Disappointed Aussies still dreaming of World Cup

MELBOURNE: Coach Ange Postecoglou says his team will hit the ground running in their arduous World Cup playoff against Syria, brushing aside frustration at failing to qualify automatically for Russia.

The Socceroos beat Thailand 2-1 in their final Asian qualifying Group B game on Tuesday, but with Saudi Arabia upsetting Japan 1-0 it consigned them to a dangerous two- leg playoff against the war-ravaged Syrians.

The winner of that tie will then battle North and Central America’s (Concacaf ) fourth-placed qualifier in November for a spot at the global showpiece.

“It’s obviously a more difficult road,” said Postecoglou yesterday.

“We’ve just got to switch our minds and to getting prepared for them ... we’ll get info on the opposition, get organised logistically and hit the ground running.

“The players have been fantastic throughout the whole qualifying series,” he added. “I see still a real determination to see this through. As long as that’s there, we will continue down that path.”

Syria earned their place in the playoffs with a 2-2 Group A draw with Iran in Tehran, thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser.

The first leg is on Oct 5, with Syria’s home venue yet to be decided, though they have been playing their home games in Malaysia, and the return will be five days later in Australia.

The Socceroos missed out to the Saudis on goal difference, with their failure to put more goals past the Thais being criticised by two former Australian internationals – Mark Bosnich and Robbie Slater.

Slater said it was time for Postecoglou to go, tweeting that “we need a new approach! Socceroos have lost their way”.

Postecoglou brushed off the flak, saying he was “not everyone’s cup of tea”.

“What do you do? I took the role to do it a certain way and I’ll see it through,” he added.