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Ange Postecoglou has something of a boxer’s stance, with a thick neck and a stance that suggests he’s always ready for action.
Standing outside the hall where the draw was about to be made for the final round of qualification for the 2018 World Cup at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur with storm clouds gathering outside in the late afternoon, Australia’s head coach was looking calm and confident.
As well he might. The Socceroos were in Pot One and not only that, the team that the others wanted to avoid. Practical reasons aside, Japan would have preferred Iran.
And what of the other pots? Did Australia get the easier or tougher choice in those?
Pot Two – Equal. The debate to choose between South Korea and Japan would be a long one without a clear winner.
Pot Three – Easier. Saudi Arabia would be the choice of most above Uzbekistan. The Central Asians are coming closer to the global stage every time.
Pot Four – Tougher. United Arab Emirates finished third at the 2015 Asian Cup and the golden generation led by Omar Abdulrahman are desperate for the World Cup and a first appearance since 1990. China are happy just to be in the final round.
Pot Five – Easier. Qatar have genuine ambitions of reaching the 2018 World Cup. Iraq have the talent, as always, but plenty of issues, as always.
Pot Six – Harder, slightly: Thailand is improving and won its group finishing above Iraq. Syria’s lack of home advantage is an obvious issue.
It’s pretty close, but that’s going to be the case when there are pots of two. Overall, the presence of Australia, Japan and United Arab Emirates in the same group makes Pot Two slightly tougher in comparison.
And this is good.
It is better that the Socceroos have a tough time. It would be good for the team, the fans and the media. Squeezing into second in the final game or even going through the playoffs may just give Asian football a better reputation down under.
Let’s be honest. The roads to South Africa and Brazil were a little too smooth. Despite a slow start to the final round four years ago, there was never a sense that it was not going to happen. The second of qualification for the 2018 tournament was problem-free also.
In recent campaigns, the home games held in Australia have been largely tension-free affairs. Too many West Asian teams have made the long trip and not done themselves or Asian football enough justice in the past two and a half qualification campaigns.
It would be great if Saudi Arabia, Iraq and United Arab Emirates can come to Melbourne or wherever to turn some heads and take some points. Thailand too. It would be great for Southeast Asian football too if the War Elephants can stampede through Sydney.
Ultimately it would be good for Australia too. If a few more teams came to visit with a little less respect and a bit more confidence all will benefit.
Since Australia has joined the Asian Football Confederation, World Cup qualification has been too easy. It is time for that to change.
Starting on September 1 at home to Iraq. Coach Ange looks like he may enjoy a bit of a scrap too.
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