Temperature in Dushanbe looks reasonable. More importantly, the humidity is low and it's a nice flat [artificial] surface so hopefully Luongo, Leckie and co. do their thing along the deck. Not keen on Cahill starting.
The first half they were too one dimensional looking for Cahill ... why I liked our set up against Bangladesh better. However, I think Ange was concerned that the Tajik's were going to be a tougher proposition than they actually were (hence why McKay started too IMO). Overall quite a comfortable game for Australia. So now the crunch game for the pool is next ... Australia vs Jordan in Jordan. I think a draw would be the minimum Australia would accept as a reasonable result there. In the other game in the group Jordan easily accounted for Bangladesh 4-0 in Dhaka. I think if Australia get some breathing space their return game in Dhaka could be a blow out (as the Bengals will surely lose the impetus if they continue to get pumped). Group Standings Australia - 9 points Jordan - 7 points Kyrgyzstan - 7 points (played an extra game) Tajikistan - 1 point Bangladesh - 1 point
As the qualifiers double as the Asian Cup 2019 qualifiers, none of the bottom teams can afford to take the foot off the pedal, to try to gain an automatic place in the next group stage of Asian Cup Qualifying and avoid the Play-offs. So as long as Bangladesh are still a chance to catch Tajikistan, they will have to keep trying their best. Tajikistan host Bangladesh 5 days before Australia travels to Dhaka. If they lose that game then their fate of finishing last may already be sealed and then they might slacken off.
Australia should wrap this group up with a 100% record. I do think that Tajikistan will take some points off Kyrgyzstan and will beat Bangladesh, Bangladesh unfortunately will be last.
Especially at home (Jordan), the Central Asian sides had their chance but couldnt capitalise.. they will be run over in Australia when they visit. Jordan v Australia is the decider of the group.
This is the game to be played on the next Matchday. Last qualifiers Jordan beat Australia 2-1 at home but lost 4-0 on the return leg. Jordan really can't afford anything less than a win against Australia in Amman. Jordan do however need to face Kyrgyzstan in Bishtek, which could be very decisive in determining the final order of the teams too. Jordan only managed a 0-0 on the home leg.
That's only if they want to win the group. A draw will probably be enough for them to get second spot, unless they stuff up some other games. Of course we could also stuff up a game, but we have three of our last four at home so its a little easier for us after the Jordan game.
Let us see what socceroos are made of! This match is your toughest challenge in this round of qualifiers.
Without a doubt. I think the Socceroos should be pumped, and will be aiming for a win. That would really put them in the driving seat ... as 3 of the remaining 4 games after this one are at home. Should be a good game, and it will be good to see if Australia can play to their style in the Middle East (we've traditionally struggled).
Australia is very lucky that Jordan had dropped points earlier against Tajikistan, or now with this result the Aussies would have be on verge of elimination.
Dodgy penalty and a foul on Davidson left unnoticed before the 2nd goal. Disappointing but ultimately deserved. Not incisive or creative enough.
Really? A number of best second placed teams go through and with away wins against 3rd and 4th with home games to come against 1st, 3rd and 4th I would have been pretty confident of going through at worst as a best second.
Iranian fans are usually on Australian side. More non-Arab teams in next round means a better quality competition for us in general. I only wish teams like Oman and Uae advance from West Asian region.
Currently Socceroos are 2nd best of the 8 second place teams - top 4 go through : only one away game to go (Bangaladesh), so would be a comfortable 2nd place, if not 1st anyway. SO want to play Iran next round ! Full Azadi Stadium / full MCG : bring it on
Yeah Iran grouped with Australia would be pretty sweet, I'd guess that our matches would be quite physical and exciting
I blame more coaching staff and players especially coaching staff for being eliminated from the quarter final of last AC but Ben William did really his best to eliminate Iran in last AC, and he was successful.