Fit, fresh and with the sting of suspension behind him, Socceroos wizard Craig Goodwin is ready to crack open Bahrain and kickstart Australia’s World Cup qualification campaign.
Few were more frustrated than Goodwin, who was suspended after two earlier yellow cards, as the Socceroos’ lack of clinical edge proved costly in last Thursday’s scoreless draw with Saudi Arabia in Melbourne.
“It was disappointing to miss but obviously now we’re looking forward to the next game against Bahrain and definitely raring to go,” Goodwin told AAP.
The stakes couldn’t be higher at the Bahrain International Stadium in Riffa on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
Behind leaders Japan (13 points) in Group C, three teams – Australia, Saudi Arabia and China – have six points and Bahrain five.
The top two teams earn direct qualification for the 2026 showpiece while third and fourth go into another round of qualifying.
“We know that if we perform, we pick up the points,” Goodwin said.
“We know that we can have our destiny in our own hands.”
After Bahrain stunned Australia 1-0 in their opening match, Goodwin admits there is extra feeling to this one.
“Everyone knows it was a very underwhelming performance from us, and something we want to rectify,” he said.
“But I don’t think we can put much focus on ‘oh, we lost the first game. We have to pay it back’, so to speak.
“We have to focus on the process, playing the way we want to play.”
Goodwin appears likely to dislodge Ajdin Hrustic from Australia’s starting attack, especially given the injured Nishan Velupillay (ankle) hasn’t travelled.
Big-game player Goodwin’s ability to manufacture a goal or assist, especially from set pieces, will be crucial.
“His quality is obviously undeniable, and he offers so much,” teammate Jackson Irvine said.
“His strong mentality, he’s a really popular guy amongst the group.
“But his work rate and just that ability to find that end product in key moments is why he’s been such an important player for us over the last couple of years.
“No doubt he’ll have a big role to play for us tomorrow night.”
Goodwin notably scored in the World Cup against France and the Asian Cup quarter-final loss to South Korea, and recently masterminded the 3-1 win over China that revived Australia’s qualification campaign.
He’s ready to strike again.
“Whether it’s club level or international, I expect myself to be heavily involved in an attacking sense,” he said.
“I expect to create chances for the team. I expect to take the chances when they come my way.
“Definitely, I put that pressure on myself, but that’s what I believe I can deliver for the team.”
Goodwin has thrived under Tony Popovic, relishing his elite standards and belief international football “is the pinnacle of your career”.
“I definitely was a late bloomer,” Goodwin said.
“I made my debut in 2013 and by the time the World Cup came around, which is really when I started to be a regular figure in 2022, I’d spent so much time in the set-up and not playing, so I don’t take it for granted.
“I have a lot of passion, a lot of drive to prove myself at this stage every time I step out onto a pitch, and there’s no greater honour than representing Australia.
“Any chance I get to do that – I know as I’m getting older, there may not be many left – I don’t want to leave any stone unturned, and just try to do my best every time I’m out there.
“I don’t know how long I have left that international level, because you’re never guaranteed to be here. So it’s about just making sure that when I’m here, I make the most of it.”
