History for coochiee

Lets hope those Qatari stadium aircon systems are working well. With daytime temps around 40 degrees Celsius and still a balmy 30+ in the evenings.

FYI - see Marbella & Barcelona both a much more friendly mid 20s C day time at the moment. Early in European summer.

https://www.socceroos.com.au/news/preparation-key-mark-schwarzers-verdict-junes-play-offs

Speaking on the Generations of Socceroos - The Goalkeepers podcast with Simon Hill, Mat Ryan and Ron Corry, Schwarzer emphasised just how important the friendly and the week leading up to the UAE clash will be. 

“The friendly against Jordan and everything about the week, two weeks leading up to that game are crucial,” Schwarzer said.

“Unfortunately for us we're in a position where it's come down to this last week but this is the one time when they get a chance to get together and spend some proper time together.

“Hopefully there are no distractions because that can also throw a spanner in the works so let's hope that week is enough to adapt.

“It is so hot and it's so draining, but I hope the guys have got it in them to do that.

While history is on the side of the Green and Gold, Qatar’s weather conditions pose an obstacle.

Schwarzer, who has represented the Socceroos in the Middle East many times, explained how difficult it is play in humid conditions. 

“People see it on TV and think that the weather looks nice and they wonder why we're not beating a team that's ranked at 90, 100 and whatever it is, in the world,” he explained.

“That's part of the issue as well because the perception is that its great whether, it's a beautiful place and why are we not winning. It's just not the reality.

“You've got to build in all the factors of covid, all that lack of time together and that’s why the lead up is so important.”