2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier: How the Socceroos can qualify in their final round
THE Socceroos have won 2-1 against Thailand, so what needs to happen for Australia to qualify for the 2018 World Cup from here?
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UPDATE: Saudi Arabia have beaten Japan 1-0 in Jeddah, and Australia’s road to the 2018 World Cup just became savage.
The Socceroos defeated Thailand 2-1 in Melbourne, but it wasn’t a big enough win to make up the goal difference with Saudi Arabia. This sentences the Socceroos to compete in the World Cup playoffs against Syria.
The war-ravaged country – who haven’t played a home game since 2010 – scored an injury time equaliser against Iran, retaking third place in Group A.
Australia will play Syria on October 5 and October 10. The venues, which will be played on neutral territory, have yet to be confirmed.
Read more about it at the Herald Sun: Australia’s road to Russia just got a whole lot harder
WHY DID THE SOCCEROOS NEED TO WIN BIG?
The Socceroos fate was in the hands of the outcome of the Saudi Arabia vs. Japan game.
If Saudis lose.
If Saudi Arabia loses then Australia is headed to compete in Russia.
If Saudis win.
The Saudis will finish equal on points, but have Australia covered on goal difference and that means the Socceroos will have to qualify for the World Cup through the playoffs.
So, in short, we need to be barracking hard for Japan in the morning.
Fortunately for Australia, Saudi Arabia technically has the harder game to win against Japan, with the Samurai Blue, a regional powerhouse, taking out the AFC Asian Cup a record four times.
Saudi Arabia and Japan clash at 3.30am, with the final whistle expected to be blown about 5.25am.
If you’re up, head to heraldsun.com.au for the full result and what it means for the Socceroos.
SOCCEROOS V THAILAND MATCH REPORT
AUSTRALIA V THAILAND: RE-LIVE ALL THE ACTION IN OUR BLOG
BOZZA UNLOADS ON ANGE POSTECOGLOU
TROISI: DOUBTS CREPT INTO SOCCEROOS CAMP FOLLOWING JAPAN LOSS
SOCCEROOS STAR JACKSON IRVINE ON THE WILD WEEK THAT WILL SEE HIM PLAY TWO WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
Originally published as 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier: How the Socceroos can qualify in their final round
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