Bert van Marwijk’s squad features just six of the 23-man selection Ange Postecoglou took to Brazil four years ago, however the Dutchman’s line-up has a significantly greater number of international appearances between them.

Australia’s Russia-bound contingent have played in excess of 250 games more than their counterparts from 2014 and that should give the Socceroos a boost, claims the Switzerland-based forward.

“Having more caps under our belts, I think that will do us a lot of good going into the tournament and definitely a lot more experience than the last campaign,” he said.

“For me personally, I’ve got a lot more games under my belt, over 30 games for Australia, and hopefully I can get a lot more in the future. But this is definitely a moment where, if I’m not ready now I won’t be for a while.”

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.

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.

 

Hong Myung-bo, Sami Al Jaber, Mehdi Mahdavikia, Tim Cahill. Just some of the names of Asia's footballing elite to have left their mark on the global stage. But how about those stars of the Continental game who have not been so fortunate, for one reason or another, to represent their nation at the FIFA World Cup?

We review and recognise six of those players from Kirkuk in Iraq to Sydney, Australia and invite you to pick your favourite in the voting poll at the end of the article.

A Saudi Arabia team featuring the likes of Majed Abdullah, Fuad Anwar and Sami Al Jaber reached the Round of 16 in the country’s debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup in the United States in 1994, with Saeed Al Owairan’s mesmerising goal against Belgium still rated among the finest ever scored at the finals.

And with Hawsawi and his teammates set to make history by becoming the first Asian Football Confederation member association to feature in the tournament’s opening game when they take on Russia in Moscow on June 14, the Al Hilal centre-half is relishing the challenge that lies ahead.

“It will be a big honour for me to be the national team captain, especially at the World Cup,” said the 34-year-old. “We will be playing in a big competition and millions of people all around the world will be watching the opening match.

“It is an amazing feeling and I hope that we can fulfill the expectations of our fans and our football officials as well.”

Korea Republic, whose latest FIFA World Ranking is 57, struggled to overcome a tight Bolivia defence.

Korea Republic have set up camp in Austria and will next play Senegal behind closed doors on Monday.

They will then fly to Saint Petersburg, their FIFA World Cup base, on Tuesday. 

In Group F action, Korea Republic will first face World No 24 Sweden on June 18, followed by No 15 Mexico on June 23 and then defending champions Germany on June 27.

Source: Yonhap

“Everytime I choose somewhere for the Iranian national team’s (training) camp at the World Cup, its club would be the champions of the league,” said the 65-year-old Portuguese before the team’s first training session.

“In 2014, I chose the Sports Club Corinthians Paulista, who later became the champions of Brazil, and this year the Moscow-based FC Lokomotiv campus was provided to the Iranian team, and they went on to win the title of the Russian Premier League (in May).

“I am very happy to be at the home of the Russian club champions and there will be no better place here for us. I hope we will have no problems.”