen to come here.

Indeed. I haven't even tried to get back to Australia as if I do there is a good chance I won't be able to get out again.

Qatar is the best choice in-so-far we at least gain familiarity should we make it to the finals. Saudi's hate the place so that's an added bonus; you'll find all the Qatari's cheering for us in that match

https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/sport/foo ... hina-clash

Called it

Makes sense.
It will be interesting to see what happens in the cricket with the Australian men. If they make the T20 World Cup final that will take place 1 week before their first test starts in Hobart.
I have no doubt cricket will be afforded a different deal to football.

So awesome to see 5 of our former players in the squad in Izzo, Jeggo, Mabil, McGree and Strain.

So awesome to see 5 of our former players in the squad in Izzo, Jeggo, Mabil, McGree and Strain.

It is nice, though the squad seems devoid of any true DMs. Jeggo can fit that role, though he more a box-box type so I expect Mooy will be given a dual CM/DM role. Still, we are light-on for cover for the back 4. A back 3 perhaps?

Hrustic has been playing a bit deeper for Eintracht Frankfurt lately so maybe he'll do the same for Australia.

China have named a very old squad for the games against Australia and Japan. Of their 33-man squad, 17 are 30 or over and only 3 are under 25.

Looks like they are planning to sit deep and try to find Wu Lei, Elkeson & Alan on the break.

Does anyone have any idea how to watch a full game replay? 10 play doesn't seem to have anything yet, even highlights...

Does anyone have any idea how to watch a full game replay? 10 play doesn't seem to have anything yet, even highlights...

https://10play.com.au/afc-asian-qualifi ... 10825yedsq

Apparently the replay is there.

Mabil had a day out, but ye Gods China were slow. For some reason Li Tei picked a very old squad and we rang rings around them. They didn't have the pace to really concern our back-4.

Mabil, Rogic & Hrustic were scintillating.

Solid 1-0 win over Vietnam. Nothing exciting about it, but the surface really didn’t suit our ball players. I reckon any local school in Australia would have a better surface. We did enough to win and looked happy with a 1-0 from early in the second half.

Congratulations have to be given for the 10 match winning streak. Let’s see if we can break the record (whatever that is).

Solid 1-0 win over Vietnam. Nothing exciting about it, but the surface really didn’t suit our ball players. I reckon any local school in Australia would have a better surface.

Agreed. In conditions like that a decent 1-0 is something to be content with as with the ball bobbling around anything could have happened.

We've beat the two worst teams in the group. Good to bank points but plenty of work ahead.

Next Int break will be pretty telling. Oman at "home" then Japan away. But we'll be playing Japan on the back of them playing the Saudis away first. A win then a draw would be an amazing result given Japan have already slipped up.
Fingers crossed then in November break we are able to welcome the Saudis to Australia for our home game with them.