The Socceroos' record at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
Ahead of the crucial clash, we cast our eye back on the five fixtures that the Socceroos have played at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
2012: 4-2 win vs Saudi Arabia - FIFA World Cup Qualification2012 saw the Socceroos take on Thursday night’s opponents in Saudi Arabia, where they secured a 4-2 victory over their rivals in Melbourne. After going down to a goal from Salem Al-Dawsari in the 19th minute, the Socceroos responded through a clinical finish from Alex Brosque, following an incisive, first-time pass in behind from Mark Bresciano.
Saudi Arabia went ahead once more late in the first stanza, but they had no reply to a stunning second-half performance from the Socceroos, featuring three goals in four minutes from Harry Kewell, Brosque and Brett Emerton respectively.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1854374027080651203 2015: 4-1 win vs Kuwait - AFC Asian CupThe Socceroos’ famous 2015 AFC Asian Cup victory began at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in early January, where Australia defeated Kuwait 4-1 to open the tournament. It was a nervy start for the Green and Gold, who went behind in the eighth minute, but they responded strongly with a Tim Cahill goal to level the scores.
Right before half-time, Massimo Luongo, who set up the opener with strong work down the right flank, put Australia ahead with a clinical header after a teasing cross from Ivan Franjic. In the 62nd minute, Mile Jedinak calmly disposed a penalty to put Australia two ahead, before a goal from James Troisi put the icing on the cake that was a strong first match in Australia’s eventual run to become Champions of Asia.
A 2-1 victory over Thailand in 2017 at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium proved crucial in the Socceroos’ qualification for the 2018 World Cup, with all goals coming in the latter stages of the second half. Australia had plenty of chances to open the scoring, and hit the post on numerous occasions, but had to wait until the 69th minute, where a Tomi Juric header finally saw them break the deadlock.
However, Thailand responded in the 82nd minute, and it looked like - despite having 45 shots throughout the match - the Socceroos would leave with just the one goal. But four minutes later, an Aaron Mooy corner was parried into the feet of Matthew Leckie, who chested the ball down before half-volleying into the back of the net, continuing the winning streak at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
In 2022, Australia took on Vietnam in a qualifier for the World Cup later that year, which saw the Socceroos prevail 4-0 at the famous Australian football ground. They opened the scoring in the 30th minute through a Jamie Maclaren header, before Tom Rogic doubled the Green and Gold’s lead with a classy finish to add to his assist for the opener.
In the 72nd minute, eventual World Cup cult hero Craig Goodwin netted his first goal for Australia, before Riley McGree also netted his maiden Socceroos goal, making it four in front of a rampant Melbourne crowd.
The Socceroos' most recent match at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium came on the 16th of November, 2023 - just under a year before Australia face Saudi Arabia on Thursday night. An early Harry Souttar header opened the scoring just four minutes in, before Brandon Borrello doubled the lead for the Green and Gold with a tap-in following a good run and pass from Connor Metcalfe.
A brace from Mitch Duke saw the Socceroos enter the half-time break with a 5-0 lead, which was followed by a second-half hat-trick from Jamie Maclaren to secure another memorable Melbourne win for Australia.
Match DetailsSubway Socceroos v Saudi ArabiaThursday, 14 November 2024Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, MelbourneKick-off: 8:00pm AEDTBroadcast: 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
Bahrain v Subway SocceroosTuesday 19 November 2024 Bahrain National Stadium, RiffaKick-off: 9:15pm local Tuesday, 19 November 2024 (5:15am AEDT – Wednesday, 20 November)Broadcast: Paramount+
