Australia winger Boyle in doubt for Vietnam World Cup qualifier

Australia will bid for its 10th successive win in World Cup qualifying against Vietnam, who lost 3-1 to Saudi Arabia last week

Published : Sep 06, 2021 11:57 IST , MELBOURNE

The Hibernian winger netted Australia's second goal in its 3-0 win over China in Doha last week, carrying on his good form from the Scottish league.
The Hibernian winger netted Australia's second goal in its 3-0 win over China in Doha last week, carrying on his good form from the Scottish league.
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The Hibernian winger netted Australia's second goal in its 3-0 win over China in Doha last week, carrying on his good form from the Scottish league.

Australia winger Martin Boyle is doubtful for the Socceroos' World Cup qualifier against Vietnam on Tuesday as he nurses a hamstring strain, coach Graham Arnold said.

The Hibernian winger netted Australia's second goal in its 3-0 win over China in Doha last week, carrying on his good form from the Scottish league.

"All the boys pulled up great. Only one I would say at this moment that is 50-50 is Martin Boyle. Just a tight hamstring but other than that the back-room staff did a fantastic job," Arnold told reporters in a video call on Monday.

Australia will bid for its 10th successive win in World Cup qualifying against Vietnam, who lost 3-1 to Saudi Arabia last week.

The Socceroos is heavy favourites to beat the 92nd-ranked Vietnamese in Hanoi, but Graham said he would not experiment with selections.

"I look at this as a World Cup qualifier and I’ve got to put my best team out there that I feel that is ready to go on the pitch and perform at its best," he said.

"I expect them to improve in every facet in the game tomorrow night."

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Arnold said midfielder Aaron Mooy was ready to play a bigger role after coming on as a second half substitute against China in his first international in nearly two years.

"He's in great mental shape, which is important for me, and he's enjoying the time here which is great to see," Arnold added.

After Arnold's assistant coaches were unable to travel to Doha due to COVID-19 issues, the Socceroos have had a different challenge in Hanoi, finding frogs on their training pitch.

"They were great, cheered the boys up," Arnold said with a smile.

"It's an experience the boys haven't had before. Beautiful."

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