Australia vs Venezuela, international football friendly, Houston, live updates
What’s at stake today for the Socceroos?
Today’s game has a little bit more meaning than your average international friendly, for Australia, anyway.
The Socceroos are currently ranked 26th in the world, sitting on 1584 points.
But if they can climb up into the top 24 places in time for next year’s World Cup, they will receive a much more favourable draw for the tournament.
Victories against Venezuela and Colombia this week could see them do just that.
What time is today’s game?
Australia and Venezuela begin their international friendly in Houston, Texas at 8:30pm local time, which is:
- 1:30pm in New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT
- 1:00pm in South Australia
- 12:30pm in Queensland
- 12:00pm in the Northern Territory
- 10:30am in Western Australia
Venezuela starting XI
It has been a chaotic year or so for Venezuela.
The world’s 50th ranked team failed to qualify for next year’s World Cup, sacked their coach, and have cycled through a number of interim coaches and new players.
26 members of the 30-man squad for today’s match have two international caps or less!
Telasco Segovia is one to watch in midfield – he plays with none other than Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in the MLS.
Socceroos XI: Senior debuts for three players
Tony Popovic names a youthful lineup to take on Venezuela in Houston.
Patrick Beach, Paul Okon-Engstler and Kai Trewin are all set to make their maiden international appearances, while the exciting duo of Mo Toure and Nestory Irankunda start up top.
Craig Goodwin looks to be starting at left wing-back in the place of the injured Jordy Bos, while Jackson Irvine and Riley McGree make their international returns from the bench.
Welcome!
Hello everyone and welcome to ABC Sport’s online coverage of the Socceroos vs Venezuela in Houston, Texas.
It is the first time Australia has played South American opposition in more than two years — and with World Cup seeding on the line, this is an international friendly with a little extra meaning.
Jackson Irvine, after missing the last three international windows, returns for the ‘Roos, while Riley McGree also comes back into the fold.
My name’s Henry Hanson and I’ll be here to guide you through every moment of the action.
