The last four games between these two nations are clear proof that the pivotal September 5 clash in Melbourne won’t be easy. Not by any means. Australia will have to earn the win.
Thais name strong squad for Caltex Socceroos clash
GROUP RECAP
With Thailand now under new management – with more defensive structure than before - they pose a tricky test for Australia will be desperate to win as they chase automatic qualification for Russia 2018.
Now in charge of Thailand is Milovan Rajevac. ‘The Serbian has been around the coaching block a few times. After a number of clubs in the Balkans, he has taken over national teams such as Ghana, Qatar and Algeria,’ writes Asian football expert @JohnnyDuerden.
Opponent dossier: new Thai coach tightens defence
FIXTURE HISTORY
THAILAND 2-2 AUSTRALIA: BANGKOK, NOVEMBER 16, 2016
The Caltex Socceroos spurned the chance to go top of the group after a thrilling 2-2 draw against an energetic Thailand. In a see-saw game that had the fans on their feet, Australia took an early lead before two goals to Teerasil Dangda had the War Elephants dreaming of a huge upset. But a third penalty got the Aussies back into it the contest just after the hour mark.
THAILAND 0-1 AUSTRALIA: BANGKOK, NOVEMBER 15, 2011
Australia just edged the Thais 1-0 six years ago, also in a World Cup qualifier. Brett Holman, now with Brisbane Roar, poached the decisive goal on 77 minutes in the return clash in the group.
AUSTRALIA 2-1 THAILAND, BRISBANE, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011
Australia opened their World Cup qualifying group with a home tie, but the visitors took a shock early lead after a swift counter-attack finished off by Teerasil Dangda, before second half goals to the Socceroos won it 2-1. Alex Brosque and Josh Kennedy for the hosts at Lang Park.
THAILAND 0-4 AUSTRALIA: BANGKOK, JULY 16, 2007
At the Asian Cup, Australia eased past the Thais 4-0 in their final group match, though the result was in the balance till the 80 th minute before the Aussies scored three times on the break in the last 10 minutes. Mark Viduka with a brace as the Aussies moved on to the quarter-finals to meet Japan in Vietnam.
SQUAD: 30-man Caltex Socceroos squad named for upcoming WCQs
