Desperate Saudi Arabia set to make it tough for Socceroos in Jeddah

As they close in on qualifying for next year’s FIFA World Cup, the Socceroos will be ready for anything Saudi Arabia throws at them in Jeddah.

The Socceroos are bracing themselves for a hostile reception on and the off field in Saudi Arabia, where FIFA World Cup qualification will be up for grabs on Wednesday morning in Jeddah.

The Australians are on the brink of reaching next year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the Saudis needing to score at the least five goals against them to have any hope of securing guaranteed qualification at the expense of the Socceroos.

As a result, Saudi hospitality is expected to be anything but forthcoming.

“I’m expecting delays at the airport, I’m expecting a really bad pitch to train on, I’m expecting … bus delays before the game,” Socceroos midfielder Connor Metcalfe said.

“They’re probably just going to throw everything at us because they know what they need to do, and they’re going to make it as difficult as possible.”

And don’t expect the Socceroos to take things lying down, with Metcalfe saying the Australians would be willing to display some gamesmanship of their own to frustrate the hosts.

Connor Metcalfe and the Socceroos can guarantee themselves FIFA World Cup qualification in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST). Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

“We’re going to have to play a little bit of their game as well,” he said.

“Whether we waste time and delay the game as much as we can, because it’s going to be like that.

“There’s going to be a lot of diving, a lot of acting, but we will block the noise out, focus on ourselves and do the best we can.

“If you get affected by any of their little games or noise or whatever it is, then it’s just going to affect the game, and they’re going to get that little advantage over you.

“We want to beat them on their home turf in front of all their fans.”

Metcalfe returned to Socceroos duty last Thursday night in Australia’s 1-0 win over Japan in Perth after missing the national team’s previous seven matches following a series of injuries that restricted him to just 10 appearances for his German club St. Pauli in the 2024-25 Bundesliga season.

“It’s been a long, long journey, (and a) tough ride, but it was amazing being back out there,” the former Melbourne City star said.

“Just being involved in a win as well in front of a home crowd was a special feeling.”

Originally published as Desperate Saudi Arabia set to make it tough for Socceroos in Jeddah