Cool change in Qatar for Socceroos in their bid to qualify for the World Cup
The Socceroos have lauded the ‘amazing’ facilities in Qatar as they prepare for the World Cup playoffs.
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It’s not often you need a jacket during summer in the Middle East, but Socceroos coach Graham Arnold was quick to don long sleeves when he entered one of Qatar’s “amazing” air-conditioned World Cup stadiums.
The Socceroos’ World Cup playoffs fate is set to be decided in the cool surrounds of Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Doha, one of the eight air-conditioned venues to be used for the November-December World Cup.
Australia’s friendly on Thursday morning against Jordan is also being played at an air-conditioned World Cup facility – Al Janoub Stadium in Doha.
“It’s about 40-odd degrees outside, and as soon as (I went) in the air-con stadium, I had to put my jacket on,” Arnold told SEN program The Global Game.
“The air-conditioned stadiums are amazing.
“It’s fantastic. The boys are enjoying it, the pitches are beautiful, and the air-conditioning really cools it down.”
Recalled Socceroos left back Jason Davidson played and trained in the air-conditioned stadiums during his previous club Ulsan Hyundai’s 2020 AFC Champions League triumph.
“We were here (in Qatar) for pretty much eight weeks,” Davidson said.
“We were the opening tournament for the World Cup stadiums
“It’s weird. It’s so hot, then you enter these world-class facilities, and the air-con’s pumping.
“It’s a different experience, but it’s something that will be unique to this World Cup.
“They’ve done an unbelievable job in creating these stadiums with the infrastructure.
“To travel the world as a footballer, and play in different stadiums, different countries, different cultures ... it’s unique and you just have to cherish each moment.”
Davidson’s stellar season with Melbourne Victory has him back in the Socceroos fold after a seven-year absence.
He is one of three left-backs in Australia’s squad for the playoffs, the first of which is next Wednesday morning (AEST) against the United Arab Emirates.
The winner of that match will progress to the following week’s intercontinental playoff against South American nation Peru, with the prize being a World Cup berth.
“It was more about a different style left-back,” Arnold said in explaining the reason for Davidson joining Aziz Behich and Joel King as left-sided defensive options.
“Aziz Behich and Joel King are more defensive left-sided fullbacks. They’re not really fullbacks who get over the top as much and with a very good cross on them.
“Jason Davidson has shown me that a lot at Melbourne Victory this year. He adds something different to the squad.”
Originally published as Cool change in Qatar for Socceroos in their bid to qualify for the World Cup
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