Australia’s qualification process for the next two years was decided earlier this week. Coming up against opponents, of which most football fans could not point out on a map, will be the start of Australia’s road to the World Cup in Russia in 2018.
Ranked 63 in FIFA standings, drawn from the top pool of Asian teams, Australia will first pursue its challenge against several unknown football countries. But just who are the opponents contained in the Socceroos’ group and what surprises could they hold for Australia’s progression?
Australia begins its first qualification game against Kyrgyzstan on the 16th of June away in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek [with a bye played in the first round of qualification]. Of the teams contained in Group B, only Jordan have previously played Australia in a full international, a crushing 4-0 victory in World Cup qualification for Brazil 2014.
Other teams in Group B including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Bangladesh are also contained in Australia’s road to qualification. Although these opponents do provide logistical and preparation problems due to their location, the qualification process has appealed to Ange Postecoglou with it bringing the challenge of keeping high standards on and off the field. Therefore, who are these opponents Australia face during our first round of qualification and what can we expect when it begins in two months’ time?
Jordan
Located near Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia.
Jordan should be well known among Socceroos fans due to the qualification progress last in 2012-2013. Drawn from Pot B, previously involved with the Asian Cup 2015 in Australia finishing third, Jordan defeated Australia in Brazil qualification at King Abdullah Stadium in Jordan, a 2-1 defeat with a late Archie Thompson consolation goal. Although a 4-0 demolition in Melbourne helped ease Australia into qualification nine months later, they will be well aware of the threats the Jordanians pose.
The Basics:
FIFA Ranking – 103
Key Player – Amer Deeb
Matches against Socceroos
8 October 2015: Jordan v Socceroos
29 March 2016: Socceroos v Jordan
Previous Results
Jordan 0-1 Syria (26 March, 2015)
ordan 1- 0 Saudi Arabia (30 March, 2015)
Although Jordan does pose the major threat of the group, it should not hamper Australia’s qualification hopes. A last home match against Jordan (29 March 2016) provides a good stage to progress as the top team. An away game (8 October 2015) with a bye following it also appears a relatively easy matchup. Jordan’s location to Europe would allow Postecoglou to utilise his European based players.
Bangladesh
Located near – India, Nepal, Burma
Although well known to cricket fans, Bangladesh is a minnow in world football. The team’s previous results were against U/22 sides and Sri Lanka, are testament to what the Socceroos most likely will expect in qualification when they first face in Perth in September.
The Basics:
FIFA Ranking – 163
Key Player – Mamunul Islam
Matches
3 September 2015: Socceroos v Bangladesh at NIB Stadium, Perth
17 November 2015: Bangladesh v Socceroos
Previous Results
Bangladesh 1-0 Thailand U/22 (6 February, 2015)
Bangladesh 2-3 Malaysia (8 February, 2015)
Bangladesh, like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan provide the main problem of logistical areas for the Socceroos. Postecoglou had commented following the drawing event on Tuesday that the Socceroos’ staff had “already begun their process of scouting and reviewing of potential opponent”. They will have already recognised issues like logistics, suitable preparation areas and accommodation in this first stage of qualification. Matches with Bangladesh also are close to other fixtures (8th September vs Tajikstan away and 12th November vs Kyrgyzstan home), thus travel to and from will present some issues. However, these matches should be easy for the Socceroos to manage. Expect an A-League contingent in these games.
Kyrgyzstan
Located near- Tajikistan, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan.
The first of the two ‘stans’ and ex-Soviet states Australia must face in the first round of qualification. Most fans did not realise that such a country existed, nor know much about their football prospects once drawn for Group B with Australia. They have never qualified for an Asian Cup or World Cup, plus they are yet to taste AFC Challenge Cup success.
The Basics:
FIFA Ranking – 153
Key Player – Azamat Baymatov
Matches
16 June 2015: Kyrgyzstan v Socceroos
12 November 2015: Socceroos v Kyrgyzstan
Previous Results
Krygyzstan 0-4 China PR (13 December, 2014)
Krygryzstan 0-2 China PR (17 December, 2014)
The bulk of information on Kyrgyzstan football is limited, although the base core of their players compete within their domestic league, predominately with Dordoi Bishkek. Kyrgyzstan will present the most difficult task for Australia in the areas of travel and preparation, but the Socceroos should prevail relatively easily against this team. The first away game as well for Australia, expect Postecoglou to send an experimental squad.
Tajikistan
Located near- Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan.
Tajikistan, like Kyrgyzstan is again an unrecognized force in world football. Located remotely in Central Asia, they have never qualified for a World Cup or Asian Cup, but have previously won an AFC Challenge Cup in 2006 (in the process defeating rivals Kyrgyzstan and held in Bangladesh).
The Basics
FIFA Ranking – 143
Key Player – Manuchekhr Dzhalilov
Matches
8 September 2015: Tajikstan v Socceroos
24 March 2016: Socceroos v Tajikstan
Previous Results
Tajikistan 2-0 Maldives (26 March, 2015)
Tajikistan 2-3 Syria (31 March, 2015)
Located next to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan are similar in the way that the Socceroos will attempt to tackle the remote ex-Soviet state. This homestretch of games in the last few rounds, including Tajikistan on 24 March 2016, expect the Socceroos to include an A-League contingent, played in a location away from the main capital cities. The basis of the Tajikistan squad includes mainly domestic players and some overseas names, mainly in neighbouring leagues. Along with Kyrgyzstan, they are also considered an emerging developing football nation in the AFC confederation.
Overall, these matches will provide a new challenge to Postecoglou and the coaching staff. His revolution of the national team will look to incorporate a raft of new players from the A-League and fringe Asian and European based players. If Australia does succeed in the group, they will progress to the next round of qualification on the road to Russia 2018.
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