As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Neill well aware of Rijkaard influence on Saudi Arabia

Australian national team captain Lucas Neill is expecting a tough test from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday night. The Socceroos meet Frank Rijkaard's side in Dammam in the second match of the third round of Asian qualifying for the 2014 World Cup and Al Jazira signing Neill knows that the Saudis will be a difficult team to navigate under the tutelage of his former Galatasaray boss.

"He gets the players relaxed but also extremely confident in themselves, and he's shrewd," said Neill.

"He knows how to play the game. He's played it at the top level; he's coached it at the top level.

"He would see that as a great challenge and a great opportunity to get one over on us."

Australia will be looking to improve on their 2-1 come-from-behind win over Thailand in Brisbane on Friday when they meet the 92nd-ranked Saudis at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium in their second Group D outing.

Video of the day:

Andrew Slevison
About the author

Andrew Slevison

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free