The Socceroos will begin the next stage of Asian World Cup qualifying at Perth’s nib Stadium on 1 September.
Perth was selected to host the opening match of the next step of the road to Russia, against Iraq, a “healthy” commitment from the West Australian government as well as logistical and football considerations.
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The Socceroos travel to Dubai to tackle the UAE just five days later.
Manager Ange Postecoglou praised the move, saying he is expecting it to bring the best out of the team in both matches.
“Playing this game in Perth gives us the best possible opportunity to perform to our optimum for the first two matches of what will be a long and tough qualification,” Postecoglou said.
“The people of Perth and the facilities were fantastic when we played Bangladesh last year and we come to Perth in September safe in the knowledge we will be well looked after and play in front of a passionate green and gold crowd.
“The World Cup qualifiers present some logistical challenges for the team, especially on the double dates, and Perth is well placed to allow smooth passage to Dubai.”
Australia hosted a competitive international in the western city for the first time in a decade last year as the Green and Gold defeated Bangladesh 5-0 in the first phase of the qualifying process.
MATCH DETAILS
Socceroos v Iraq
1 September 2016
Perth Rectangular Stadium (nib Stadium)
6:30pm kick-off (8:30pm AEST)
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