Socceroos on Jordanian revenge mission

Matt McKay says the Socceroos can avenge the worst moment of their past World Cup qualifying campaign and take a big step towards the 2018 tournament this week.

Ahead of their next qualifier on Thursday against Jordan, the Socceroos have begun to assemble in Amman – the site of Australia’s last qualifying defeat in September 2012.

A limp and lacklustre Australian side under Holger Osieck succumbed 2-1 in Amman to the Jordanians, the current world No.99s.

On Thursday, the Socceroos have the chance to reverse that result and continue their 100 per cent qualifying record on the road to Russia.

McKay is one of a handful of Socceroos returning to the country three years later, recalling the intensity of the stadium.

“We got there two hours before the game and the stadium was just about full,” he told AAP.

“It was a really hostile crowd, really intimidating place, they were jeering after us when we came out and they didn’t stop supporting their team the whole game.”

McKay said the team didn’t see the result or performance coming after a 3-0 win over Lebanon in Mark Schwarzer’s 100th international match over Lebanon days earlier.

In Amman, the Socceroos were dealt a blow when centre-back Sasha Ognenovski went down with a hamstring injury after 15 minutes, with Mark Bresciano needing a half-time substitution.

A late Archie Thompson goal threw Oseick’s side a late lifeline but they couldn’t find an equaliser.

Needing to remain unbeaten for from then on to secure their passage to Brazil, the side did just that.

Now playing with renewed confidence under Ange Postecoglou, McKay feels the Socceroos can kick on.

“We go there knowing it’s going to be a tough fixture, they’re a good team and they’ll challenge us,” he said.

“But being Asian Champions, we’ve got that belief now we can go through the qualification phase, very positively in the way we play.

“We’re going to play our own way and if we can execute, I’m sure we’re get the three points and move on to the next phase.”

McKay said the Jordan’s best players were attackers.

“They have some dangerous forwards, their wingers are extremely tricky and direct,” he said.

“It’s always a challenge for our fullbacks and back four to be ready for every situation.”