Australia's opening qualifier with Qatar on Feb 6
First Published: Dec 13, 2007
Logo of the Australian Football Federation is seen in this file photo. Australia will begin their campaign to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in Melbourne on February 6 next year against Qatar, Football Federation Australia said Thursday.
Australia will begin their campaign to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in Melbourne on February 6 next year against Qatar, Football Federation Australia said Thursday.
Australia face a tough first phase of qualifying grouped alongside Asian champions Iraq, China and Qatar, with only the top two teams from the group moving to the second and final round of qualifying.
"This match will be absolutely crucial and it is very important that the team gets off to a positive start ahead of a long and challenging campaign," new Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek said here Friday.
"I am hoping that the stadium will be full of Australian supporters getting behind the team because making the most of home ground advantage will be vital throughout the Asian World Cup qualification matches."
It will be the first time Australia and Qatar have played each other.
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