The Socceroos will take on fellow Group B pace-setters Jordan in a World Cup Qualifier at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on March 29, a match that is looming as decisive in deciding which country will progress to the next stage of World Cup Qualifying as group winners.
The Socceroos currently lead Jordan by two points at the top of Group B with the clash in Sydney the final match of the first phase of qualifying.
“Obviously for us anytime we play at home is a special occasion but being in Sydney at Allianz Stadium gives us another great opportunity to create some more great memories,” said Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou.
“It’s a very important game. The one thing that struck us playing Jordan away was the atmosphere and the energy their crowd generated and we’re looking forward to hopefully giving them some of their own medicine when they come to Sydney.”
“It’s an opportunity for us to really finish this first phase strongly. We’re on top of the group and we want to stay there but more importantly our home performances have been really strong and we want to continue that and create an environment where teams really fear coming to Australia and playing us.”
“If we can be emphatic against Jordan, who are our closest opponent on the table, it will send a message to everyone.”
The match will hold special significance for Postecoglou, who will lead the Socceroos into battle at the same stadium where he first took charge of the national team, a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in November 2013.
“I’m not at the point where I’m reminiscing too much about my milestones as a Socceroos coach but I enjoy it when we play in Australia, I love playing in front of our home crowds,” said Postecoglou.
“As the national team coach the away games are when it’s a struggle and at times when you come out battle scarred, but when you’re at home in front of your own supporters and everyone at the ground is singing the national anthem, it’s always a special occasion.”
The clash with Jordan at Allianz Stadium is the first time the Socceroos have played in Sydney during their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, with their previous encounter in the harbour city having been the Final of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Paid the most money and got cheated. Even the sporting capital of southern Victoria got a few matches. Bias against Sydney continues.
Paul
Guest
Apparently the NSW govt paid the money. Remember you got Real Madrid amongst other big teams last year. Maybe the Vic govt ran out of money for sporting contests!
Paul
Guest
Maybe. But the worst stadium to get to mid-week. The game should have been played at Homebush.
KP
Guest
Last home games (excl Asian Cup) Tue 19 Nov 2013 ALLIANZ STADIUM Australia v Costa Rica Mon 26 May 2014 ANZ STADIUM Australia v South Africa Thu 03 Sep 2015 NIB STADIUM Australia v Bangladesh Thu 12 Nov 2015 GIO STADIUM Australia v Kyrgyzstan Upcoming Thu 24 Mar 2015 Adelaide Oval Tue 29 Mar 2015 Allianz Stadium Asian Cup games AAMI Park ANZ Stadium Suncorp Stadium Hunter Stadium ANZ Stadium I'm all for spreading the game around the country but what did Victoria do to get snubbed for 2 years straight with only 1 Socceroos game with NSW having 6! Yeah they chipped in for the Asian cup but if you take that out there's still a ridiculous bias by the FFA.
oly
Guest
The results against the last placed team won't go towards deciding the best second placed teams either so that adds another element.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Well considering we were the ones that paid the most money to have them play in our beautiful City, I would say that we did deserve them to play here.
lester
Guest
You didn't deserve for them to come back after all those games you had leading into and including the asian cup.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Good to see the Socceroos return to Sydney after a disgracefully long absence. I trust the FFA will get it together and we won't see this farce repeated.
Freycinet1803
Roar Rookie
Be interesting to see how Jordan approach this game in Australia. I can't see them being able to sit back so deep without their home crowd behind them ... well at least not holding out the Aussies for a full ninety in front of a home crowd. Should be a good contest, and hopefully one we come away with three points from.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Whoever loses this game should still be in the top 50% of the second place getters and hence proceed to the next round. I say, "should", however there will still be a mathematical chance of failure even if we both roll Tajikistan & Bangladesh as expected. Hence it will be a game that matters and with an opponent who is bit of a bogey for us away though struggles somewhat on the road. Should be a good night out, as will the game prior against the Tajiks in Adelaide. Perhaps it would be good to hear about the Tajik game first, though.