[VIDEO] Kyrgyzstan vs Australia highlights: World Cup Qualifier scores

The road to Russia 2018 begins in the intrigue and mystique of Central Asia, as Australia travel to Bishkek to meet Kyrgyzstan in their first World Cup qualifier. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 23:45 on Tuesday night.

Russia 2018 might be mired in a cesspool of scandal currently, given FIFA’s plight, but it nevertheless represents a significant marking point for the life of Australian football.

Fresh from their Asian Cup success in January, the Socceroos have now proven to their confederation they are here to stay, and more importantly, to win. But winning in Asia was always about achievements within realism. Doing well at a World Cup remains the holier of grails for a team eager to prove its global credentials.

By the time the first round of AFC qualifiers are done, 10 years would have passed since Australia’s remarkable progress in Germany. In the ensuing decade, the team has witnessed enough evolution and self-realisation to know that emulating Mark Viduka’s side is the minimum expectation in 2018 – whether it be in Russia or not.

First stop in that journey is an arduous trip to Central Asia. On paper, Kyrgyzstan is expected to pose little problem to the Asian champions. Yet the need to make a statement of intent is paramount for Ange Postecoglou on how his team will not only win in Asia, but can rise as the confederation’s outstanding force.

Little change has occurred in the team that won the Asian Cup, with only Trent Sainsbury, Massimo Luongo and Robbie Kruse notable omissions due to injury. Sainsbury’s place in central defence will likely be filled by Alex Wilkinson, while it will be a big opportunity for Jason Davidson to play, seeking a new club deal following his release from West Bromwich Albion.

Mile Jedinak will lead the side from midfield, with Asian Cup matchwinner James Troisi expected to fill in for the missing Luongo, while another option in Tommy Oar is likely to feature. The real question remains up top, where Postecoglou’s aggressive intent can be determined on whether he opts for a front two of Cahill and Leckie, or whether he has Tomi Juric included in attacking three – himself seeking pastures new.

If ever a game against the Asian champions was to occur, then Kyrgyzstan have picked their moment. At home, and winning their opening qualifier in March, the Whaite Bars will know expectation rests firmly on their more fancied opponents.

Featuring a side largely locally-based, coach Aleksandr Krestinin may set his team up with a defensive midfielder to nullify the Australian attack. All-time leading goalscorer Anton Zemlianukhin has only five to his name, thereby pointing to a potential paucity up front, and prior to victory against Bangladesh, the Kyrgyz’ had only won once in 24 months.

The conditions in Bishkek will nevertheless assist the home side, as will their anonymity preventing the Socceroos from establishing any tried or tested game plan. However, Australia should prove too strong, setting their World Cup campaign on a winning start for bigger tests to come.