Here’s an Interesting question. Is World Cup Qualification a win-at-all-costs scenario?
If the answer is yes then we need to consider playing our home games in Europe for the current rounds of qualification.
So far in the current round of World Cup Qualification, we have played three home games: Bahrain, China and Saudi Arabia.
For these three games, we have picked up just four points; one win, one draw and one loss.
Hardly convincing results when a minimum should have been seven points. All these three games were played in Australia as the first of the two in each qualification window of matches.
All three home games were played on a Thursday night. Some players don’t arrive in Australia until Tuesday given weekend club matches in Europe. Not great preparation for a World Cup qualifier.
I think a couple of other factors need to be considered. Firstly, Bahrain were in Australia for ten days before the match on the Gold Coast.
Some of these countries have the ability to do this when the majority of their players play in their domestic leagues.
Secondly, Australia is in an extremely unique position given the majority of our players play their club football in Europe.
For travel purposes, Australia is the greatest travel distance for any team apart from the Oceania Confederation.
Given we have played our home game first in each window, the advantage has been quite minimal compared to all other nations. In each home game, we have looked slow and tired, which is a key sign of being jet-lagged.
Socceroos giant Harry Souttar celebrates scoring. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
If the main goal is World Cup qualification, then we should consider moving home games to Europe.
The majority of our players are already based there and it gives our players the advantage. Our players are familiar with the conditions, they play and train in them daily.
Home games in London at a Championship or League One ground would work well I believe. Two possibilities are either Queens Park Rangers ground, Loftus Road – or Charlton Athletics ground, The Valley. They would be good venues.
Swindon Town’s ground holds nearly 16,000. Not far out of London and the club is owned by an Australian. Expats and overseas travellers would make sure that we get a decent ground with strong support.
Games could then be shown on TV at 7am on Friday mornings here in Australia – brilliant time – and regular football supporters are already used to that timeslot.
Look not ideal but if we want direct qualification then this is our best opportunity.
I’m sure the players would agree. Once qualification is secured then any remaining home games could be played in Australia.
All mid-year friendly matches could also be played in Australia
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