THE Socceroos have caused a splash on their first day in Newcastle, with the squad hitting the water at Nobby’s Beach.
An early morning training session at Wanderers Oval was cancelled and instead the Socceroos enjoyed a swim at the beach, as they relaxed ahead of Tuesday’s crunch Asian Cup semi-final against the United Arab Emirates.
Ange Postecoglou’s men timed their visit to perfection, with Newcastle’s beaches closed in recent weeks due to shark sightings and dangerous surf.
But the players were met with picturesque conditions, with the sun streaming down and thankfully not a shark in sight.
Striker Matthew Leckie said the squad was enjoying their time in Newcastle, a city the national team hasn’t visited since 1995.
‘It’s great for the city of Newcastle and we know the atmosphere will be fantastic at the match’.
Those thoughts were echoed by teammate Robbie Kruse, who said the squad would not be taking the UAE lightly, despite the Socceroos being heavily favoured.
‘People are saying we are already in the final but that’s definitely not the attitude we have. There are no easy games in international football and we will show UAE the respect they deserve, said Kruse.
‘It’s great to be in Newcastle. We’re looking forward to a bumper crowd of green and gold’.
source:theherald.com.au
STUDIO 3 NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA 