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)
bryan
Guest
Bondy... In rugby, You got the Boks, The darkness/blacks, The lions, The pumas, Bati, Les Bleus, Azzurri, Cherry Blossoms (No joke, a rugby team) But moving into provincial: Tahs, Brumbies, Reds, Canes, Landers, Saders, Bulls, Stomers, Sharks etc etc... in rugby, its more common to call a team by their nickname. Same in League... eg Maroons and blues. AFL: Pies, Cats, Suns, Blues, Dons, Eagles, Dockers In fact, the only Australian team I can think of that regularly gets called Australia would be cricket.
Batou
Guest
So you are the original punter? I figured as much but it wasn't certain that had been properly resolved. Since we're on the topic of people changing names, you weren't previously 'the artist formerly known as Dave' were you? He was from the northern beaches too but I haven't seen him on here for ages.
Batou
Guest
The defense rests it's case. Well put, I'm with you (in this least important of issues).
BigAl
Guest
I don't understand why Fuss would bother to change his moniker - I've been under constant surveillence by The Roar moderators for over 2 years now and I couldn't be stuffed changing anything...
Bondy
Guest
Its not going away and so it shouldn't . New Zealand FIFA World Cup bid: Kiwi Martin Snedden aims to bring football showpiece to New Zealand .. (http://www.news.com.au/sport/football/new-zealand-fifa-world-cup-bid-kiwi-martin-snedden-aims-to-bring-football-showpiece-to-new-zealand/story-fndkzvnd-1227301710784) ...
Bondy
Guest
I'll just leave this here Gaúcho ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnD7A95jNXE) ...
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
But the difference AR is that socceroos is the only neologysm of all. Azzuri, albiceleste, les bleus etc mean something in tneir respective language. Soccer, kangaroos > socceroos. Thats quite different, a bit like rabbitohs etc. Again even if am not a fan of socceroos I think that if most aussies who, as ben said below see thjngs very differently to the rest of the world, like it, then fine, all good.
Woodo
Guest
Exactly. This is what, to a degree, Germany failed to do against us in the most recent friendly. Great game for us as a result, not so good for them.
Horto Magiko
Guest
Now now AR. Actually, come to think of it.. Iangou says "Fad, your on fire today!" AR says: "Fadida on fire!" I move AR is Iangou haha
Horto Magiko
Guest
Haha! Do I sound like fuss? I know we share a similar condescending approach..hmm I don't know weather to shake your hand or kick your a$s ;) Btw I'm not an old fogey here at the roar but I'm hardly a newbie. To prove it to u I'll say I'm still in fits about the stubbins brown shoes w dark suit comments haha and the ballon d'or not being an expensive piece of Italian furniture ;)
AR
Guest
Bang! Fadida on fire!
Fadida
Guest
Horto, are you Fuss? He's got so many aliases these days I'm suspicious of anyone new on the scene!
Horto Magiko
Guest
Still id take 3 split personality fussballs over a handful of other posters, who shall remain nameless, any day of the week. Atleast he bleeds football and is a good source of stats and information.
Horto Magiko
Guest
Dr Uncle and Mr Fuss
Fear the Smell
Guest
"See the Champions of Asia: Socceroos v Bangladesh"
Horto Magiko
Guest
Surprise surprise iangou loves it., and using the term soccer instead of football also. Coincidence? I think not haha
Horto Magiko
Guest
Socceroos = corny as f$&@ tacky name. Aside from the fact we should just call them Australia or the National Team, I loathe the word soccer.. And the association with kangaroos is gag worthy. I'm with bondy and melbterrace. Hate to say it but were probably stuck with it though, just don't know how we'll ever shake it especially since the naff idea to name the official website after it.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Tbh franko I think melb has a point. Perso I don't see 'les bleus' as a nickname similar to socceroos. Very often its referred as l'equipe de France. Plus Les bleus is also used for all French national teams, not only football. Anyway am with melb, not a fan of socceroos either but its minor thing really.
Brick Tamland of the pants party
Guest
I wonder what will be the pass mark for this blockbuster, 13k for a charity match against Indonesia was deserving of copping a 10 year ban from the Socceroos for Perth. Any less than 15k for a marquee fixture we will surely cop double that.
brian drian
Guest
mannschaft always makes me smirk. It all sounds a bit phallic to me.