Australia’s Degenek Prepares for Key World Cup Qualifier Against Japan

SYDNEY – Australia’s Milos Degenek is emphasizing to his younger teammates the challenges of reaching the World Cup through intercontinental play-offs. The team is gearing up for its final two matches in the third round of Asian qualifying.

A victory over Japan in Perth on June 5 would significantly boost Australia’s chances of advancing to the 2026 World Cup Finals in North America. However, a win alone will not secure their spot if Saudi Arabia defeats Bahrain in a later match. Currently, the Socceroos hold a three-point lead over Saudi Arabia, their main rivals for second place in Group C, and will face them in their final qualifier in Jeddah on June 10.

“It’s never easy when you go to those knockout games,” said Degenek, who has participated in World Cup campaigns in 2018 and 2022, secured through play-off wins against Honduras and Peru. “It’s a lot easier if you qualify through the group stage directly.”

Degenek, a veteran defender formerly with Red Star Belgrade, is keen on avoiding complacency. He stressed, “It’s been hammered home that there are two games separating us from going to a World Cup.”

Although Australia might have a margin for error due to the expansion of the World Cup, Degenek is cautious. “If we do get the win, hopefully we will, we are obviously almost there,” he added. “The most important thing is that we win. We can be happy, but nothing too major because if Saudi wins against Bahrain, we still have to get a result.”

With Japan already qualified, coach Hajime Moriyasu has rested top players, bringing in several untested youngsters for the match. However, Degenek anticipates that the new players will be eager to prove themselves. “It’s not going to be a walk in the park. They’re going to take this as seriously, if not more seriously, than any other game,” he said.