FIFA World cup Qatar 2022 : It's been a thrilling ride to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar for Australia.
The Socceroos reached their fifth consecutive World Cup finals after unlikely hero Andrew Redmayne made a spectacular save to beat Peru 5-4 on penalties in June's intercontinental play-offs. Australian manager Graham Arnold's gamble to replace captain Matt Ryan with third-choice goalkeeper Redmayne paid off and the victory sent the Socceroos to Qatar.
Now Australia are seeking to write a new chapter in the country's football history.
"I think we're on the right path to make a next step on that Golden Generation in 2006," Australia and Columbus Crew defender Milos Degenek told SNTV in September.
The Socceroos led by talisman Tim Cahill qualified for the last 16 during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but lost to eventual champions Italy.
Known as the perennial underdogs, Australia will face familiar foes: defending champions France and Denmark in Group D.
Both nations were drawn against Australia at the 2018 World Cup in Russia as well.
Australia will be led by FC Copenhagen goalkeeper Matt Ryan - who has two World Cups under his belt. Celtic's Aaron Mooy is expected to link up with Hellas Verona's Ajdin Hrustic in midfield.
Hrustic is one of the Socceroos' stars to watch. The 26-year-old is the first Australian to win the UEFA Europa League with his previous club Germany's Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this year.
Awer Mabil will also be looking to leave his mark at football's biggest stage.
The winger for Spanish side Cadiz is expected to dazzle after scoring a screamer to give Australia a 1-0 win over New Zealand in Brisbane in September.
Australia are in Group D alongside defending champions France, Denmark and Tunisia.
The Aussies have played 16 games in the FIFA World Cup out of which they have won 2 and lost 10.
Mat Ryan (Copenhagen), Andrew Redmayne (Sydney FC), Danny Vukovic (Central Coast Mariners)
Milos Degenek (Columbus Crew), Fran Karacic (Brescia), Nathaniel Atkinson (Hearts), Bailey Wright (Sunderland), Aziz Behich (Dundee United), Kye Rowles (Hearts), Harry Souttar (Stoke City), Joel King (OB), Thomas Deng (Albirex Niigata)
Ajdin Hrustic (Verona), Aaron Mooy (Celtic), Riley McGree (Middlesbrough), Jackson Irvine (St. Pauli), Keanu Baccus (St Mirren), Cameron Devlin (Hearts)
Martin Boyle (Hibernian), Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City), Jamie Maclaren (Melbourne City), Awer Mabil (Cadiz), Mitchell Duke (Fagiano Okayama), Craig Goodwin (Adelaide United), Jason Cummings (Central Coast Mariners), Garang Kuol (Central Coast Mariners)
Australia vs France - 23rd Nov; 12:30 AM IST – Al Wakrah Sports Club
Australia vs Tunisia - 26th Nov; 3:30 PM IST – Al Wakrah Sports Club
Australia vs Denmark – 30th Nov; 8:30 PM IST- Al Wakrah Sports Club
FIFA World Cup will be live telecast on Sports18 and Sports18 HD in India
All FIFA World Cup 2022 matches will be available to all viewers for free on JioCinema; JioCinema is available to download for all telecom operators.
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