Aussies Vow Not To Fall For Saudi 'Games'

Socceroos focused on booking World Cup ticket against foes needing to win by 5 goals

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JEDDAH - Australia midfielder Connor Metcalfe has warned his teammates to avoid reacting to Saudi Arabia's gamesmanship when the teams face off on June 10 with automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup on the line.

Tony Popovic's outfit go into the meeting at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with one foot on the plane to North America after a 1-0 win over Japan on June 5 bought the Socceroos breathing room in their quest for a place at the Finals.

Despite that advantage, Metcalfe has sought to ensure the Australians do not allow their focus to slip ahead of a crucial 90 minutes that will be played out in front of more than 50,000 fans and in stifling heat.

"There's going to be a lot of diving, a lot of acting, but it's about just blocking the noise out, focusing on ourselves and doing the best we can," said the St Pauli midfielder.

"You can't get affected by any of it, because 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."