Sydney FC’s Socceroos star Rhyan Grant has racked up a new career highlight following Australia’s 3-1 FIFA World Cup™️ qualifying win over Oman, in Doha this morning.
The Sky Blues full back will go down as one of the Socceroos history-making squad; after Australia became the first nation in FIFA World Cup™️ qualifying to win 11 consecutive matches in a single campaign.
Grant who played in nine of the 11 matches, and was an unused substitute for the other two, was ecstatic about the achievement.
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“It’s pretty cool,” said the Socceroos cap number 600. “It’s a record for any country in history, so to be part of that squad is very special.
“But we still have a long way to go to qualify, so we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves,” he continued.
“We’re in a good position but the record won’t count for a thing unless we continue to do our job.”
Goals from Awer Mabil, Martin Boyle and Mitch Duke secured the victory and Grant believes the Socceroos performance showed character against a good side.
“Oman are a good team and tactically were very good tonight, so it was always going to be tough.
“But we know how to win games at present and we’ve some players who can step up when it matters. Overall, it was a tough game but a great result for us.”
Former Sydney FC and current Socceroos Head Coach Graham Arnold said his players should be proud, but stressed the focus should remain on qualification for Qatar 2022.
“It’s something we’ll probably reflect on in the future and what a great feat it has been, especially playing 10 out of 11 games away from home.
“But to me it’s all about going to Japan and getting ready for Japan in Japan and making it 12 (wins).”
Grant agreed with the sentiment and said the squad should be ready for a fired up Japanese side, who’ve now lost two from three qualifying matches.
“Japan haven’t had the best results but that doesn’t mean a lot going to Japan to play them at home, they’re still one of the best teams in Asia.
“However the way we have been going and the belief and talent within this team means it will be a tough challenge but something we are looking forward to.”
Socceroos play the Blue Samurai (Japan) on Tuesday night at Saitama Stadium in Japan kicking off at 9.14pm AEDT.
The match is broadcast live and free in Australia on 10 Bold and 10 Play – pre-game coverage from 8.30pm AEDT.
