The Socceroos will play in Melbourne for the first time in more than four years when they host Vietnam in a must-win World Cup qualifier at AAMI Park early next year.
The January 27 match will be the first appearance of the national team in the Victorian capital since September 2017, when the Socceroos, then coached by Ange Postecoglou, defeated Thailand 2-1 in a qualifier for the 2018 World Cup.
A combination of factors – lately, chiefly tight COVID-19 restrictions – have ensured that NSW has been home for the Socceroos and Matildas in recent games.
But the Victorian government – whose major events fund is underwriting the game – and the FA hope that local fans will cram AAMI Park and fill it to its near-30,000 capacity for a game in which the Socceroos simply cannot slip up following a recent loss to Japan and disappointing draws against Saudi Arabia and China that have left their qualification for Qatar 2022 in jeopardy.
Football Australia boss James Johnson and Socceroos coach Graham Arnold joined the state’s Sports Minister Martin Pakula to confirm the fixture.
“We’re delighted that the Socceroos, who have a long and proud association with the city of Melbourne and state of Victoria, will return to Melbourne,” Johnson said. “
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium [AAMI Park] is one of Australia’s best football-specific venues for both players and fans.
“The Victorian government have shown great support to bring this match to Melbourne.”
