Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Perth: Australia head coach Ange Postecoglou believes starting the final round of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup at home in Perth will give the Socceross the best possible opportunity to perform to their optimum for the first two matches of what will be a long and tough qualification.
The Perth Rectangular Stadium was selected to host the Socceroos’ first match of the final stage of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup against Iraq after a healthy commitment from the West Australian Government and consideration of the football and logistical needs of the team.
Postecoglou backed the decision, stating: “We’re happy to be coming back to Perth for the match against Iraq to start our next round of World Cup Qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup,” he said in a media release.
“The people of Perth and the facilities were fantastic when we played Bangladesh last year and we come to Perth in September safe in the knowledge we will be well looked after and play in front of a passionate green and gold crowd.”
Perth’s facilities and the ability to transfer smoothly into Dubai for the clash with the United Arab Emirates on September 6 also played a significant part in the decision to play this match in Perth.
“Playing this game in Perth gives us the best possible opportunity to perform to our optimum for the first two matches of what will be a long and tough qualification,” Postecoglou said. “The World Cup qualifiers present some logistical challenges for the team, especially on the double dates, and Perth is well placed to allow smooth passage to Dubai.”
The announcement was greeted with excitement by West Australia’s two current Socceroos, Trent Sainsbury and Josh Risdon.
“I’m thrilled to hear we’ll be playing the World Cup Qualifier against Iraq in Perth,” Sainsbury said. “Perth is my home town and I look forward to wearing the green and gold in front of my family and friends. I missed the last game in Perth due to injury so I’m happy we will be heading back there. The West Australian sporting public are passionate about football and I have no doubt we will walk out to sell-out crowd when we face Iraq on September 1.”
Risdon, who is the current captain of A-League club Perth Glory, added: “I’m fortunate to play my club football in front of family and friends but it would be an unbelievable experience to be part of a Socceroo squad for the match against Iraq in Perth.”
MATCH DETAILS
Australia v Iraq
1 September 2016
Perth Rectangular Stadium
6.30pm kick off (8.30pm AEST)