Group H contains only four teams compared to five teams in all other groups after North Korea withdrew from the competition. Therefore, the results against the fifth-placed team were not counted when determining the ranking of the runner-up teams.

Should Qatar win Group E or be among the four best runners-up, they will advance to 2023 AFC Asian Cup only. The fifth best runner-up will take Qatar's place in the World Cup qualifying third round.

We can lose to both Kuwait and Jordan and still qualify. If they draw against each other, we're essentially guaranteed to finish first even if they both beat us.

As long as we win against Taiwan and Nepal, the worst we can finish is 2nd, and even then would surely go through as one of the 5 best runners up. So there's really no need to worry too much. It would take something extraordinary for us to miss out. 

Hmmm, I am an eternal Socceroos worrier, forever scarred by 1997. So despite your well made out logic, I remain worried. I’ll be even more worried in the next round!

I dunno, I can see us losing to Kuwait then drawing Chinese Taipei. Kuwait beat jordan then we have to beat jordan to qualify in the last game.... not a good idea.

Would be amazed if we don't sail through (reasonably) comfortably. I think there is a lot of ability in the squad and a heap of pace. Very much looking forward to these games.

I know Arnie has mainly played 4231 but would love to see him go with 433 (with overlapping fullbacks) to get more attackers into the final third.

Maty Ryan has posted himself in his blacked keeper kit. Don't recall seeing it before. Looks good. Always annoying how it's hard to find the keeper kit for purchase. 

Japan vs Myanmar in 15min. 

Rukavytsya coming into camp with back to back golden boots. Good competition for the strikers spot. Given Maclaran is already in camp, he will probably get the nod in the first match. That said, I imagine the flight in for Ruka is only a couple of hours, from Israel.

https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2021/05/28/kuwait-to-jail-fine-anyone-who-deals-with-israel

😬

Ridiculous. Hopefully the FA has sorted this out in advance. Absolutely disgraceful if he’s punished or not allowed to come into camp. 

Jesus. Will Ruka make it out of there?!

It would be disgraceful if Ruka was subjected to this but if there is any risk of punishment he would be mad to turn up. He’ll get no protection from FIFA. 

So what is everyone’s starting 11 and subs to come on for the first game!!
I really want to see something radical and new!

https://www.the-afc.com/competitions/afc-asian-cup/news/latest-update-on-asian-qualifiers-group-a-matches

Syria, Maldives and Philippines somehow struggling to enter China. 

I’d start with a 4-3-2-1. 

Yeah Sainsbury isn't exactly new to it and played a full half season there for Zürich. Surely even against Kuwait it can't go terribly wrong. Given he circumstances I'd even take a goalless draw against Kuwait. Anything to advance and have it sorted. 

How much insight will the two minnow games give us? Not much. It will be great to see the new players get a run but until we can see them play more against the tougher teams the jury is still out. Can only play what's in front of you. I wish we had a Nations League. Arab Cup making a return. Can we maybe arrange an ASEAN thing after the next Asian Cup? Calendar is rammed anyway.

I am also keen to see Karacic and Dougall at some stage.

I think Arnold will start with something like this -

                                                       Ryan
                   Grant             Souttar           Degenek            Smith
                                                    Sainsbury             
                                           Irvine
                                                           Hrustic
                              Boyle                                          Rukavytsa
                                                     Maclaren                


I am also keen to see  Karacic, Dougall, Mcgree, Metcalfe, Genreau and Tonyik all make their debuts as some stag during the next four games. Nepal and Taiwan games are the perfect opportunity to do this.

National team football month coming up.  

It will be good to see the team play again. The Socceroos are the only reason I watch football. The only games I usually watch aside from Socceroos games are games that involve Socceroos players or potential Socceroos players lol. Weird I know but still, it's good days again.

Literally me too - you are not alone!

Yea mate you’re not alone. That’s me to a tee. I’d stay up and watch the Armenia seventh division if it means watching a potential Socceroo. 

Add me to the Socceroos obsession and the reason why I watch football, which started for me in the 1980s and escalated in the 1990s.  I remember games against Scotland and Argentina in the 1990s, and before that in the 1980s against visiting Euro clubs from England, Greece and Italy.  Watching a young Kewell and then Viduka in the EPL was all about the Socceroos for me. And that match in 1997 haunted me until 2005.  Nothing better than a Socceroos match. 

Yep Harry couldn’t agree more. 

I feel like since I joined this forum I’m more passionate about AUSSIEs abroad and the a league then watching liverpool play 

Haha I bought Huddersfield & Brighton jerseys when Mooy was playing there. I just support the team's the Socceroos play for. New favourite club - Blackpool & King Kenny

I was there on 16 Nov 2005. Best sporting event ever for me. Gate H, Aisle 320, Row 7, Seat 6. The ticket is framed and sits on my desk in my study. Basically I was behind the end where the penalties were taken. INSANE!

                           Ryan 
             Sains      souttar   Deg       
   Lecks           Irvine       Holland         Smith 
                Hrustic               Boyle 
                               Macca
                    

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                    Hrustic AMC
          Macca  RF            Ruka LF