Saudi Arabia's coach Herve Renard (centre) during a training session at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Wednesday. — AFP
Australia coach Tony Popovic said on Wednesday he is anticipating an energetic Saudi Arabia side, 'desperate' for a result under new boss Herve Renard, in their World Cup qualifying clash in Melbourne. Japan leads Group C with a five-point advantage after four games, with Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain all tied behind them, vying for the second spot. The top two teams will secure their places at the 2026 World Cup in North America, while the third and fourth-placed teams will proceed to another round of Asian qualifying. The Socceroos will face Renard's team on Thursday before traveling to Bahrain next week.
'We expect a very energetic, determined side, possibly desperate to get a result,' Popovic said of Saudi Arabia. 'We know what's coming and we have to match that energy and enthusiasm, but maintain the patience and calmness to play our football at the right moments and identify what the game presents.' He added, 'We feel it is in our hands, at our home stadium. The players look calm and confident, and I want to see that in their performance tomorrow.'
Australia's qualifying campaign got off to a poor start with a 1-0 home defeat to Bahrain followed by a scoreless draw in Indonesia, leading to the dismissal of coach Graham Arnold. Popovic took charge in September and stabilized the team with a 3-1 victory over China and a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Japan. Australia will face a Saudi side that also parted ways with their coach after a series of inconsistent results, including a home defeat to Japan and a draw with Bahrain. Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was sacked three weeks ago, with Renard returning for his second stint in charge.
The 56-year-old Frenchman managed Saudi Arabia between 2019 and 2023 before leaving to take over the French women's team ahead of the Paris Olympics. Renard famously orchestrated a 2-1 win over eventual champions Argentina at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. 'Renard obviously has a lot of experience with the team, he had them for four years. He did a very good job with them, fantastic at the World Cup, he had the women's Olympic team,' said Popovic. 'We've monitored what he did in both jobs and we expect them to bring that energy and enthusiasm that comes with playing for your country.' Popovic did not reveal his starting lineup, with four uncapped players in his squad.
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