Australia haven’t had everything their own way so far in the qualification stage for the 2018 World Cup but Ange Postecoglou’s men can take a giant step in the next few months. Wins against Iraq and the United Arab Emirates should see the Socceroos take firm control in the race for Russia.

With five qualifying fixtures remaining, six points could prove crucial come the end of the preliminary round. It would be foolish for Postecoglou and co to underestimate both sides but the Socceroos will be confident of victory; especially as they have defeated Iraq and the UAE already in this competition.

Australia might not be too excited after the draws for the 2017 Confederations Cup were released on Sunday.

The Socceroos would be playing 2014 World Cup winners Germany and South American champions Chile – two of the World toughest footballing sides at the moment. An African side will join the trio after the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in February next year.

Tim Cahill has been dropped by Australia coach Ange Postecoglou for the Socceroos' upcoming World Cup qualifier against Thailand as part of four changes to his squad.

Postecoglou amended his previous 30-man squad to 23 on Wednesday, November 2nd with Brisbane Roar striker Jamie Maclaren being given a late promotion after scoring his opening goal of the A-League season against Perth Glory.

Australia’s national team manager Ange Postecoglou has decided to choose training sessions over a friendly game since he believes that the team does not have much time together. The manager recently named his 30-man squad for the World Cup 2018 qualification games.

After having started out well with victories against Iraq and UAE, the team has suffered in the last two outings after only managing draws against Saudi Arabia and the Japan. Admittedly, the final game against Japan was much more difficult for the team, but a return of just six points from a possible 12 leaves the national team in the second spot when it comes to the qualification group.

Australia coach Ange Postecoglou has stated that he wants his team to beat Saudi Arabia.

said that he would not accept any result except the 3 points. He believes that he has a quality team and that they should be able to win this match that will count for the World Cup qualifiers.

Former Everton star Tim Cahill has been in a rich vein of form over the last few weeks and this has once again helped Shanghai Shenhua get a 1-0 win in the latest league match.

They were up against Guangzhou R&F and the match looked like heading for a draw before Cahill pounced in with an effort just 15 minutes from the final whistle.

Australia prepare for the World Cup 2018 competition by being involved in the qualifying match against Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday night.

After a disappointing World Cup 2014, Australia are on the verge of reaching the semifinals of the Asian cup.

They have to beat United Arab Emirates in the quarter-finals with the winner of this tie coming up against Korea Republic in the semifinals.

With the Socceroos’ opening game against Chile in the World Cup just a few days away – it’s time to take a closer look at the Chilean team’s prospects for the tournament…

And let’s be absolutely clear here; Chile are no make-weights for this World Cup. They deservedly see themselves as genuine contenders – and you can bet they fully expect to win the opener against Australia which is their easiest game on paper.

Australia’s coach Ange Postecoglou has revealed that he has a very good idea of the players who are expected to be in his squad for the World Cup 2014. Australia will be travelling to the World Cup under the new management of Postecoglou after he was appointed only a few months back. Even after disappointment, the form of the national team has not improved dramatically in order to make them favourites to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition. They have won just two out of the last five friendly matches and this includes a 4-3 defeat against Ecuador.