FOX SPORTS - THERE’S plenty of hysteria over the future of World Cup qualifying thanks to FIFA’s decision to expand the tournament to 48 teams in 2026.
But in the here and now, the Socceroos are in the midst of a tight and tense campaign to secure qualification for the 2018 tournament in Russia next year.
Qualifying resumes in March against Iraq, but the game against the Lions of Mesopotamia is not just a must win game to pick up three points, away from home, against the side sitting fifth, after failing to do likewise in Thailand in 2016.
The game on 23 March will be played in neutral territory in Iran – the first time the Socceroos have returned to the country to play since the fateful game 20 years, the 1998 World Cup qualifier in Tehran in front of 128, 500 fans.
This weekend the Asian Football Confederation confirmed Australia’s clash with Iraq will take place at the PAS Stadium in Tehran, with kick-off time to be confirmed.
The stadium for the venue against Iraq will be a far cry from the famous 100,000 capacity Azadi Stadium, but, it will still be a poignant moment for Australian football, returning to Tehran 20 years after that fateful clash.
There will also be history made when the Socceroos head to the Middle East for the clash. It will be the first time an official, organised tour will take Australian football supporters to Iran to follow the Socceroos on their Road to Russia.
The last time Australia was in Iran ... 1997. Harry Kewell scores.
