It may have been a chilly afternoon in Adelaide but there was no dampening the spirits of hundreds of fans who turned out to the Caltex Socceroos Fan Day on Sunday at Adelaide Oval.
The picturesque Adelaide Oval provided a stunning backdrop as Ange Postecoglou’s side were put through a relatively light session ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia on Thursday night.
Gallery: Caltex Socceroos' Adelaide Fan Day
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Supporters watched the national team train for an hour before the players took time out to sign autographs and pose for photos at the end of the session.
Possession, quick ball movement and combination play were the focus as preparations continue to build for what looms as a must-win fixture for Australia.
And while it looms as arguably the Socceroos’ most important game since the 2015 Asian Cup Final, there is no shortage of confidence amongst the green and gold faithful in the South Australian capital.
We caught up with some fans at the Socceroos fan day to hear their thoughts on Thursday’s game and the current crop of Australian players.
Ben, Adelaide
On the game against Saudi Arabia…
I think we’ll be irresistible I reckon. We’ll have a win. An easy one.
We’ve got a week long camp this time. Last time they had two games [three days apart] on two different continents. Josep (Gombau) and Ange (Postecoglou) have a lot more time to work with them. They all look fit, they’ve finished their seasons and they look ready to go.
Australia’s best player…
I reckon it’s Aaron Mooy now. Every time he gets on the ball he’s quality. He knows what he’s doing with it before he gets it. He’s always got three or four options, he’s just a gun. I think he’s our next Premier League superstar.
Mooy and Rogic in midfield…
I hope he [Ange] plays them both, right next to each other in the heart of midfield. I think they’ll dominate.
A tip…
Socceroos 3-0.
Robert, Adelaide
Favourite player?
Tim Cahill. I just love his never-give-up attitude.
Key to Australia beating Saudi Arabia?
Aaron Mooy. He really has to fire up. He needs to break free and actually show that flare he’s got. We haven’t seen it in the Socceroos, he’s got it, he can do it.
Result?
I think it will be close but we’ll win. 2-0. We need to win. They always put in when they need to.
Ashley, Adelaide
Favourite players?
Tom Rogic. His technical ability is just great to watch. And Aaron Mooy. I think he’s Australia’s best player. It’d be good to see him playing at his best for the Socceroos. If he does that, we’ll go a long way.
Can Australia get the job done?
It could be close. I’m a little bit worried about it but I think we’ll get up one or two nil.
The Caltex Socceroos tackle Saudi Arabia in a crucial World Cup Qualifer in Adelaide on June 8. Click Here for Tickets
