Caltex Socceroos defender Matthew Spiranovic knows Thailand well but expects Australia to be a lot more dangerous in attack in front of a big home crowd in Tuesday’s must-win FIFA World Cup qualifier in Melbourne.
Explainer: Caltex Socceroos' task against Thailand
After the 2-0 defeat to Japan in Saitama on Thursday, Ange Postecoglou’s men need a big win over the Thais to boost their hopes of automatic qualification for next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Spiranovic expects Australia to give Thailand’s defence plenty to worry about at AAMI Park but admits his side must remain a little wary of the dangerous visitors.
THAILAND NO PUSHOVER
Spiranovic played against Thailand last year when the Thais pulled off an eye-catching 2-2 draw.
He has previously played against them in World Cup qualifiers during the last campaign for Brazil and so knows what to expect.
“My experiences the last three or four times against Thailand its always a very tough game,” Spiranovic told reporters in Melbourne on Saturday.
“They’re a quick side, and have technically very capable players.
“I’m sure it will be a tough match and we have everything to play for, we’ll have to be close to our best to get the result.
“We want to create more chances, be more dangerous and give them a lot more to worry about.”
SPIRA BACK HOME
Spiranovic’s 90 minutes against Japan was his first appearance for the Caltex Socceroos in 2017 after missing a couple of the previous camps through injury.
And the 29-year-old China-based defender is excited to be back in his hometown of Melbourne, the city that kick-started his career before his move abroad to first Germany, then Asia and back in the A-League.
“It’s always a great felling whenever you represent the country and being back in my own city is always something special,” said the Hangzhou Greentown player.
“I’ve worked under Ange [Postecoglou] for quite a long time so I know what to expect [coming back in], he added.
“Even though I did have a little bit of a setback injury wise I was comfortable coming in and knowing what to expect.”
