Socceroos vs Thailand Preview: All you need to know ahead of the World Cup Qualifier
Australia’s World Cup hopes go on the line in Melbourne tonight, with the Socceroos meeting Thailand at AAMI Park as they look to wrap up a spot at Russia 2018. Here is a full rundown of what’s at stake, as well as the kick off time for the game, how to watch it live and free on 9GO, and how the Socceroos will line up.
Last week’s 2-0 loss to Japan threw a spanner into the works, with the Socceroos missing a chance to control their own destiny.
Australia is tied on 16 points with Saudi Arabia, but sit in third spot on the table due to goal difference. The top two teams automatically progress to the World Cup, with the third-placed team having to go through another two rounds of qualifying.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM OF SOCCEROOS VS THAILAND
Even a win against Thailand isn’t enough to guarantee a spot for the Socceroos. If Saudi Arabia can beat Japan on Wednesday morning (AEST) the second spot will come down to goal difference.
If both sides win their final matches, for the Aussies to earn direct qualification they must win by at least two more goals than Saudi Arabia.
Group B Table
Japan 20 points, goal difference +11
Saudi Arabia 16 points, goal difference +6
Australia 16 points, goal difference +4
UAE 13 points, goal difference -2
Iraq 8 points, goal difference -2
Thailand 2 points, goal difference -17
Remaining games:
Australia v Thailand
Saudi Arabia v Japan
Iraq v United Arab Emirates
Australia is unbeaten from their previous six matches against Thailand, although they were held to a 2-all draw last November, while Thailand have lost their last four World Cup Qualifying matches away from home.
Possible line-ups:
Australia: Mat Ryan, Milos Degenek, Mark Milligan, Matthew Spiranovic, Massimo Luongo, Aaron Mooy, Mathew Leckie, Tim Cahill, Tom Rogic, Alex Gersbach, Tomi Juric
Thailand: Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool (GK), Tristan Do, Chalermpong Kerdkaew, Pansa Hemviboon, Theerathon Bunmathan, Wattana Playnum, Supachok Sarachat, Chanathip Songkrasin, Mongkol Tossakrai, Siroch Chatthong, Teerasil Dangda
Kick Off time: 8pm AEST Tuesday, AAMI Park.
TV team: 9GO – coverage starting at 7:30pm AEST.
Live Streaming: 9Now from 7:30pm AEST.
