ZCZC
BSP-10
FBL-AUS-ASIA-2019-KOR-LEB
Socceroos line up South Korea, Lebanon friendlies
SYDNEY, Aug 30, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Australia announced friendlies against
South Korea and Lebanon on Thursday as part of preparations to defend their
Asian Cup crown.
The Socceroos will take on the Koreans — who they beat in the 2015 Asian
Cup final — in Brisbane on November 17 and the Lebanese three days later in
Sydney.
New coach Graham Arnold said the friendlies will allow him to take a better
look at the players he hopes to be in contention for January’s Asian Cup in
the United Arab Emirates.
“The fixtures that have been scheduled in Brisbane and Sydney will provide
us with valuable match minutes against strong Asian opponents, and this will
only help us to improve as a team,” he said.
Arnold announced a 31-man squad Thursday for a training camp in Turkey next
week.
It includes a host of uncapped players including Ben Garuccio, who plies
his trade for Hearts in Scotland, and Kenneth Dougall, who plays for English
side Barnsley.
Arnold also threw an international lifeline to several players who were
discarded by former coaches Ange Postecoglou or Bert van Marwijk, who led the
team during the World Cup in Russia.
They include Bristol City defender Bailey Wright, Japan-based winger
Mitchell Duke, and striker Apostolos Giannou from Cypriot side AEK Larnaca.
“Next week’s camp in Turkey marks the start of a new phase for the
Socceroos,” said Arnold.
“While we will have numerous field, tactical, and video sessions during the
seven days that we are together in Turkey, we will also spend plenty of time
off the pitch discussing our individual and team objectives and identity.”
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1020 hrs