Mat Ryan Believes Fan Support And Community Is Pivotal For Socceroos

The Socceroos are heading into one of their most important games in recent years this week.

The national side will be facing off against Japan on Thursday, March 24 at Stadium Australia and it's vital they come out victorious.

A win will see them leapfrog Japan into second position on the AFC FIFA World Cup Qualification, before facing Saudi Arabia five days later.

If the Socceroos are successful in both games over the next week, they will guarantee themselves a place in the FIFA World Cup Finals in Qatar.

Sydney Olympic Park has been home to some of the greatest moments in Socceroos history. John Aloisi's penalty against Uruguay to send Australia to the World Cup Finals, and the first Asian Cup win in 2015 against South Korea to name a couple.

Sydney always brings the best out of the Socceroos and this Thursday's game is set to be played in front of a packed Stadium Australia.

Australia's number one Mat Ryan believes the fans will play a pivotal role in helping the Socceroos overcome Japan.

Speaking to Triple M radio, he said: "Obviously, the public, when we get there to play this game, is going to be of massive importance as always."

He continued: "With the game at Homebush, we can't wait in what is hopefully going to be a packed stadium."

Mat Ryan grew up in Plumpton, out in Western Sydney, and he called out the significance of having that community at the game.

He said: "I am a proud Western Sydney representative, so hopefully we can get a lot of them out there to the game."

Mat Ryan has been an integral part of the Socceroos since being called up for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and has maintained his place in between the sticks for Australia ever since then, with 69 caps to his name.

Ryan's goalkeeping gloves have been synonymous with the Socceroos for the mass of young fans that have grown up watching him play.

Touching on the importance of having a mass of kids at the game, he said: "Ever since I've come on the scene as a professional it's the kids that put the biggest smiles on your faces.

"I remember when I was a kid I used to go out to Rugby League games, football games, any type of sport, (if) you got a high five off any of the players you wouldn't wash your hand for a week, and you'd tell all your mates.

"It's definitely nice when you can give back to the little kids and put a smile on their face."

Japan will prove to be a tough test, however, Ryan believes the Green and Gold are up for the challenge, saying: "The bigger the challenge the greater the triumph. As a squad, we're very excited for the occasion."

Featured Image Credit: Independent Photo Agency / Alamy

Topics: Australia vs Japan, Socceroos, Mat Ryan