ANALYSIS: SCOTT MCINTYRE
Socceroos should progress from a group with tough logistics
The Socceroos were drawn to face Jordan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Bangladesh in Group B in the ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Jordan looms as Australia's toughest opponent.
The second round of the World Cup Asian qualifiers commence in just two months with the Socceroos to play the eight home-and-away round robin matches across June, September, October, November and then March 2016.
Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou attended the draw in Kuala Lumpur and believes the players and staff will embrace the challenges in front of them.
“The draw is certainly an interesting one and throws up some games against unfamiliar countries but the first phase of qualifying is about us and making sure we maintain our high standards on and off the field,” Postecoglou said.
“Over the past 18 months we have taken great pride in being the best we can be on and off the field and we will face some logistical and footballing challenges but we’ll continue to work hard to make sure we are ready for whatever challenges we face.
“We now have to prepare for Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh, Tajikstan and Jordan and continue our journey.
“We have another eight international matches to continue to give the core of the squad more experience while offering some opportunities to younger players to ensure we build depth.”
The winner of each of the eight groups and the four best runners up will advance to the final round of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup and will also book a spot at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
After its Asian Cup success, Australia was drawn from pot one along with the top eight ranked teams of the continent, ruling out matches against fellow Asian powerhouses Iran, Japan, South Korea,UAE, Uzbekistan, China and Iraq.
But it could have faced clashes against the likes of North Korea, Oman or Kuwait.
Socceroos match schedule:
16 June 2015: Kyrgyzstan v Socceroos (away venue and time tbc)
3 September 2015: Socceroos v Bangladesh at nib Stadium, Perth
8 September 2015: Tajikstan v Socceroos (away venue and time tbc)
8 October 2015: Jordan v Socceroos (away venue and time tbc)
12 November 2015: Socceroos v Kyrgyzstan (home venue and time tbc)
17 November 2015: Bangladesh v Socceroos (away venue and time tbc)
24 March 2016: Socceroos v Tajikstan (home venue and time tbc)
29 March 2016: Socceroos v Jordan (home venue and time tbc)
Groups are:
Group A: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Timor-Leste, Malaysia
Group B: Australia, Jordan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh
Group C: China, Qatar, Maldives, Bhutan, Hong Kong
Group D: Iran, Oman, India, Turkmenistan, Guam
Group E: Japan, Syria, Afghanistan, Singapore, Cambodia
Group F: Iraq, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan
Group G: Korea Republic, Kuwait, Lebanon, Myanmar, Laos
Group H: Uzbekistan, Bahrain, Philippines, DPR Korea, Yemen
