Melbourne wins Socceroos match

MELBOURNE will host the Socceroos for the first in more than four years when Australia meets Vietnam next month in a crucial 2022 World Cup qualifier at AAMI Park.

The Socceroos’ most recent match in Melbourne was a 2-1 win over Thailand, also at AAMI Park, on September 5, 2017, in front of 26,393 fans.

The Australians make their overdue return to the Victorian capital with their World Cup qualifying hopes having taken a blow after a run of three matches without a win.

“Every match in FIFA World Cup qualifying is crucial and we need all three points against Vietnam,” Socceroos coach Graham Arnold said. “Melbourne is home to one of Australia’s best fan cultures so it would be great if fans can get the stadium shaking on January 27 and provide the players with energy and support.

“Many of our current and recent squad members have strong ties to Victoria, so I expect that they will be thrilled.

“The likes of Aziz Behich, Mathew Leckie, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Denis Genreau, Jamie Maclaren, James Jeggo, and Bailey Wright each emerged through Victorian grassroots clubs, so the ties between the Socceroos and community football are strong.”

Football Australia chief executive James Johnson (left) said AAMI Park was one of Australia’s best football-specific venues”. “The Victorian government have shown great support to bring this match to Melbourne, and we’re thrilled to be playing a central role in helping them kick off their calendar of events for 2022 by playing a crucial qualification fixture in the state,” he said.