Catch all the action as the Socceroos take on Nepal LIVE, FREE and in HD on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand from 1:50am (AEST) on Saturday, June 12.
Undefeated so far with six wins from six matches, the Socceroos will be determined to finish the second round of AFC World Cup qualifying with a perfect record and secure their place in the 2023 Asian Cup by topping the group.
SBS will broadcast all the action from this important match LIVE, FREE and in HD on SBS VICELAND and SBS on Demand, with coverage beginning at 1:50am (AEST) on Saturday, June 12.
Here are five reasons why you shouldn’t miss a moment from this crucial Socceroos clash.
1. The kids are alright
If the matches against Kuwait and Chinese Taipei are anything to go by, expect to see plenty of game time for the Socceroos' young stars.
Graham Arnold fielded an entirely fresh starting eleven against Chinese Taipei and gave debuts to Denis Genreau, Ruon Tongyik and Connor Metcalfe.
It followed starting debuts for Riley McGree and Kenny Dougall in the clash against Kuwait.
With the Olympics around the corner, it is a great opportunity to give these young players the chance to impress in meaningful matches.
McGree has been a standout performer, creating goals for young defender Harry Souttar and Trent Sainsbury in the win against Chinese Taipei.
Brandon Borrello and Genreau have also impressed, especially when they combined for the Aussies' fourth goal in the last match.
2. Perfect record
The Socceroos will be determined to maintain their perfect record when they go head to head with Nepal on Saturday.
The win against Chinese Taipei made it six from six and all but secured Australia’s spot in the next round of World cup Qualifying.
However, that doesn’t mean the Socceroos are going to take it easy against Nepal with the prospect of a flawless record through this round sure to inspire the Aussies in these final two matches.
Asian Cup qualification is also on the line, with the nations that top their group given passage to the 2023 tournament.
Nepal have been looking forward to their clash against the Aussies and will be doing everything in their power to take the game to the Socceroos.
After so long without a competitive match, the Socceroos will be looking to make the most of every game so expect another huge performance.
3. Goals, goals, goals
Australia have not struggled to find the back of the net, scoring eight goals in their past two matches.
A clash with minnows Nepal will be another chance for the Socceroos strikers to hopefully add a goal or two to their tally and build their confidence ahead of greater challenges in the next stage of qualifying.
Mitch Duke and Jamie Maclaren have made the most of their opportunities, scoring in the win against Chinese Taipei, with Arnold likely to give Apostolos Giannou and Adam Taggart their own chance to impress.
Expect plenty of goals If the Socceroos find their rhythm early against Nepal.
4. A-League of their own
A total of 10 A-League players feature in Arnold’s Socceroos squad for this stage of World Cup qualifying and they’ve already been among the top performers.
Three of the five goals against Chinese Taipei were courtesy of Western Sydney Wanderers talisman Duke and Melbourne City’s golden boot winner Maclaren.
Macarthur’s young midfielder Genreau has also contributed with an assist.
Defenders Rhyan Grant, Tongyik, Ryan McGowan and Curtis Good also showed their value with solid showings.
Metcalfe of Melbourne City could also be in line for extra minutes for this clash.
5. Nepal ready for their ‘Everest’
Nepal will face their biggest test in World Cup qualifying to date against the Socceroos on Saturday.
While it would take an all-time performance from the Nepalese to pull off the most incredible of upsets, don’t expect them to make life easy for their Aussie opponents.
Australia and Nepal last met in 2019 in Canberra, with the Socceroos coming away 5-0 victors.
Ranked 171st in the world, the Gorkhalis will be made up of a team sourced predominately from the domestic competition.
This game will mean a lot to their players as they get the chance to prove themselves on the biggest stage.
