Awer Mabil says Socceroos looking to make statement against Syria

Awer Mabil is scared on Syria’s behalf.Because he’s backing the Socceroos in for another emphatic Asian Cup victory in Wednesday morning’s final group game.

Socceroos winger Awer Mabil celebrates scoring against Palestine at the Asian Cup on Friday night. Picture: Getty Images

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Awer Mabil is scared on Syria’s behalf.

Because he’s backing the Socceroos in for another emphatic Asian Cup victory in Wednesday morning’s final group game.

And woe betide you if you disagree.

Australia needs a win or draw against Syria to seal second spot in Group B behind Jordan and guarantee passage to the round of 16, where they would likely play Uzbekistan or Oman.

A loss, coupled with a Jordan win over Palestine, will leave them third and hoping to progress as one of the four best third-placed teams from the six groups.

A loss paired with a Palestine win over Jordan would relegate Graham Arnold’s side to last and send them home.

Socceroos winger Awer Mabil celebrates scoring against Palestine at the Asian Cup on Friday night. Picture: Getty Images

There’s also an element of intrigue to Syria, who sacked former Perth Glory coach Bernd Stange after Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Jordan.

The sudden departure of Stange, against whom ex-Northern Spirit boss Graham Arnold coached in the NSL, could galvanise the country that very nearly knocked Australia out of the World Cup play-offs in 2017.

But all of that is just maths and hypotheticals, according to Australia’s young winger.

“We’re not worried about them,” Mabil said.

“If they sacked their coach, they sacked their coach. We are focusing on us. I’m afraid for them, because we want to make statements.

Chris Ikonomidis was impressive for the Socceroos against Palestine on Friday night. Picture: Getty Images

“We want to build on from this game and that’s what we’re going to prepare now - we’re going to recover and make sure we’re 100 per cent against Syria.”

Mabil delivered another typically tricky performance on the right wing in Friday’s 3-0 win over Palestine and nailed a firm first-half finish, taking his international tally to three goals in six caps.

His provider, the team’s standout Chris Ikonomidis, added flair on the left and a body to rotate with.

At 23, Mabil and Ikonomidis were the youngest of Arnold’s starting XI.

The next youngest was Jamie Maclaren, who rounded out the front three and added his name to the scoresheet before Apo Giannou iced the victory.

“With Arnie now coming in he’s making a lot of statements, he’s not afraid to give youngsters a chance and you can see tonight,” Mabil said.

“Chris had a really, really good game and also Jamie scored – I scored. I’m really excited for Australian football and I think the fans should be excited.

“If they’re not excited, then, well, I don’t know where they’re coming from.

“I’m really excited to be involved in this group and also for Australian football in general.

“The boys wanted to make a response and this whole week, the training’s been very energetic. Everyone wants to give their all. You can see with the result and the way we played.”

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