Socceroos bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup: What they must do in final games

JUST how perilous a wrong result could be for the Socceroos and Japan this week will become a lot clearer after Saudi Arabia play tomorrow morning. PERMUTATIONS.

The Socceroos need to do the business against Japan. Picture: George Salpigtidis

JUST how perilous a wrong result could be for the Socceroos and Japan this week will become a lot clearer after Saudi Arabia plays tonight.

All World Cup qualifying matches in a particular group are usually played on the same day but, because of the dates of the Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj, Saudi Arabia’s game against the United Arab Emirates in Al Ain is being played two days early — 2.30am Wednesday morning, Melbourne time.

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The Socceroos need to do the business against Japan. Picture: George Salpigtidis

If the Saudis don’t pick up all three points then both Japan and Australia have a little more wiggle room.

But if they do win, as expected, they will sit two points clear of Japan and three points clear of Australia ahead of Thursday night’s game in Saitama.

Japan would then still secure qualification with a win against the Socceroos, but anything less would mean it would have to topple the Saudis in Jeddah next week to avoid the playoffs.

For Australia, a loss would then mean it would be relying on a big win against Thailand at AAMI Park and hoping for a Saudi Arabia loss to Japan.