Australia defied all expectations by getting out of 2022 World Cup Group D which included defending champions France, Denmark and Tunisia.
Now they have reached the last 16 stage of the tournament in Qatar, the pressure will be well and truly on the Socceroos as they prepare to take on one of the tournament favourites Argentina on Saturday.
Australia coach Graham Arnold said he expects his players to raise their game once more against the star-studded Argentines.
"When I think back to my playing career it is one of the highlights of my life, being able to play against Argentina," Arnold said on the eve of Saturday's last-16 match at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
"I just think that Argentina bring the best out of Australia. Our performances every time against Argentina have been very strong and very good.
"Playing against that type of talent, and that name I think resonates right across the world - It's a football nation and it is inspiring to play against them."
Arnold said the Socceroos, who were crushed 4-1 in their opening game against France before winning their next two against Tunisia and Denmark, needed a 120-minute performance.
"We have to make sure our brains are switched on. When you relax, that's when they hit you," he said.
Anticipation is high in Australia for the contest. The famous Sydney Opera House was lit up in the green and gold colours of Australia ahead of the match. And if the Aussies manage to pull off an upset like Saudi Arabia did against the Argentines at the start of the tournament, the celebrations will continue for a long time.
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Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
At Eternity’s Gate
Director: Julian Schnabel
Starring: Willem Dafoe, Oscar Isaacs, Mads Mikkelsen
Three stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What is graphene?
Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.
It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.
It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.
It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.
Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.
The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.
Saturday's schedule at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
GP3 race, 12:30pm
Formula 1 final practice, 2pm
Formula 1 qualifying, 5pm
Formula 2 race, 6:40pm
Performance: Sam Smith
Essentials
The flights
Return flights from Dubai to Windhoek, with a combination of Emirates and Air Namibia, cost from US$790 (Dh2,902) via Johannesburg.
The trip
A 10-day self-drive in Namibia staying at a combination of the safari camps mentioned – Okonjima AfriCat, Little Kulala, Desert Rhino/Damaraland, Ongava – costs from $7,000 (Dh25,711) per person, including car hire (Toyota 4x4 or similar), but excluding international flights, with The Luxury Safari Company.
When to go
The cooler winter months, from June to September, are best, especially for game viewing.
