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The Socceroos were handed a favourable group in their Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying draw on Tuesday but coach Ange Postecoglou admits they face logistical challenges travelling to some far-flung countries.
Australia were drawn to face Jordan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Bangladesh in Group B in the ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Jordan, ranked No.103 in the world, looms as Australia’s toughest opponent.
They are the only side of the four, the Socceroos have faced – posting a win and a loss in their previous two clashes.
But playing Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Bangladesh will be no cake-walk with long-haul trips to central Asia.
“The draw is certainly an interesting one and throws up some games against unfamiliar countries but the first phase of qualifying is about us and making sure we maintain our high standards on and off the field,” said Postecoglou, who attended the draw in Kuala Lumpur.
“Over the past 18 months we have taken great pride in being the best we can be on and off the field and we will face some logistical and footballing challenges but we’ll continue to work hard to make sure we are ready for whatever challenges we face.
“We have another eight international matches to continue to give the core of the squad more experience while offering some opportunities to younger players to ensure we build depth.”
The second round of the World Cup Asian qualifiers commence in just two months with the Socceroos to play the eight home-and-away round robin matches across June, September, October, November and then March 2016.
The Socceroos have a bye on matchday one (June 11), before travelling to Kyrgyzstan for their June 16 opener.
They face Bangladesh in their first home qualifier set for September 3 in Perth.
The winner of each of the eight groups and the four best runners-up will advance to the final round of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup and will also book a spot at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
After their Asian Cup success, Australia was drawn from pot one along with the top eight ranked teams of the continent, ruling out matches against fellow Asian powerhouses Iran, Japan, South Korea,UAE, Uzbekistan, China and Iraq until the final phase.
China have have perhaps been handed the dream draw facing three minnows in Maldives, Bhutan and Hong Kong as well as Qatar.
Japan meanwhile, will face logistical nightmares after drawing war-torn countries Afghanistan and Syria.
ROUND TWO GROUPS OF AFC ASIAN QUALIFYING FOR THE 2018 RUSSIA WORLD CUP
Group A: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Timor-Leste, Malaysia
Group B: Australia, Jordan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh
Group C: China, Qatar, Maldives, Bhutan, Hong Kong
Group D: Iran, Oman, India, Turkmenistan, Guam
Group E: Japan, Syria, Afghanistan, Singapore, Cambodia
Group F: Iraq, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan
Group G: South Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Burmar, Laos
Group H: Uzbekistan, Bahrain, Philippines, North Korea, Yemen
SOCCEROOS MATCH SCHEDULE
16 June 2015: Kyrgyzstan v Socceroos (away venue and time tbc)
3 September 2015: Socceroos v Bangladesh at nib Stadium, Perth. 7pm (AWT) kick off
8 September 2015: Tajikistan v Socceroos (away venue and time tbc)
8 October 2015: Jordan v Socceroos (away venue and time tbc)
12 November 2015: Socceroos v Kyrgyzstan (home venue and time tbc)
17 November 2015: Bangladesh v Socceroos (away venue and time tbc)
24 March 2016: Socceroos v Tajikistan (home venue and time tbc)
29 March 2016: Socceroos v Jordan (home venue and time tbc)
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