Aaron Mooy during the last match the Socceroos played in Perth, on September 3 last year.
Camera IconAaron Mooy during the last match the Socceroos played in Perth, on September 3 last year. Credit: Supplied/Paul Kane

Socceroos returning to Perth for World Cup qualifier against Iraq on September 1

Staff ReporterCity / West

Topics

WA is set to host the Socceroos’ first match in the final stage of World Cup qualification when Ange Postecoglou’s side returns to the Perth Rectangular Stadium on September 1.

Fans were treated to a feast of goals last year when the Socceroos ended a decade-long WA absence with a 5-0 win over Bangladesh.

However, as the Socceroos move further down the Road to Russia 2018, the opposition will be tougher with Iraq set to provide a stern test to the Asian champions.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

WA Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury, who missed last year’s Perth match, is desperate to play this time.

“Perth is my home town and I look forward to wearing the green and gold in front of my family and friends,” Sainsbury said.

“I missed the last game in Perth due to injury, so I’m happy we will be heading back there. The West Australian sporting public are passionate about football and I have no doubt we will walk out to a sell-out crowd when we face Iraq on September 1.”

Football West Chairman Liam Twigger was delighted Perth would be hosting such an important fixture.

“The Socceroos versus Iraq stands as the most important international football event ever to be played in WA,” Twigger said.

“Qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup is important for Australian football and Socceroos fans everywhere across the nation.

“Getting off to a good start is always important and it’s fantastic that people in Perth have the privilege of being part of such a significant event.”

Twigger thanked Premier Colin Barnett for State Government support, which was essential in securing hosting rights for the match.

“I commend the Premier and his Government for securing this major event in the face of very strong competition from other states,” Twigger said.

“We can see that the investment by the State Government in the Perth Rectangular Stadium continues to bring dividends for the game and the state.

“Having the Socceroos in Perth in September will build on the legacy; for the sport of football, for the international profile of the city and for the tourism economy.”

Perth Glory and Socceroos defender Josh Risdon was excited by the prospect of playing for his country in familiar surrounds.

“I’m fortunate to play my club football in front of family and friends but it would be an unbelievable experience to be part of a Socceroos squad for the match against Iraq in Perth,” he said.

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou was pleased to be returning to the city after the success of last year’s World Cup qualifier.

“The people of Perth and the facilities were fantastic when we played Bangladesh last year and we come to Perth in September safe in the knowledge we will be well looked after and play in front of a passionate green and gold crowd,” he said.

Perth’s facilities and the ability to transfer easily to Dubai for the clash with the United Arab Emirates on September 6 also played a significant part in the decision to play this match in Perth.

“Playing this game in Perth gives us the best possible opportunity to perform to our optimum for the first two matches of what will be a long and tough qualification,” Postecoglou said.

“The World Cup qualifiers present some logistical challenges for the team, especially on the double dates, and Perth is well placed to allow smooth passage to Dubai.”

MATCH DETAILS

Socceroos v Iraq

September 1, 2016

Perth Rectangular Stadium

6.30pm kick off

Tickets for the match will be on sale on Tuesday, June 21, to Members of the FFA Football Family, and Wednesday, June 22, for the general public.

Ticket Prices

General Public

Category A – $120 all tickets

Category B – $80 Adult, $60 Concession, $45 Child, $160 Family

Category C – $55 Adult, $40 Concession, $30 Child, $110 Family

Socceroos Active Area- $65 Adult, $50 Concession

Away Supporters – $55 Adult, $40 Concession, $30 Child, $110 Family

The Shed (standing) – $55 Adult, $40 Concession