1 week Ago
Ipswich Town defender Cameron Burgess has started the November international break with a cap and a clean sheet, starting in Australia's 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia. The 29-year-old started on the left side of a back three as the Socceroos looked to kick on after an impressive start to life under Tony Popovic, beating China 3-1 and drawing 1-1 with Japan last month. Wins are important to chase down the Samurai Blue, who top their World Cup qualifying group, and their distance from the chasing pack.
A clash at AAMI Park in Melbourne, where Australia have been in imperious form, was seen as a good opportunity to do that. However, they struggled for possession and mustered just two shots on target from 11 attempts, although they limited the visitors to little. Burgess, who played the full 90 minutes to earn his 12th cap, played a big part in that, making four clearances, five recoveries and an interception.
His side did struggle going forward, leaving them to settle for a point that keeps them second in Group C for now. Australia are back in action next Tuesday as they take on Bahrain (6:15pm GMT). Ali Al-Hamadi (Iraq v Jordan, 4:15pm GMT), Sammie Szmodics and Dara O'Shea (both Ireland v Finland, 7:45pm GMT) are all expected to feature this evening.
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