Saudis in must-win qualifier in Melbourne

With Australia already through to the fourth qualifying round for the 2014 World Cup, Saudi Arabia go into Wednesday’s match the far more desperate side.

Saudi coach Frank Rijkaard dreams of taking his team to Brazil, but they have a tenuous hold on second in Group D ahead of the final match day.

Oman lurk just one point behind Rijkaard’s men and will host bottom-nation Thailand, meaning Saudi Arabia must take their fate into their own hands to guarantee progression.

Not helping Saudi Arabia’s chances is the absence of key playmaker Mohammed Noor through injury, though they still boast attacking threats through experienced duo Yasser Al-Qahtani (of United Arab Emirates club Al Ain) and Mohammad Al-Shalhoub (of Al Hilal in his homeland).

They also have the level-headed Osama Hawsawi – widely rated as the best defender in the region – marshalling his nation from the back.

The pressure may not be as great for the Socceroos, but coach Holger Osieck has nonetheless demanded a polished performance and stated that places in his squad may be at stake.

Mark Bresciano’s inclusion after a 20-month absence leads the names summoned by Osieck, and he will start on Wednesday.

A-League-based trio Michael Marrone (Melbourne Heart), Mat Ryan (Central Coast Mariners) and Erik Paartalu (Brisbane Roar) are a chance to earn their first Socceroos caps.

Rijkaard said there’s a ‘total difference’ between his side’s preparation for last year’s 3-1 home loss to Australia and Wednesday’s qualifier.

Rijkaard said the circumstances surrounding their previous encounter were not ideal for his players who were in the middle of Ramadan.

“There is a total difference between the two matches. The previous match in Saudi Arabia came when the players were fasting for the holy month of Ramadan and now they are in a better physical condition,” the former Netherlands and Barcelona coach said.

“Also the (Saudi) league at that time was in its early stages and now it’s the middle of the season so there’s a total difference between now and then.”

“Even if the Australians have nothing to play for they’ll do their best at home. They want to entertain their crowd and celebrate with them,” he said.

Australia coach Holger Osieck has again rejected any doubts on his side’s motivation.

“First of all I have to make it perfectly clear, it’s a very important qualifier for all of us, in particular for the players, because as you may know I’m very performance-related,” he said.

“And I expect from my boys a great performance in every game we play … all the boys have to qualify for the next round, to be part of the Socceroos and that is my point.”

His comments were backed by captain Lucas Neill, who stated there was ‘no such thing as a practice match’.

“The manager has already mentioned every time we play we’re always playing for our places so this game is no different,” he said.

“Why would we want to come and play a game, an international, and not want to win it? We’re playing for a bigger prize now, which is going to Brazil (in 2014), and we have to prepare now.”

“We have to accept the coach’s tactics and methods and we have to put them into practice so that he picks us for the next game and then the next one and the next one, which are the important ones as far as us getting to Brazil.”