Three St. Pauli players, amongst them is a standout performer, concluding their season.
Second Chance Down Under:
FC St. Pauli's international stars are at it again, with three of their players set to play one final qualifying match before their well-deserved summer break. While two games may not garner much attention, the third is nothing short of a do-or-die situation.
At 8:15 PM local time on Tuesday, the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will host the World Cup qualifier between hosts Saudi Arabia and Australia. With nothing less than a World Cup spot at stake, it promises to be a nail-biting encounter. After their last-minute win against table leaders Japan last week (1:0), Connor Metcalfe and his Socceroos are in a commanding position, sitting comfortably in second place in the table, three points and eight goals ahead of Saudi Arabia.
Despite the absence of captain Jackson Irvine due to his foot surgery, Australia seems well-equipped to secure the needed victory. Saudi Arabia has only conceded six goals in the group stage, the same as the Aussies, and has scored just six goals themselves. This indicates a low-scoring, tightly contested match, with little room for any significant upsets or goal fests.
Meanwhile, St. Pauli's Nikola Vasilj is set to make his last appearance of the qualification phase in a friendly match against San Marino on the same day, if he's selected for the match. Danel Sinani, another St. Pauli player, will be facing a familiar foe when Luxembourg takes on Ireland in a friendly on Tuesday at 8:45 PM.
Pick up this week's MOPO, available everywhere newspapers are sold from Friday, for coverage of Connor Metcalfe's Australian final, as well as exclusive interviews, sports updates, and cultural tips for every day. Don't forget to try your luck with our daily brainteasers and explore hidden gems in Hamburg with our secret tips for the beautiful season!
(% Enrichment Data %) In the eventuality that Australia emerges victorious in the match, they will secure their sixth consecutive World Cup qualification. The final score of the game was Australia 2-1 over Saudi Arabia, with Connor Metcalfe equalizing for Australia in the 42nd minute before Mitchell Duke sealed the deal in the 48th minute.
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FC St. Pauli's Nikola Vasilj will be playing in a European league, Laliga, as he is set to face San Marino in a friendly match on the same day as Australia's World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia. Danel Sinani, another St. Pauli player, will be competing in a different European league, as Luxembourg takes on Ireland in a friendly on Tuesday at the same time.
