Socceroos expecting a ‘physical’ Palestine in emotional World Cup qualifier

Having thrashed Bangladesh 7-0, the hungry Socceroos aren’t about to take their foot off the pedal against Palestine.

Craig Goodwin and the Socceroos are chasing another World Cup qualifying win, this time against Palestine. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images

The Socceroos will welcome a “physical” Palestine as they promise a “ruthless” display in what’s certain to be an emotional World Cup qualifier in neutral Kuwait on Wednesday morning.

The match was shifted to Kuwait City from the West Bank due to the recent violence in the region.

Socceroos star Craig Goodwin was fully aware of the “tragic” scenario but promised his side would show no mercy to Palestine, saying anything less than a fully committed performance would be an insult to Australia’s opponents.

“We have to show them the respect by taking it as we would any other game,” Goodwin said.

“It’s a World Cup qualifier and we have to go into this game looking to win.

“The best thing about football and sport is it can be an outlet for people, to try and get them away from things happening outside in the world.

“I hope this game can be an outlet for those people and hopefully bring some joy in a different aspect.”

Craig Goodwin (right) celebrates with Harry Souttar during the Socceroos’ win over Bangladesh. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

The Socceroos are backing up from a 7-0 thrashing of Bangladesh in Melbourne last Thursday night.

Despite the hefty margin, the Socceroos should have reached double figures such were the chances that went begging.

“We want to make a statement within every game we play and have that ruthlessness in front of goal,” Goodwin said.

The former Adelaide United captain, who now plies his trade in Saudi Arabia for Al-Wehda, is expecting Palestine – who drew 0-0 with Lebanon last week in neutral Sharjah – to be a tougher opponent than Bangladesh.

“I do think this game will be very different to what we experienced with Bangladesh,” Goodwin said.

“It’s going to be a lot more physical and there will be a lot more fight coming from the opposition in this match.

“It will be a very hostile environment for us, which we’re experienced in.”

Attacking weapon Goodwin said it had been an “easier transition” for him in relocating to Saudi Arabia for a second spell with Al-Wehda.

“On the pitch it’s been a decent start as well, scoring five goals in eight games,” he said.

“I’m enjoying my time there playing against some of the best players in the world (in the Saudi Pro League).”

The Socceroos will be boosted by the return of star forward Martin Boyle, who missed the game against Bangladesh due to swelling around the knee.

Rather than flying to Melbourne, Scotland-based Boyle flew straight to Kuwait, where he linked with the Socceroos upon their weekend arrival.