Australia’s 100 per cent record in World Cup qualifying so far has been expected, but nevertheless impressive. Next month, however, a trip to Jordan poses as a potential dampener in the quest for a fourth consecutive appearance on the world stage.
Although FIFA’s world ranking are an absolute farce – Romania inexplicably lie in seventh – Australia must ensure a near perfect record if they are to finish in the top two Asian-ranked countries.
Because while FIFA ranking are most of the time worthless – the amount of consternation surrounding Australia’s drop to 94th was ridiculous – unfortunately they do play a role in determining seeding.
The Socceroos must rank in the top two to assure them Pot 1 status for the third round of World Cup qualifying, therefore likely avoiding Japan, who are starting to regain form. Iran are currently 40th, followed by South Korea and Japan in 57th, 58th, with Australia lying just short in 61st (the UAE are next in 70th).
A defeat of Jordan would be a huge boost in other regards, however, and probably even more crucial.
If Australia win this match they will go into a meeting with Kyrgyzstan in Canberra on November 12 with a chance of securing top spot in Group B. With two games to remaining, against Taijikistan and Bangladesh, it would give Ange Postecoglou room to experiment with new combinations.
The squad for the Socceroos’ clash with Jordan on October is yet another strong one, strengthened by the return of previously injured or uncontracted stars Trent Sainsbury, Tomi Juric and James Troisi.
All three played vital roles in the Asian Cup victory, and Postecoglou’s suggestion that Australia’s depth continues to grow is spot on. It’s a promising era for the Socceroos.
Sainsbury’s inclusion is the most exciting; his partnership with Matthew Spiranovic has been one of the highlights during Postecoglou’s reign, though injury has always robbed the Socceroos boss of partnering them together for long stretches.
This is the central pairing that should realistically be first choice for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and getting them together regularly over the next three years is essential. The way they complimented each other in the majority of the Asian Cup was promising.
Captain Mile Jedinak and first-choice keeper Mat Ryan are still missing, as is second choice keeper Mitch Langerak. Yet Mark Milligan’s solid performances recently make Jedinak’s omission unconcerning, while Alex Cisak, Eugene Galekovic and Adam Federici are more than capable between the posts. The latter’s penalty heroics for Bournemouth in the League Cup could see him secure a starting place.
Unfortunately, the other name on the Socceroos injury list is concerning, with Robbie Kruse breaking down again. The forward had used the last international window to secure a move to VfB Stuttgart, yet a hamstring problem will see him out for four weeks.
It is a sign of Australia’s current depth that when Kruse returns he will find it tough to break into the starting line-up. He has always been an automatic starter for the Socceroos, and likely will be again when he has proven his fitness, but who does he replace?
James Meredith is the latest new name added to Postecoglou’s growing list of debutants, though the 27-year-old Bradford City left-back will unlikely start against Jordan. Introducing him to the set-up to give Jason Davidson competition is the right move, however, with Aziz Behich so far failing to put pressure on Australia’s first choice.
Jackson Irvine and Chris Ikonomidis have dropped down to the Olyroos for friendlies with South Korea, a sign that Australia is taking all levels more seriously than they perhaps have in the past. These two matches are the last for the Under-23s before they face vital qualifiers for the Rio Olympics.
While Irvine and Ikonomidis more than proved themselves at full international level against Tajikistan, giving them increased game time is more beneficial than sitting them on the bench, or giving them a small cameo.
Aaron Mooy, Milligan and Massimo Luongo will hopefully start against Jordan, with Tommy Rogic used as an impact player. We know what Rogic can do, especially against tiring defences, and the aforementioned trio has gelled well.
Up front, it would be great to see Tommy Oar start alongside Tim Cahill and Mathew Leckie. The winger made his long-awaited return to professional football with Ipswich Town in a 3-0 loss to Manchester United, and we saw his understanding with Cahill against Bangladesh as well as Kyrgyzstan. Oar’s ability to whip in accurate through balls and crosses could prove vital against Jordan.
Australia are in for a hostile reception, and a one-goal win would be a huge result. Jordan are a difficult opponent and the wild predictions of 10-0 victories from the Socceroos’ last three games will be absent.
Three points in Ammam and then Kyrgyzstan in Canberra – where 12,000 tickets have already been sold – awaits for a chance to wrap up the group.
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