Socceroos Make Changes Ahead of Asian Cup Quarter-Final Against South Korea

Experienced attackers Craig Goodwin and Mitch Duke have secured their spots in the Socceroos‘ starting line-up for the upcoming Asian Cup quarter-final clash against South Korea. Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has made several changes, as Goodwin and Duke return from knee and hamstring injuries respectively. They will replace Jordy Bos and Bruno Fornaroli, who were on the bench in the previous match against Indonesia.

Alongside these changes, Connor Metcalfe will take the place of Riley McGree in the midfield, while Nathaniel Atkinson will be starting at right-back, replacing Gethin Jones. Jones was left out due to a groin issue he faced during the match against Indonesia. Arnold wants to press South Korea and get in their faces, and the inclusion of aggressive striker Mitch Duke aligns with this strategy.

Craig Goodwin and Nathaniel Atkinson delivered impressive performances as substitutes in the previous match and will bring attacking sparks to the team. Goodwin scored a goal and provided an assist off the bench against Indonesia.

The Socceroos’ defense will consist of Nathaniel Atkinson, Harry Souttar, Kye Rowles, and Aziz Behich, the same defense that started Australia’s 2022 World Cup opener against France.

The Socceroos will face a tough challenge from South Korea, with their star players including Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, Cho Gue-sung, and Hwang Hee Chan.

Notable absences from the Socceroos’ squad include Gethin Jones, who is dealing with a groin issue, Thomas Deng who is recovering from illness, and uncapped striker John Iredale.

The Socceroos will be led by Mat Ryan as goalkeeper and will have Martin Boyle alongside Craig Goodwin and Mitch Duke in the attack.