Melaka: James Troisi believes Australia have what it takes to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 as they prepare to take on Syria in the first leg of the continental play-off on Thursday.
Having finished third in Group B, Australia now have plenty to do in order to make a fourth successive World Cup, with the winners of two-legged tie between the Socceroos and the Qasioun Eagles set to take on the fourth-ranked team from CONCACAF for the right to appear in Russia next year.
Australia are unlikely to have it their own way in Malaysia, the Syrians’ temporary home base where they have yet to taste defeat and have held Asian powerhouses Islamic Republic of Iran and Korea Republic to scoreless draws.
“All credit to them, they’re in this position because they deserve to be,” said Troisi, whose goal against Korea Republic in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup final saw his nation crowned continental champions after a 2-1 victory.
“We’re in the position we are because we couldn’t qualify directly. Both teams will want to go to the World Cup, but we’re quietly confident we can get the job done.
“I think we need to make sure we do the things that we know how to do right. We know the formation that works, so if we get those things right then it’s very difficult to play against us.”
Having missed Australia’s first five qualifying games in Group B, Troisi’s domestic form earned him a recall to the national team ahead of the 1-1 draw with Iraq in Tehran in what was Ange Postecoglou’s side’s fourth straight draw.
The Melbourne Victory forward has been part of the squad ever since, although the return to winning ways - which saw Australia win three of their final four qualifiers - came too late as Saudi Arabia pipped the Socceroos to automatic qualification by virtue of goal difference.
“It’s very disappointing [not qualifying directly] because we couldn’t make it happen for whatever reason,” added Troisi.
“We can’t sit and sulk about it, we have to work hard and make sure that come Thursday night we get off to a good start and then being back home in Sydney [for the second leg] will make a massive difference.
“We know what we have to do to qualify and everyone wants to go to the World Cup and that’s in the back of our minds. It’s big for players personally, but as a nation we know what’s at stake.”
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com