Saudi Arabia and Japan likely hurdles for the Socceroos on path to Asian Cup final

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold is confident of Australia achieving Asian Cup success in the familiar surrounds of Qatar.

Graham Arnold is pleased with the Socceroos’ Asian Cup draw. Picture: Hanna Lassen/Getty Images

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold says he’s “very happy” with Australia’s Asian Cup draw despite his team almost certainly needing to beat Saudi Arabia and Japan just to make the final.

The Socceroos have been drawn in Group B with Uzbekistan, Syria, India for the tournament, which is being held in Qatar from January 12 to February 10 next year.

Provided results go as expected, the Socceroos are expected to meet Saudi Arabia in the quarter-finals, with the winner of that match likely to face Japan in the semi-finals.

Both Saudi Arabia and Japan beat Australia during the qualifying stages for the 2022 World Cup, which was also held in Qatar.

“Obviously every draw is tough, but I’m very happy with that draw,” Arnold said.

“Having the familiarity of playing here in Qatar will help us as well.

“Asia has come a long way in football and in strength. We played Syria in World Cup qualifiers, we played Uzbekistan before, we are familiar with the way that they like to play, and we are looking forward to it.”

Graham Arnold is ‘very happy’ with the Socceroos’ Asian Cup draw. Picture: Hanna Lassen/Getty Images

He also said “Qatar” had been a “home away from home” in recent years for the Socceroos, with Australia having played several matches there due to Covid-19-enforced travel and quarantine restrictions.

“We are very comfortable (in Qatar). We are familiar with the stadiums, the surroundings, and we are looking forward to getting this Asian Cup underway,” Arnold said

Under Arnold, the Socceroos reached the quarter-finals before being knocked out by the United Arab Emirates.

“Last time was with an older group of players and I had to find some youngsters, but this time we’re more settled as a group and I’ve been in the job now for nearly five years, so, I’m very familiar with all the players, what they expect from us, and my expectations from them,” he said.

“We’re going into this tournament with a great mindset and looking forward to doing well.”

The Socceroos’ Asian Cup Group B matches –

January 13 – v India, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan.

January 18 – v Syria, Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Doha.

January 23 – v Uzbekistan, Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha.