"Come the France game, we're going to be ready... and giving ourselves opportunities to win this game," the Brighton stopper warned."We can't wait for Saturday."

Australia arrived in Kazan on Sunday, and Bert van Marwijk's side - fresh from two morale-boosting wins over the Czech Republic (4-0) and Hungary (2-1) - are on a high.

Two Group Stage eliminations have followed Australia's celebrated progression to the World Cup's last 16 some 12 years ago, and coach van Marwijk has been tasked with taking the Socceroos to new heights.

We continue our series of Expert Views with a look at the Green and Gold's chances at Russia 2018 with a focus on tactics, key players and predictions.

Daniel Arzani netted his maiden international goal before Tamas Kalas put through his own net in stoppage time to give Australia a 2-1 friendly win over Hungary in Budapest on Saturday.

The second-half strikes came either side of an unfortunate Trent Sainsbury own goal and ensured van Marwijk's men head to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia with two wins in as many warm-up outings, having dispatched the Czech Republic 4-0 last week.

With the first test in Group C against France in Kazan now less than a week away, Australia looked to be heading for a draw until Arzani’s strike, before the two sides exchanged late own goals.

Arzani’s (pictured below) introduction and impact will please coach Bert van Marwijk and Aussie fans, with the Melbourne City attacker coming off the bench in the 73rd minute and scoring inside two minutes when he unleashed a shot from outside the box which dipped in front of goalkeeper Denes Dibusz.

It then looked as if the game was headed for a draw when central defender Trent Sainsbury was involved in an unfortunate late mix up with goalkeeper Brad Jones to score an 88th minute own goal.

The former Manchester City stalwart said Asian football has been progressing rapidly and Asia's five teams - Australia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Korea Republic, Japan and Saudi Arabia - will surely do their best in Russia 2018.

"Their target, besides advancing to the Knockout Stage, will be to show that Asian teams are closing in on European and South American sides," said Sun Jihai in an exclusive interview with the-AFC.com.

The remarkable achievement came at perfect timing for the Socceroos and will serve as a boost ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

Iran dropped one rung to 37th, followed by Korea Republic who moved four rungs up to 57th after their impressive 2-0 win over Honduras last month.

Japan fell one spot to 61, while Saudi Arabia’s ranking remain unchanged at 67th to complete Asia’s top five teams, who will begin their Russia 2018 campaigns next week.

Meanwhile, Jordan also made great strides to become Asia’s biggest mover, climbing eight spots to 110th

The next FIFA World Rankings are to be released on July 19.

 

With coach Ange Postecoglou then departing, all eyes will be on replacement Bert van Marwijk to see if he can help the Socceroos to new heights. 

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Overview

It’s been a rocky road to Russia for Australia after Postecoglou sensationally quit has head coach in the aftermath of their dramatic playoff win against Honduras, a win that secured their place at their fourth straight FIFA World Cup.

van Marwijk, the man who guided Saudi Arabia to their qualification, was handed the reins to take Australia to the FIFA World Cup in January and he has been busy in the ensuing six months getting to terms with the players at his disposal and devising a game plan that will serve Australia well in Russia.

Of particular note, was a recent 4-0 win over Czech Republic in Austria, with the Socceroos inflicting the Czechs' biggest ever defeat thanks to goals from Mathew Leckie and Andrew Nabbout.