Socceroos: Australia to ‘host’ Oman in Doha after travel bubble bid fails to be approved
The Socceroos are again heading to Qatar for another ‘home’ World Cup qualifier after hopes of playing in Australia were dashed.
The Socceroos are set to play another “home” World Cup qualifier in Qatar after Football Australia failed to have a travel bubble approved in time for next month’s clash against Oman.
FA had hoped the October 7 qualifier would take place, as planned, at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney after presenting strict planned isolation and safety measures to federal and state government officials.
However, it’s understood the measures, which include players not having to serve two weeks of hotel quarantine on their arrival in Australia, won’t be ratified in time for the match.
It means the Socceroos will return to the Qatar capital city of Doha for another “home” game after having done so earlier this month in their 3-0 win over China.
Following the match against Oman, the Socceroos will travel to Saitama to meet Japan on October 12.
FA officials are hopeful governments will approve their travel bubble plans in time for the Socceroos’ home qualifier – also scheduled for Bankwest Stadium – against Saudi Arabia on November 11.
The Socceroos top Group B of the AFC’s third round World Cup qualifying stage with six points from two matches.
The top two teams from each group are guaranteed berths in next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Meanwhile, it’s also hoped that a travel bubble will allow the Matildas to play friendly matches in Sydney against Brazil late next month and the USA in November.
Changes have been made to the Matildas squad for Wednesday morning’s friendly against Ireland in Dublin following the withdrawals of Kyah Simon and Ellie Carpenter.
Striker Simon, who made her debut for English Women’s Super League club Tottenham in Spurs’ 2-1 weekend win over Manchester City, and Lyon defender Ellie Carpenter pulled out of the squad following “consultation”.
Their places in the 25-strong squad have gone to Fortuna Hjorring pair Indiah-Paige Riley and Clare Wheeler.
Forward Riley has one cap to her name, while defender Wheeler will make her Matildas debut if she plays next week.
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