Caltex Socceroos Coach Ange Postecoglou has welcomed Australia's match-up with Cameroon at FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 in Russia, declaring his side would be well prepared for the clash against one of Africa’s traditional football nations.
Cameroon defeated Egypt with an impressive comeback 2-1 victory in Monday's African Cup of Nation's Final to book a spot at their third Confederations Cup tournament.
Meet the Caltex Socceroos' opponent: Cameroon
Cameroon to play Caltex Socceroos in Russia
“Cameroon is one of Africa’s traditional football nations and it will only add to what is going to be a great tournament and fantastic challenge for us in Russia with three quality matches against three big countries in the group stage,” Postecoglou said.
“The Confederations Cup is a highly prestigious tournament and gives us another chance to compete for a title and also gain valuable experience against quality sides in Russia, 12 months out from the World Cup.
“We were ready for whoever won the tournament as we analysed every match during the African Cup of Nations and had scouts at the semi-finals and the final. It will be a tough challenge but we will be well prepared.
“But first things first and we have three important World Cup Qualifiers in March and June that will be the sole focus of our squad over the next few months.”
Cameroon joins Australia, Chile and Germany in Group B with the Caltex Socceroos to face Germany in Sochi on June 19, Cameroon in Saint Petersburg on June 22 and Chile in Moscow on June 25. All matches kick off at 6pm (1am AEST).
2017 FIFA Confederations Cup information
The nations competing are:
· Australia 2015 AFC Asian Cup Champions (AFC - Asia)
· Chile 2015 Copa America winners (COMNEBOL – South America)
· Germany 2014 FIFA World Cup Champions
· Mexico 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup winners (CONCACAF – Central America)
· New Zealand 2016 OFC Nations Cup winners (OFC - Oceania)
· Portugal EURO 2016 winners (UEFA - Europe)
· Russia Host Nation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup
· Cameroon Winners of the 2017 CAF African Cup of Nations (Africa - CAF)
CALTEX SOCCEROOS MATCH DETAILS
Group Stages
19 June: Australia v Germany Fisht Stadium, Sochi 6pm kick off (1am 20 June AEST)
22 June: Cameroon v Australia Saint Petersburg Stadium 6pm kick off (1am 23 June AEST)
25 June: Chile v Australia Spartak Stadium, Moscow 6pm kick off (1am 26 June AEST)
Semi Finals
28 June: Winner A v Runner Up B Kazan Arena, Kazan 9pm kick off (4am 29 June AEST)
29 June: Winner B v Runner Up A Fisht Stadium, Sochi 9pm kick off (4am 30 June AEST)
3rd/4th place play off
2 July: Losers of two semi-finals Spartak Stadium, Moscow 3pm kick off (10pm AEST)
2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Final
2 July: Winners of two semi-finals Saint Petersburg Stadium 9pm kick off (4am 3 July AEST)
The Caltex Socceroos play three important 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers before the team goes to battle in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, including vital home matches against United Arab Emirates (Allianz Stadium on 28 March) and Saudi Arabia (Adelaide Oval on 8 June).
2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – MATCH DETAILS
Iraq v Caltex Socceroos Caltex Socceroos v UAE Caltex Socceroos v Saudi Arabia
Thursday 23 March Tuesday 28 March Thursday 8 June
PAS Stadium, Tehran (Iran) Allianz Stadium Adelaide Oval
Kick off 4.30pm Kick off 8pm Kick off 7.30pm