Doors open 6pm Game Kicks off 6:35 pm
Free entry full club is welcome seniors and juniors (all juniors get a free soft drink)
Will be a few snacks available as well.

You wanted edge on your seat World Cup qualifying theatre again? Well, here we are then.

Those who wanted a return to a gripping World Cup qualifying scenario – be careful what you wish for, because you have got it.

The Socceroos’ 2018 World Cup qualifying destiny is in their hands – but, make no mistake, the next week is monumental for Australian football – starting with a veritable grand final in Japan, where it is a non-negotiable requirement of returning from Saitama to Melbourne with at least a point against the Samurai Blue to retain control of the country’s World Cup fate.

The easy equation is this: four points gets Ange Postecoglou’s side to Russia.

PRESSURE: Why some Japan fans want Socceroos to win

Japan currently lead group B on 17 points (9 goal difference), with Saudi Arabia (7) and Australia (+6) on 16 points – split only by goal difference.

Saudi Arabia, level with the Socceroos on 16 points and with a superior goal difference, play United Arab Emirates on Tuesday night before Australia’s clash with arch rivals Japan.

On paper, you would expect the Saudis – so impressive in this round of qualifying – to get maximum points against the Emiratis, although it is away from home.

Should the Saudis win, Group B would read – Saudi Arabia 19, Japan 17, Australia 16 – when the game kicks off in Japan on Thursday night, with the green and gold sitting in third place, outside the automatic qualifying position.

United Arab Emirates are, in all probability, out of the running for third, so this week is a fascinating and high stakes showdown between the Japanese, Saudis and Australians for two automatic spots into the 2018 World Cup, with third place needing to negotiate two play-off ties to get through: one, against the third place in Asia’s Group A. Whoever succeeds, then faces the fourth placed country in North and Central America.

Location

Edinburgh Oval Club House