World Cup Qualification Thread for 2026 - Socceroos/Asia

[NicCarBel]

Don't think the point changes much given we play Saudi at the end. More so we could've lost to Japan while they draw with Bahrain. That result now would mean a 2 point gap giving Saudi a chance. Basically we need to emulate Saudi's result in Bahrain and GD is enough.

Yep that’s about right. And if we somehow better their result, I believe that would guarantee us qualification in Perth with a game to spare (obviously, depending how Indonesia v Bahrain goes shortly)

 

[JS96]

Time for a couple of subs

Popovic using this as a beep test. Let's start subbing.

I mean do we change centre backs on yellow? I fear an implosion to be honest so I'll say no.

 

[JS96]

Yep that’s about right. And if we somehow better their result, I believe that would guarantee us qualification in Perth with a game to spare (obviously, depending how Indonesia v Bahrain goes shortly)

I mean it rules out we lose to Japan and a Saudi draw vs Bahrain would qualify Australia on GD. A slight disadvantage for us. It seems avoiding defeat in Saudi is inevitable.

 

[Quicky]

We need Goodwin and Arzani next.

 

[Muz]

Fucks sake. Borello off, Boyle off

 

[Muz]

Even Velupilay has been average this half.

Goodwin must have shat in Popa's shoe.

 

[LFC]

so Duke Caceras coming on

 

[Pasquali]

Don't mind Duke on now to run at them for 10 minutes

 

[Muz]

One goal here and they'll get a second.

Far from over.

 

[NicCarBel]

I mean it rules out we lose to Japan and a Saudi draw vs Bahrain would qualify Australia on GD. A slight disadvantage for us. It seems avoiding defeat in Saudi is inevitable.

Will have to take another look in the morning I think, once that game is put to bed.

But my simple calculations (I think) show that 3 pts in either game against Japan or Saudi should mean direct qualification, regardless of results (with the only banana peel being goal difference.

Maximum points for the 4 teams below us at this stage would be (in all their best case scenarios)
CHN - 12 pts
BHR - 15 pts
IDN - 15 pts
KSA - 16 pts

One win from the 2 games puts us on 16, with a minimum of +10 on GD (not counting the other of the 2 games)

 

[JS96]

Behich pointing to the left back. That's you mate! Brad Smith like marking.

 

[melbcityguy]

Surely Duke comes back to a league next season

 

[Pasquali]

One goal here and they'll get a second.

Far from over.

this guy Socceroos

 

[JS96]

Just keep feeding Karacic or have O'Neill and Caceres play with it.

 

[LFC]

thank christ we have some ball for a mo

 

[Quicky]

We're winning a few more contested balls now. We're not in control but its better than it was.

 

[JS96]

Just need one China chance to go in and it's panic stations. That hasn't happened and our second goal buffer has done a lot for our composure.

Hill and Harper comments tempting fate here...

 

[Pasquali]

Just need one China chance to go in and it's panic stations. That hasn't happened and our second goal buffer has done a lot for our composure.

Hill and Harper comments tempting fate here...

relax, we won.

 

[HappyGuus]

6 points this window. Job done.

 

[JS96]

Massive win. Game management key tonight. I'm only disappointed we didn't get to see some cohesive ball play in the second half but it's all about the result here.