Victories against the United Arab Emirates followed by Peru in Qatar in first half of June would see the Socceroos take on France, Denmark, and Tunisia in Group D at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
The Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ was made at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center in Qatar on Friday evening (local time), and was attended by Socceroos Head Coach, Graham Arnold, as well as senior Football Australia representatives including Chair, Chris Nikou, and Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson.
Following the Final Draw Arnold said Australia’s potential Group outcome – which is strikingly similar to Russia 2018 – would serve as motivation for Australia’s players leading into June’s play-off fixtures, as individuals strive to excel at their clubs to ensure that they are part of the Socceroos’ squad for the crunch ties.
“(Group D) brings back memories from 2018 and playing France, the winners in 2018, and having Denmark in the same group – the only difference is Tunisia,” Arnold said.
Obviously, it is one step at a time for us, and it is all about the play-offs first and foremost, but it is an exciting group.”
“They (Socceroos players) will be back at their clubs, and they will be seeing the draw today. Some of the boys that were there in 2018 would like revenge and I am pretty sure that they will all be excited.”
The Socceroos finished in third place in Group B of Asian Qualifying (Third Round) for Qatar 2022, missing out on a top two finish that would have earned the nation direct qualification for this year’s FIFA World Cup™.
However, the team’s dream of securing Australia a place at a fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup™ remains alive, with Australia scheduled to play a one-off match against United Arab Emirates in Qatar on June 7.
A win over the UAE would secure Australia a place in the Intercontinental Play-off 1 against Peru, which will be played on either 13 or 14 June. The winner of that match would then qualify for Group D of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
Taking place in Qatar, the Socceroos will take on United Arab Emirates on June 7 for the chance to face Peru - with the winner taking their place in Group D of this year's tournament.