On Thursday, Brisbane will play host to the first of two international friendlies that pit Australia and New Zealand against one another. These matches will take place in both Australia and New Zealand.
Australia and New Zealand are going to face one other in the contest. Their opponents have been eliminated from the competition since they were unable to conquer the last obstacle.
They are also unable to gain a place in Qatar while the hosts are busy getting ready for the commencement of the World Cup in November. During this period, the hosts are busy preparing for the tournament.
Match Preview: Australia vs New Zealand
Australia’s remaining games before the World Cup aim to build on their impressive qualifying run. They won all eight group games in the second round. Graham Arnold’s team moved to another group.
But with tougher opposition from Japan and Saudi Arabia, they missed automatic qualification. Instead, they faced UAE in June for a position in the Inter-Confederation playoff. Jackson Irvine put Australia ahead, but they quickly tied.
Ajdin Hrustic’s 83rd-minute goal set up a Qatar playoff with Peru. After neither team could break the stalemate in extra time, a penalty shootout decided their fate. Australia won with Awer Mabil’s converted kick and Andrew Redmayne’s save on Alex Valera.
Arnold’s guys will want to win Thursday to build confidence. Group A contains Tunisia, Denmark, and France. Their opponents reached an Inter-Confederation playoff but lost World Cup qualifying.
The All Whites qualified via Oceania and won all three group games before overcoming Tahiti 1-0 in the semis. Danny Hay’s team beat Solomon Islands 5-0 in the regional final, although they also faced a playoff tie.
Bill Tuiloma, Chris Wood, Joe Bell, and Matthew Garbett scored. Joel Campbell’s third-minute opener put Costa Rica ahead in June.
Kosta Barbarouses’ second-half red card made New Zealand’s job much more difficult. They fell 1-0, prolonging their search for a World Cup berth after dropping out in 2010’s group stage. Hay’s team isn’t playing this week, but they’ll still want to defeat Brisbane.
Team News: Australia vs New Zealand
There are a few notable absences from the squad, including Tom Rogic. He actually entered West Bromwich Albion after such a spell without the need for a club.
Defenders Harry Souttar and Kye Rowles, who is out injured. But a strong XI is expected on Thursday because Arnold has an opportunity to work out his preferred Australia side before the World Cup.
In front of either Aaron Mooy or Cammy Devlin, players like Martin Boyle and Mathew Leckie will provide width. Forwards like Jackson Irvine, Riley McGree, and Ajdin Hrustic will battle for starting positions in advanced midfield.
In the absence of Rowles, another defensive spot is open. With Trent Sainsbury and Bailey Wright set to partner in the center of the back four. It remains to be seen if Andrew Redmayne’s performances in their World Cup playoff penalty shootout will receive him a starting berth.
But Mathew Ryan is more likely to get the nod. Winston Reid, who has been without a club in the last year. It is expected to continue leading the New Zealand defence as captain. Bill Tuiloma will also play a significant part in the back line.
Chris Wood, now playing for Newcastle United, is the leading goal scorer for his country with 33 goals in 68 international appearances. Other forwards Alex Greive, Elijah Just, and Ben Waine are all in contention for starting roles.
- Probable That These Players Will Start for Australia: Ryan, Atkinson, Wright, Sainsbury, Behich, Mooy, Boyle, Hrustic, McGree, Leckie, Duke.
- Potential New Zealand Starting XI: Sail, Tuiloma, Reed, Boxall, Payne, Howieson, Bell, Cacace, Barbarouses, Wood, Greive.
Our Prediction: Australia 3-1 New Zealand
It is fair to anticipate that the Socceroos will be able to get the victory while playing on their home turf given that they possess the superior squad in every respect.
Even though their competitors, New Zealand, can make things difficult for them. The Socceroos should have enough to win although their opponents have the potential to make things difficult for them.