All on the line for Cup dreams

ANGE Postecoglou calls it a “great challenge” – it’s hard to see how it could be any bigger.

Over five days at the end of this month, World Cup dreams are on the line, and not just for Australia.

Thanks to a quirk in the fixture list, Japan and Australia will face off in Saitama on August 31 knowing the loser is facing the ignominy of intercontinental play-offs to try to secure a World Cup spot.

It’s not just Australia who will be feeling the pressure.

Postecoglou yesterday named his initial squad for the games against Japan and then at home to Thailand five days later, and it was something of a low-key announcement.

In part that was down to the predictable nature of his squad, but as the games get closer the magnitude of Australia’s game in Japan will become clear.

Thanks to the dates upon which the Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj falls, Saudi Arabia’s trip to the UAE has been brought forward two days to August 29.

Given that UAE are almost eliminated, and Saudi Arabia’s form in winning five games from eight, the smart money would be on an away win.

Which would mean they would go top of the group, ahead of Japan hosting Australia two days later. And the loser will be in a sticky spot indeed in terms of getting automatic qualification to the World Cup.

Even a point for Australia in Saitama, assuming it is coupled

with a win over Thailand five days after, will secure that direct spot in Russia.

This is what puts the pressure on Japan. A home win will mean they have qualified with a game to spare; but a draw or loss with Australia means they will (assuming Saudi Arabia beat the UAE) then have to travel to Jeddah and beat Saudi Arabia, whose last home loss in a competitive game came nearly three years ago.

This is what World Cup qualification is all about.

The 30 players Postecoglou named yesterday, to be cut to 23 next week, will have earned it if they succeed.

“We haven’t strayed too far from the players who went to the Confederations Cup and who we have had on the radar for a while, so not a great deal of change at this stage,” said Postecoglou.

“There are a few new faces as well to have a look at, but overall pretty pleased with the shape we are in.

“It is going to be a great challenge playing away from home against one of the top nations but that’s what we like to embrace as a team.”

The coach’s biggest questions are in defence, which explains the inclusion of seven potential centrebacks.