The Socceroos are once again bound for the World Cup play-offs after failing to qualify directly for Qatar.<\/p>\n
Australia finished third in their group after a poor run saw them win just one of their last seven games.<\/p>\n
That means they'll now have to navigate two play-off matches if they are to make a fifth-straight World Cup.<\/p>\n
Here's what you need to know about what lies ahead for the Socceroos...<\/p>\n
The Socceroos will face the United Arab Emirates in the AFC third-place play-off.<\/p>\n
One win from seven games saw Australia finish third in their group, while UAE clinched the position after beating South Korea 1-0 in their final group game.<\/p>\n
The AFC third-place play-off is currently scheduled to take place somewhere in Qatar on June 7 or 8 (AEST).<\/p>\n
Unlike in 2017 when Australia beat Syria 3-2 on aggregate, all play-offs for the 2022 World Cup will consist of a single leg.<\/p>\n
The winner of the AFC play-off will then back up one week later against Peru aftertheyfinished fifth in CONMEBOL qualifying.<\/p>\n
The South Americans clinched the play-off place after beating Paraguay 2-0 on March 30 which saw them edge out Colombia by a single point.<\/p>\n
Peru faced off against Australia at the 2018 World Cup in Russia where they claimed a 2-0 win.<\/p>\n
The inter-continental play-off will also consist of a single leg played in Qatar.<\/p>\n
Australia are no strangers to a World Cup play-off having experienced plenty of heartache and some ecstasy over the years.<\/p>\n
In 2017, the Socceroos beat Syria 3-2 on aggregate in their AFC play-off before beating Honduras 3-1 across two legsin the inter-confederation play-off.<\/p>\n
In 2005 and still part of the Oceania confederation, Australia faced off against Uruguay with their inter-continental play-off ending 1-1 after two legs before the green and gold triumphed 4-2 on penalties in Sydney.<\/p>\n
The Socceroos had previously suffered plenty of pain in play-offs, falling short against Uruguay in 2001, Iran in 1997 and Argentina in 1993.<\/p>\n
Australia, UAE and Peru have been given a placeholder spot in Group D for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.<\/p>\n
Whichever nation triumphs in the final play-off game in June will then face France, Denmark and Tunisia in group matches later this year.<\/p>\n
The Socceroos and Peru both faced off against France and Denmark at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.<\/p>\n
France and Denmark progressed from the group on that occasion and will be the favourites to do so again.<\/p>\n
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See more here:<\/p>\n
Socceroos World Cup play-offs: When, where and possible opponents as Australia try to qualify for Qatar - Sporting News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Socceroos are once again bound for the World Cup play-offs after failing to qualify directly for Qatar. Australia finished third in their group after a poor run saw them win just one of their last seven games Continue reading