Melbourne will host the blockbuster final match of the qualifying phase of the 2018 FIFA World Cup between Australia and Thailand this September. Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren today confirmed that the much-anticipated clash will take place at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Tuesday, 5 September.
“Our World Cup dream is up for grabs – and there’s no better place than Melbourne for our Socceroos to book their spot to Russia.” Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren commented “With the best pitch in the country and most passionate fans, Victorians will do all they can to help our boys seal automatic qualification in September.”
Minister Eren went on comment that Ange Postecoglou’s side recently fell short of an historic victory over South American champions Chile in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia, missing out on a semi-finals birth. Eren added that the big games belong in the city that does them best, and we proved that last month as two of the world’s football giants – Brazil and Argentina – graced the MCG.
“The next two matches in this campaign are extremely important for us. We are focused on two strong performances beginning with the challenge in Japan.” Socceroos Coach Ange Postecoglou commented “A capacity stadium in Melbourne supporting the team will be fantastic.”
Postecoglou explained that the Socceroos are currently in third spot in Group B, behind group leaders Japan and second placed Saudi Arabia on goal difference. A win in Melbourne could seal a top two automatic qualification spot for the Socceroos and secure our path to Russia in 2018.