Socceroos midfielder Connor Metcalfe expecting plenty of mind games from Saudi Arabia

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Socceroos midfielder Connor Metcalfe expecting plenty of mind games from Saudi Arabia

Socceroos midfielder Connor Metcalfe is ready to run the full gamut of gamesmanship from Saudi Arabia and weather the elements as their rivals look to thwart Australia’s World Cup qualification hopes.

Only a five-goal thrashing by Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Wednesday morning Perth-time would see Australia denied direct qualification to the 2026 event in North America.

Given the Saudis have scored just six times in nine games and Australia have only conceded four in their past seven, the scoreline they seek is a long-shot.

But Metcalfe is expecting mind games aplenty from the hosts. Australia have been left frustrated and antangonised previously by Asian underdogs, who have been known to time-waste, feign injury and get under the skin of the Socceroos.

Metcalfe, who started in the 1-0 win over Japan, said they were wary the mental warfare might start before a ball is even kicked.

“I’m expecting delays at the airport, I’m expecting a really bad pitch to train on, expecting bus delays before the game,” he said.

“They’re probably just going to throw everything at us because they know what we need to do.

“I think we’re going to have to play a little bit of their game as well, waste time and delay the game as much as we can, because it’s going to be like that; there’s going to be a lot of diving, a lot of acting.”

The heat is also going to pose problems, with a top of 36 degrees predicted for the day of the game and Metcalfe hopes Australia’s 10-day training camp in Abu Dhabi prior to the Japan game will help in that regard.

“It’s probably going to be close to 40 degrees, with 50,000 fans screaming, so it’s going to be difficult, but I think we’re all mentally prepared for it,” he said.

“It honestly is horrible playing in that heat. I’m going to be honest.

Camera IconConnor Metcalfe (L) and Aiden O’Neill post-game after the Japan win. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“Especially when you’re up against these teams that are used to it, I don’t even know if they feel it. It’s just another little factor that makes it that one per cent harder.”

Metcalfe said the Socceroos would need to show togetherness to overcome what the Saudis throw at them.

“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 gonna get that little advantage over you,” he said.

“The mentality comes from being together, beuing as one, being as strong as you can and go as hard as you can for as long as you can.”

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