Thursday night’s 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia wasn’t great for the Socceroos. It also wasn’t a total disaster. But it was very nearly both of those things.
Tony Popovic’s side will rue their missed chances against Saudi Arabia in their crucial World Cup qualifier at Melbourne’s AAMI Park.
Herve Renard,who coached France at last year’s Women’s World Cup,has returned to haunt Australia ahead of Thursday night’s crucial showdown with Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabian football has undergone a recent revolution that has attracted stars even as big as Cristiano Ronaldo - as well as some Australian representation.
Pouring billions into golf,football and now the Olympics,the oil-rich Gulf state is pressing ahead with ambitious plans despite accusations of sportswashing.
The Koreans will have just two days to prepare for the clash on Saturday morning after a gruelling 120-minute battle with Saudi Arabia. You might say it’s all coming up Arnie.
No matter how much cash is thrown at getting top sportspeople on board in LIV Golf and the Saudi Pro League,the public is much more picky.
Football Australia will instead focus on winning hosting rights to the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup and an expanded men’s 2029 Club World Cup.
The deadline for Australia to bid on the upcoming World Cup is fast approaching.
One of Australia’s stars at the World Cup,Craig Goodwin,is set to join the cavalcade of big names heading to Saudi Arabia – but another key Socceroo is facing a spell on the sideline.
Some call it sports washing,others call it image and reputation management. Whatever it is,Saudi Arabia’s multibillion-dollar spending spree isn’t likely to stop any time soon.