Must win home qualifier for Socceroos

MELBOURNE is host city for the Socceroos’ next World Cup qualifier later this month.

Australia will play Vietnam at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on 27 January with a capacity crowd expected for the must-win match.

Graham Arnold’s side sit third in Group B, one point behind second-placed Japan and five points adrift of unbeaten group leaders Saudi Arabia.

The Socceroos haven’t played a match in Melbourne since September 2017.

“Many of our current and recent squad members have strong ties to Victoria, so I expect that they will be thrilled with [the] announcement,” Arnold said in a statement.

“The likes of Aziz Behich, Mathew Leckie, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Denis Genreau, Jamie Maclaren, James Jeggo, and Bailey Wright each emerged through Victorian grassroots clubs, so the ties between the Socceroos and community football are strong.

“Every match in FIFA World Cup qualifying is crucial and we need all three points against Vietnam. Melbourne is home to one of the best fan cultures in Australia, so it would be great if fans can get the stadium shaking on January 27 and provide the players with energy and support.”

Vietnam sit last in Group B having lost all six qualifying matches.

The top two from each group in Asia will automatically qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The teams who finished third in Group A and Group B will meet in an Asian playoff with the winner then advancing to another playoff against the fifth-best South American nation.

– BY ALEX ZAIA/ SEN