Facing the giants

Ange Postecoglou declared that 2017 will test the progress of his Socceroos, after Brazil was the latest blockbuster added to the schedule.

The Socceroos boss said there would be little room for experimentation, as they juggle high-stakes World Cup qualifiers against UAE, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Japan with some mega Confederations Cup duels. The Socceroos host Brazil at the MCG on June 13 before departing for Russia the next day, where they will tackle Germany, Chile and Cameroon.

“We’ve got some big games with some big consequences,’’ Postecoglou said. “In terms of progress … this year will be the measure of that.”