Caltex Socceroos start Road to Russia in Perth against Iraq

The Road to Russia will start in Perth with the Caltex Socceroos talking on Iraq at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on 1 September 2016, Football Federation Australia (FFA) announced today.

Perth was selected to host the Caltex Socceroos’ first match of the final stage of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup after a healthy commitment from the West Australian Government and consideration of the football and logistical needs of the team.

FFA CEO David Gallop confirmed the match venue was the perfect mix of football and commercial interests and called on the football fans of Perth to get behind the Caltex Socceroos as they start the final round of World Cup qualification.

“We are pleased to be taking the Caltex Socceroos back to Perth for the first match of this final round of World Cup qualifying,” Gallop said.

“I’d like to thank the West Australian Government and Premier Colin Barnett for his continued support of Australian football.

“West Australia has a proud football tradition and we look forward to seeing the people of Perth get behind Ange Postecoglou and the Socceroos as they take the next steps along the road to the 2018 World Cup.”

Caltex Socceroos Head Coach Ange Postecoglou backed the decision, stating: “We’re happy to be coming back to Perth for the match against Iraq to start our next round of World Cup Qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup,” he said.

“The people of Perth and the facilities were fantastic when we played Bangladesh last year and we come to Perth in September safe in the knowledge we will be well looked after and play in front of a passionate green and gold crowd.”

Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury in action against Greece.

Perth’s facilities and the ability to transfer smoothly into Dubai for the clash with the United Arab Emirates on September 6 also played a significant part in the decision to play this match in Perth.

“Playing this game in Perth gives us the best possible opportunity to perform to our optimum for the first two matches of what will be a long and tough qualification,” Postecoglou said. “The World Cup qualifiers present some logistical challenges for the team, especially on the double dates, and Perth is well placed to allow smooth passage to Dubai.”

The announcement was greeted with excitement by West Australia’s two current Socceroos, Trent Sainsbury and Josh Risdon.

“I’m thrilled to hear we’ll be playing the World Cup Qualifier against Iraq in Perth,” Sainsbury said.

“Perth is my home town and I look forward to wearing the green and gold in front of my family and friends. I missed the last game in Perth due to injury so I’m happy we will be heading back there. The West Australian sporting public are passionate about football and I have no doubt we will walk out to sell out crowd when we face Iraq on September 1.”

Risdon, who is the current captain of Hyundai A-League club Perth Glory, added: “I’m fortunate to play my club football in front of family and friends but it would be an unbelievable experience to be part of a Socceroo squad for the match against Iraq in Perth.”

MATCH DETAILS

Caltex Socceroos v Iraq

1 September 2016

Perth Rectangular Stadium

6.30pm kick off (8.30pm AEST)

Tickets for the match will be on sale on Tuesday 21 June to Members of the FFA Football Family and Wednesday 22 June for the general public and can be purchased through http://www.socceroos.com.au/tickets.

Tim Cahill thanks the fans after the Socceroos beat Bangladesh in Perth in September.

Ticket Prices

General Public
Category A - $120 all tickets
Category B - $80 Adult, $60 Concession, $45 Child, $160 Family
Category C - $55 Adult, $40 Concession, $30 Child, $110 Family
Socceroos Active Area- $65 Adult, $50 Concession
Away Supporters - $55 Adult, $40 Concession, $30 Child, $110 Family
The Shed - $55 Adult, $40 Concession

General Public Restricted View
Category A Restricted View - $100 all tickets
Category B Restricted View - $65 Adult, $50 Concession, $35 Child, $130 Family
Category C Restricted View - $45 Adult, $30 Concession, $20 Child, $90 Family

10% Discount – Football Family
Category A - $108 all tickets
Category B - $72 Adult, $54 Concession, $40.50, Child, $144 Family
Category C - $49.50 Adult, $36 Concession, $27 Child, $99 Family
Socceroos Active Area - $58.50 Adult, $45 Concession
The Shed - $49.50 Adult, $36 Concession

10% Discount – Football Family Restricted View
Category A Restricted View - $90 all tickets
Category B Restricted View - $58.50 Adult, $45 Concession, $31.50 Child, $117 Family
Category C Restricted View - $40.50 Adult, $27 Concession, $18 Child, $81 Family

On sale times

Football Family:  9am Tuesday June 21 - 8am Wednesday June 22 (10% discount available)

General Public: 9am Wednesday June 22 (prices as above)

Football family members will receive and an email on Tuesday, June 21 with the link for tickets. It’s not too late to sign up to become a member of the Football Family!