Protection against counterattacks will be vital for Australia in June with a critical World Cup qualifier and the Confederations Cup on the calendar
EXCLUSIVE
Australia must be aware of Saudi Arabia's threat on the counterattack when they meet the Green Falcons in Adelaide next month, according to Socceroos analyst Luc Trani.
The former A-League assistant coach is doing opposition research for Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou while he searches for his next full-time position and, having seen the Saudis play against Thailand in March, Trani has plenty of respect for Bert van Marwijk's team.
Saudi Arabia thumped Thailand 3-0 in Bangkok when Trani watched them at Rajamangala National Stadium, and while his focus was on the home side ahead of Australia's clash with the War Elephants in September, he was impressed with how Van Marwijk the hosts' back three.