Interview with James Johnson from Feb 4 said we should see Australia play in March but it's not clear in which country.

Logistics will be the key. 

I agree but trust bloody West Asia to offer to host it all. Why can't it be done in South Korea or Japan? Or even, bring it all to Australia! 

I think plenty of groups might end up in West Asia if their governments allow easy access in/out.

It could skew groups where West Asian teams are battling to get through.

With Australia's rigid quarantine I really don't think there is much chance to play at home in March or June.

Thankfully we are in a strong position and shouldn't need home advantage to get through.

For me the largest issue is the next qualifiers are only 5 weeks away and it sounds like Australia doesn't know what the plan is for sure.

It doesn't fill me with confidence that the matches will be played.

A media release from our administrators would be welcome, giving some sort of update. 

https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/fa-ceo-johnson-spearheads-bid-to-host-june-world-cup-hub

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/socceroos-sweat-on-hosting-wc-hub-or-face-worst-case-forfeit-fear-20210218-p573mf.html

4 games on home soil in a hub in one window would be pretty cool if our government would support it. Almost like a mini tournament in itself. 

I can’t believe I’m gonna say this but don’t have it in melbourne it’s been bad enough with the tennis we’re sick of lockdown and hearing all this crap plz do it anywhere else 

Wouldn’t be surprised if Gladys grabs it for nsw! They already stole Rip Curl Pro at Bells from Vic after 60 years of tradition (just an example)

Taiwan would be fine hosts, they haven't had a double-digit seven-day average of new cases since April 2020. Not sure what their quarantine arrangements are though.

Any chance of relaxations on quarantine for WCQs in Australia surely aren't worth serious discussion.

I love the Socceroos but don’t believe a hub should go ahead in Australia unless it involves the two week quarantine. The players will be coming from all over the world, some vaccinated, some not, and even those who are vaccinated might still transmit the disease. It’s just not worth it without some sort of quarantine. If another country is happy to roll the dice, let them I say. 

As long as we don't forfeit AND we qualify for the next round I will be happy.

not happenning, as far as I know its cancelled period return '22.

https://www.the-afc.com/competitions/afc-asian-cup/news/update-on-upcoming-asian-qualifiers-in-march-and-june

All postponed except 4 games including our game in Nepal. March 30. 3pm local time.

So that's 11:15am CET. 20:15 Sydney time.

"the AFC will open the invitation to Member Associations to host their respective groups in a centralised format and will confirm and communicate in due course the match schedule for the June 2021 international window, where the centralised qualifying matches are scheduled to take place from 31 May to June 15, 2021."

Surely we can host the rest of the group games? lets get the ball rolling now FFA... get the gov't on board... no reason we cant do it... all teams 2 week quarantine in training facility/hotel? good for the economy, etc.

This round of qualifiers is going to be a bit of a nightmare for AFC in particular I feel with so many countries having overseas based players most based in countries with such a different quarantine situation to the other.. Its going to be like herding cats to manage to get through all the necessary games in this block.... Could be a blessing in disguise for the Socceroos but it could also hurt us...... 

https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/aussie-keeper-s-wild-adventure-from-toowoomba-to-england-portugal-usa

Great read. 

Asian qualification is back. Tajikistan host Mongolia. Big game for Tajikistan to maximise their points to get through behind Japan. They've scored but 6 games and 10 points presents a fairly weak chance.

Qatar beat Luxemburg 1:0

FT: Jordan 🇯🇴 1 - 0 🇱🇧 Lebanon

Jordan edge Lebanon in a friendly match thanks to a second-half goal from Musa Al Taamari!

Yep, whoever finishes runner up in Group F are unlikely to progress unless they can snag a win over Japan and other results fall their way.

Japan lead Mongolia. Saudi vs Palestine later. 

Japan scraping through with a 14-0 win. Qualification all but certain. 27-0 over five games.

Qatar drew 1:1 with Ireland. Don't mind their stuffing it to some uefa teams at the moment as the smugness of how they'd walk Asia does my head in. 

Are the Europeans using these Qatar friendly matches to play their B/C Squad ? If so the better Asian teams should be winning even on neutral territory, definitely so when Ireland’s best is particularly bad at the moment.

Ireland had a decent side. Of course they're very demotivated due to their Luxembourg loss and just want to see the end of this window. 

Risdon is out injured again.

““He had the first set of scans [yesterday] and it’s not looking good,” Rudan on Wednesday. “We’ll get more information today, there’s a second set of scans he needs to do, but it’s not looking good initially. 

“Best case scenario is two to three weeks. Worst case scenario is a lot worse than that – [potentially] season ending. “

Very unfortunate he’s injured again but fortunately we have a number of good options coming through who can hopefully challenge for a spot in the squad in the near future.

Thank goodness the next qualifiers fast approach and this thread can come to life again!

Bumped, in the hope that discussion about the June qualifiers and preferred squads and XIs continues on this sacred thread.

I am particularly looking forward to seeing Souttar, Boyle, Hrustic, McGree and Irvine feature.