Arnold ‘very happy’ with Asian Cup draw

The Socceroos have been drawn in Group B with Uzbekistan, Syria, India for the tournament, which is being held in Qatar from January 12 to February 10 next year.Provided results go as expected, the Socceroos are expected to meet Saudi Arabia in the quarter-finals, with the winner of that match likely to face Japan in the semi-finals.Both Saudi Arabia and Japan beat Australia during the qualifying stages for the 2022 World Cup, which was also held in Qatar.“Obviously every draw is tough, but I’m very happy with that draw,” Arnold said.“Having the familiarity of playing here in Qatar will help us as well.“Asia has come a long way in football and in strength. We played Syria in World Cup qualifiers, we played Uzbekistan before, we are familiar with the way that they like to play, and we are looking forward to it.”He also said “Qatar” had been a “home away from home” in recent years for the Socceroos, with Australia having played several matches there due to Covid-19-enforced travel and quarantine restrictions.“We are very comfortable (in Qatar). We are familiar

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