City forward Tim Cahill has been named in Ange Postecoglou’s 30-man provisional side to take on Saudia Arabia in the next stage of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying.
Cahill is one of six domestic players to be named in the extended side with the all-time leading goal scorer finding out his final place in the squad on Wednesday 31 May when the squad is condensed to 23.
“I’m happy with the 30-man squad we have been able to name for the upcoming June international window but initially our energy and focus will be solely on the World Cup Qualifier against Saudi Arabia in Adelaide,” Postecoglou said. “It is the most important game we will play over the June period.”
“The group is tight at the moment and Saudi Arabia will be a tough opponent but we have always been strong on home soil and I see no reason why that won’t continue in front of our fans at Adelaide Oval on June 8.”
The team will begin assembling in Adelaide on Friday (2 June) giving Postecoglou and his staff extra preparation for what is shaping as a crucial World Cup Qualifier against Saudi Arabia.
“With most of the players’ season coming to an end in the last week or two we will have a lot of players in early, which gives us a good opportunity to do make sure we are ready for the Saudi Arabia game.
“We’ll be together for the best part of a month and previously we have been able to work towards some great outcomes when we have had an extended period together like the World Cup and Asian Cup.
“Saudi Arabia is the focus and we will work towards that game but after that match we have a good opportunity to test ourselves against the Number One country in the world and then expose the players to top international competition in World Cup country.”
Match Details
Caltex Socceroos v Saudi Arabia
Thursday 8 June 2017
Adelaide Oval
7.30pm kick off (8pm AEST)
The match will be broadcast LIVE on Fox Sports and Channel Nine
For more information regarding ticketing please visit www.socceroos.com.au/tickets
