After a 32-year absence from the World Cup following their maiden qualification in 1974, Australia are now a permanent fixture on the biggest stage, marking a fifth consecutive appearance in Qatar.
The Aussies, however, have only progressed past the group stage once in their history (in 2006) and have bowed out at the group stage for the past three editions, winning just one World Cup game in that time.
With the hope of seeing their nation make the last 16 for just a second time, here’s how Australian fans can follow the Socceroos’ journey this winter.
The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) is a hybrid-funded public service broadcaster, with about 80% of funding for the company derived from the Australian Government. SBS is one of five main free-to-air networks in the country, operating six channels including SBS and SBS Viceland – both of which will be utilised to broadcast World Cup fixtures.
Australian fans will be treated to the experienced and widely regarded ‘voice of football’ Martin Tyler in the commentary box with Richard Bayliss, Niav Owens, Harry Kewell, Mark Bosnich, Craig Foster and Sarah Walsh also among the team.
Australia made the 2022 World Cup via a slightly prolonged journey.
A bye into the second round was wholeheartedly taken advantage of as the Socceroos won eight from eight to advance to the third round (consisting of two groups) with a minimum fuss.
A third-placed finish behind Saudi Arabia and Japan there, however, forced them into a play-off with the other third-placed team from the third qualifying round, in which they squirmed past the United Arab Emirates with a 2-1 victory to progress to an inter-confederation play-off.
In an even tighter contest, Graham Arnold’s men overcame Peru 5-4 on penalties to put their name in the hat for Qatar.
After that draining qualification process, Australia were drawn into Group D alongside reigning world champions France, Denmark and Tunisia. They’ll need talismanic favours from the likes of Aaron Mooy, Mathew Leckie, Jackson Irvine and Mitchell Duke, while also relying on defensive solidity from familiar faces Mat Ryan, Bailey Wright and Harry Souttar to make a shock appearance in the last 16.
Location: Al Wakrah
Stadium: Al Janoub Stadium
Date: 22 November
Kick-off time: 19:00 (GMT)
Referee: TBC
TV channel/stream: SBS, SBS On Demand
Location: Al Wakrah
Stadium: Al Janoub Stadium
Date: 26 November 2022
Kick-off time: 10:00 (GMT)
Referee: TBC
TV channel/stream: SBS, SBS On Demand
Location: Al Wakrah
Stadium: Al Janoub Stadium
Date: 30 November 2022
Kick-off time: 15:00 (GMT)
Referee: TBC
TV channel/stream: SBS, SBS On Demand
Credit: 90min.com
