Melbourne will host the blockbuster final match of the qualifying phase of the 2018 FIFA World Cup between Australia and Thailand this September.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren today confirmed that the much-anticipated clash will take place at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Tuesday, 5 September.
The qualifier is yet another major coup for Victoria – the sporting and major events capital – and another chance for fans to watch some world-class football.
The Socceroos are currently in third spot in Group B, behind group leaders Japan and second placed Saudi Arabia on goal difference. A win in Melbourne could seal a top two automatic qualification spot for the Socceroos and secure our path to Russia in 2018.
Ange Postecoglou’s side recently fell short of an historic victory over South American champions Chile in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia, missing out on a semi-finals birth.
The big games belong in the city that does them best, and we proved that last month as two of the world’s football giants – Brazil and Argentina – graced the MCG.
The Andrews Labor Government is proud to have helped secure one of Australia’s most important World Cup qualifiers and we look forward to getting our Socceroos over the line in front of a sell-out crowd.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“Our World Cup dream is up for grabs – and there’s no better place than Melbourne for our Socceroos to book their spot to Russia.”
“With the best pitch in the country and most passionate fans, Victorians will do all they can to help our boys seal automatic qualification in September.”
Quotes attributable to Socceroos Coach Ange Postecoglou
“The next two matches in this campaign are extremely important for us. We are focused on two strong performances beginning with the challenge in Japan.”
“A capacity stadium in Melbourne supporting the team will be fantastic.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020