Argentina vs Australia: The Australia team will be travelling to China with revenge on their mind. After getting knocked out of the World Cup last year by Argentina, they will be determined to get one up against the world champions. They may not have had the best time since then, but they will be looking to come back to good form before next year’s AFC Asian Cup. That’s why ahead of next year’s major trophy, the coach is lining up a young squad against Argentina. Follow International Friendlies LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
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During the World Cup, Australia were in the same group as France, Denmark, and Tunisia. While it seemed difficult for them to progress being in the same group as these teams, they surprised everyone. However, their journey ended there in the round of 16 as they faced Argentina next. As they faced the no. 1 ranked team in the World, they did not have the odds in their favour. Expectedly, Albicelestes defeated Socceroos by a 2-1 scoreline where Argentina’s only conceded goal came from an own goal by Enzo Fernandez.
Australia’s journey ended helplessly in the round of 16 and from there on, the Socceroos have produced mixed results. Since their World Cup defeat, the Socceroos have played two friendlies in March against Ecuador. They won the first fixture 3-1 against Ecuador in Sydney. However, then they lost their second fixture 1-2 against Ecuador in Melbourne. A less-experienced Australian side took on Ecuador in Melbourne. They still managed to take a lead through Brandon Borrello’s first-ever international goal. However, that wasn’t enough to save them.
In the second half, the Socceroos conceded a penalty that Ecuador’s Pervis Estupinan converted. Another goal from William Pacho won Ecuador the match. Following that, this is their only fixture for this international break. Their next match is in October against England at Wembley. That will be their last match before they get ready for next year’s AFC Asian Cup in January. While Australia will want to take revenge on Australia, their focus will still remain on AFC Asian Cup. Hence, the coach has already named a 23-man squad of young players.
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Coach Arnold named such a young team in order to assess new players for the AFC Asian Cup. They will miss several senior players from the squad owing to injuries. Jackson Irvine, Aziz Behich, Craig Goodwin, Bailey Wright, Milos Degenek, Jason Cummings, and Aaron Mooy all will be missing the match against Argentina. All seven players were part of the World Cup squad that lost to Albicelestes in December. Thomas Glover, Melbourne City’s goalkeeper and Alessandro Circati, Parma’s youngster defender will be two players that will be hoping to make their debut.
While these two uncapped youngsters will be hoping to get some playing time, Denis Genreau and Gianni Stensness will be hoping to get featured as well. Both Toulouse and Viking FK players have impressed at the club level, so they will be hoping to get some playing time again. Borrello will probably be leading the attack along with Maclaren and Leckie in the forward line. Hrustic, Metcalfe, and McGree could be holding the fort in the midfield. The defense line could consist of King, Rowles, Souttar, and Atkinson.
Australia Probable Starting XI: Ryan; Atkinson, Souttar, Rowles, King; McGree, Metcalfe, Hrustic; Leckie, Maclaren, Borrello
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