At 5:10 p.m. Beijing time on March 24, a soccer feast will kick off at Australia's home stadium, as the Kangaroos will face a crucial showdown with Japan in the Round of Twelve. Australia is in third place in Group B with a three-point deficit, just three points behind second-place Japan. The match is a fateful one for the Aussies, who have their sights set on qualifying for the World Cup, and a win is the only way to keep their top-two hopes alive. However, on the eve of the match, the Kangaroos suffered a setback. According to the Australian media "FTBL", the Australian international footballer Muay, who is currently playing for Shanghai Harbor, has been diagnosed with the new coronavirus, and is currently undergoing tests in Scotland. "The Kangaroos have been dealt a sudden blow in their final two matches of the upcoming Round of 12 - against Japan and Saudi Arabia - with midfielder Moue diagnosed and almost certain to be unavailable for the two crucial matches." The media report said, "Muay has played 49 matches for the Australian national team and is an integral part of the squad. His absence will undoubtedly add to the team's difficulties against the two powerhouses of Japan and Saudi Arabia, and the match in which he was supposed to mark his 50th game for the national team has been postponed without any help."
How will Australia cope with the absence of Mooy in a matchup that will determine their World Cup fate? Will they be able to rise above adversity and defend their home glory? All will be revealed on March 24th.
