Robina match holds key to World Cup dream
Robina match holds key to World Cup dream
Australia's Path to 2026 World Cup Rides on Thursday's Result
Robina plays host to one of Australia’s most important soccer matches in years on Thursday night in a match that will help determine whether Australia’s Socceroos will play in the next World Cup.
The Socceroos take on Bahrain at Robina on Thursday and then Indonesia five days later in Jakarta in the third round of the World Cup qualifiers.
The pool of countries that Australia is competing against also includes China, Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Finishing in the pool in first or second place will guarantee the Socceroos a position in the 2026 World Cup, to be held in North America.
A big win over Bahrain on Thursday will be a major first step towards returning to the World Cup but a loss will increase the likelihood that Australia would be forced into another round of qualifications.
Queenslander Aiden O’Neill says he is relishing the opportunity of representing his country in his home state.
O’Neill, who is captain of the Belgian giants Standard Liege, is eager to make an impact.
“This will be the first game here in Queensland for me which is really exciting,’’ O’Neill said.
“Waking up this morning and seeing the blue skies and went for a walk and grabbed a coffee this morning, it was gorgeous.”
”I think it’s brilliant, we’re playing in all different states and different stadiums and bringing the whole country together to support football.”
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