Australia trying to focus only on football for Palestine game, says coach Graham Arnold
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Australia head coach Graham Arnold (right) during the World Cup qualifier between his side and Bangladesh.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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MELBOURNE – Australia coach Graham Arnold said that it has been “quite stressful” preparing to play Palestine on Nov 21 against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict, but hopes football can bring some joy.
The Socceroos head into the 2026 World Cup qualifier in neutral Kuwait in early control of Group I after thumping Bangladesh 7-0 in Melbourne on Nov 16. Lebanon and Palestine drew 0-0 in the other group match, in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, on the same day.
Australia’s game with Palestine was originally set to be played in the West Bank but has been relocated to Kuwait because of the war.
“With everything that’s going on in the Middle East at the moment, it’s been quite stressful for me and just making sure that everything (preparation) is great,” said Arnold.
He called the conflict “horrific” but said his team must focus on football.
“What we do have control over is our performance and playing against Palestine and going out and getting the job done for Australia. Obviously we are very sympathetic for everyone with what’s going on, but again, it’s a game of football and that brings a lot of joy to everybody,” he added.
Leicester City defender Harry Souttar, who opened the scoring against Bangladesh, also said the team must be professional in Kuwait and put aside other emotions.
“Obviously we know kind of what’s going on for both sides – it’s horrendous,” he told reporters.
“I’m not going to stand here and give a political view but all I can say is we will be going into that match focusing on purely the game and nothing else.
“We know that Palestine are going to be right up for it. We know that they’re going to be playing for a lot more than just football. But we’re there to get a result and get a job done.”
Australia are targeting a sixth consecutive World Cup Finals appearance, having made the last 16 at Qatar in 2022.
A record eight direct spots and one intercontinental play-off berth are at stake for Asian Football Confederation sides. AFP
