The Socceroos – who entered the fourth round of qualifying ranked highest in Asia (20th) – currently sit equal second in Group B behind runaway leader Japan.
Only the top two teams from Groups A and B are guaranteed automatic World Cup qualification. Three of Australia’s remaining four games will be on home soil.
Australia’s remaining qualifiers are:
- March 26 v Oman, Stadium Australia, Sydney.
- June 4 v Japan, Saitama Stadium, Saitama.
- June 11 v Jordan, Docklands Stadium, Melbourne.
- June 18 v Iraq, Stadium Australia, Sydney.
Australia’s precarious position is thanks largely to a 2-1 loss against Jordan and a 0-0 draw with Oman.
The Socceroos’ problems with hitting the target are exhibited in the fact they have been in front for just five minutes in their last four games – due to a last-gasp 2-1 win against Iraq.
Weighing in the Aussies’ favour is the fact they have one game in-hand over all other teams in their group.
Three of Australia’s remaining four games will also be on home soil.
Should Australia finish third it will still have an outside chance of a World Cup spot via a playoff against the third-placed team in Group A and then another qualifier against a South American nation.
