Socceroos Set for Extended World Cup Journey Following Auto-Qualification
Having navigated the challenging route to World Cup qualification on two occasions, Socceroos veterans Aziz Behich and Milos Degenek are optimistic that a new approach will yield an even more favorable outcome.
Both Behich and Degenek were part of the squads for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which Australia qualified for through intercontinental playoffs.
However, following Behich’s remarkable goal against Japan in Perth last year that secured automatic qualification, the Socceroos are set to experience a different journey leading up to the tournament in North America this June.
This includes a send-off match against Curacao at AAMI Park on Tuesday night.
– Who can disrupt the World Cup proceedings? Two surprises emerge for Socceroos
– Aziz Behich aims to elevate Jordy Bos to new Socceroos levels
– Patrick Yazbek on Nashville overcoming Lionel Messi: ‘We got him good’
“Honestly, it’s really nice not to have to stress about a playoff,” Behich stated. “It’s obviously great to know that you’re already qualified and don’t have to worry about another match and then another one after that.
“The last World Cup was different because the timing was … in between the seasons, so there wasn’t much time to prepare leading into that. So this is pleasant, to actually have time to get ready.
“It’s similar to Russia, where we will have ample time at the end of the season to gather early, bring the group together, almost like a mini preseason.
“That will be crucial for starting the World Cup strongly and progressing far in the tournament.”
Rather than being restricted to playoff opponents until March, Australia has had the opportunity to compete against New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Venezuela, Colombia, and Cameroon.
Upcoming friendlies against Mexico and a European team, likely to be Switzerland, are scheduled in the United States in the weeks leading up to the World Cup, which begins on June 11.
“This allows us significantly more opportunity to prepare and to aim for an even more successful World Cup,” Degenek told AAP. “Simply because we have much more time to address areas that need improvement and to ensure everything is functioning well.
“It provides the coach with additional time to prepare, more opportunities to evaluate players, and generally gives us as a group more time to bond and head into the World Cup in America better equipped than ever before.”
Behich and Degenek previously played alongside Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room at PSV Eindhoven and Columbus Crew, respectively, and are eager to see what challenges the World Cup newcomers present.
“Facing a challenge like this is beneficial for the squad because, during the World Cup, you can’t predict how teams will perform, so you need to be able to adapt on the fly,” Behich remarked.
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic also expressed interest in the opportunity to face Curacao, who are ranked No. 82 in the world.
“It’s thrilling to compete against a different opponent, with a different style, a genuine footballing team that wants to play,” he noted. “They will present us with unique challenges, and I want to see how we can tackle that.”
