Sydney to host Socceroos’ crucial World Cup qualifying tie in March as road to Russia nears the end

SYDNEY will host the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifier in March that could be the game that takes Australia to the brink of the World Cup.

Socceroos players celebrate after Aaron Mooy (second from right) scored against Jordan in their World Cup qualifier against Jordan at Allianz Stadium in March.

SYDNEY will host the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifier in March that could be the game that takes Australia to the brink of the World Cup.

The game against the UAE on March 28 will be played at Allianz Stadium, almost a year to the day since the Socceroos last played in Sydney – defeating Jordan 5-1 at the same stadium.

Football Federation Australia confirmed the game will be hosted here after enquiries from the Daily Telegraph on Wednesday, as part of a long-term deal with the NSW Government.

With Ange Postecoglou’s side facing away trips to play Thailand in Bangkok next month and face Iraq in Tehran on March 23, both games they will be confident of winning, it means they could take on the UAE in Sydney knowing a win would take them to 17 points in their group.

Socceroos players celebrate after Aaron Mooy (second from right) scored against Jordan in their World Cup qualifier against Jordan at Allianz Stadium in March.

In all likelihood another win then from the remaining three games would ensure Australia finishes in the top two in its group, earning an automatic berth at the World Cup in Russia in 2018.

The Socceroos have already beaten the UAE in September in Abu Dhabi mid sweltering conditions, and now have eight points from six games after drawing with Saudi Arabia and Japan earlier this month.

“FFA is pleased to announce that through its long term agreement with the NSW Government and Destination NSW, the World Cup Qualifier against UAE will be played at Allianz Stadium on 28 March,” FFA CEO David Gallop said in a statement.

“The Socceroos defeated Jordan in front of 25,000 fans at Allianz Stadium in March this year and I’m sure the people of Sydney will get behind the team after what was an entertaining match and fantastic performance from Ange’s squad.

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“The road to Russia is heating up and this will be a critical match in the campaign. When we play at home in Australia we need to make the most of the opportunity on and off the pitch.”

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres said: “Sydney brings out the best in the Socceroos, and we can’t wait to see their incredible record of success continue against the UAE on 28 March next year.”

Tickets go on sale to Football Family members on Thursday November 3 and to the general public five days later.

The games with Iraq and the UAE in March open a frenetic year for Postecoglou’s side, with another qualifier against Saudi Arabia in June, before heading to Russia as the champions of Asia to take part in the Confederations Cup against sides including Portugal and Germany.

The World Cup qualifiers then conclude with games away to Japan and home to Thailand in August and September next year.

Originally published as Sydney to host Socceroos’ crucial World Cup qualifying tie in March as road to Russia nears the end