Why these are two massive games for Australia

The Caltex Socceroos are just over a month away from two massive games - 180 minutes of football which are absolutely pivotal to the next 12 months.

Why do we support Australia's national football team?

Here's why...

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THE SITUATION

Australia's World Cup qualification group is extremely tight with the top three separated by just one point.

Each nation has two games left.

Tomi Juric in action for the Caltex Socceroos against Japan in October.

QUALIFICATION PROCESS

AFC has 4.5 spots in qualification for the next FIFA World Cup.

Only the top two in each group earn automatic entry to Russia 2018.

Third place in each group square off in a home-and-away showdown with the winner moving into a home-and-away intercontinental playoff against a CONCACAF nation.

KEY REMAINING FIXTURES

Japan v Australia in Saitama on August 31

UAE v Saudi Arabia in Al Ain City on August 31

Australia v Thailand at AAMI Park in Melbourne on September 5

Saudi Arabia v Japan in Jeddah on September 5

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WHAT IF?

What if Australia and another nation finish on equal points at the end of the group stage?

If both teams have the same points then goal difference will be the deciding factor.

Central Midfield: Tom Rogic

If the teams still can’t be separated, the side with the most goals scored in the group will book a place in Russia.

Still tied after that?

Then it’s the greatest number of points gained in games between the teams concerned.

In the case of Australia and Saudi Arabia, the Socceroos have four points and the Saudis one point from their two meetings.

The Caltex Socceroos squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Thailand will be trimmed to 23 on Wednesday.

THE UPSHOT: IT'S IN THEIR HANDS

The Caltex Socceroos know they will secure World Cup qualification with two wins.

A win and a draw might also be enough depending on other results.

However, both Japan and Saudi Arabia can also secure their spots with successive victories.

Regardless of what happens against Japan, Australia won't be definitely in or out when they return to Melbourne for their clash with Thailand.

The Caltex Socceroos and Japan players shake  hands following their WCQ in Melbourne.

But a win in the September 5 clash at AAMI Park may well see the Caltex Socceroos punch their ticket for Russia.

It could well be a night to remember. 

Socceroos v Thailand panel