FIFA World Cup 2018 Group C: Australia

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - Australia will be participating in its fifth World Cup finals when they face France, Denmark and Peru in in the Group C.

The Socceroos had to go through three group stage phases and a playoff matchup to book their tickets to Russia.

They managed to oust Honduras with scores of 0-0 and 3-1 in the intercontinental playoffs knockout phase, thanks to a hat-trick performance by 33-year-old team captain Mile Jedinak.

Jedinak scored 10 times in the qualifying stages, while 38-year-old Tim Cahill scored 11 times for Australia.

Australia has participated four times in the World Cup before. Their best record is reaching the Round of 16 in Germany back in 2006.

Confirmed 23-men squad of Australia:

Goalkeepers: Mathew Ryan (Brighton & Hove Albion), Danny Vukovic (Genk), Brad Jones (Feyenoord)

Defenders: Aziz Behich Eraltay (Bursaspor), Milos Degenek (Yokohama F. Marinos), Matthew Jurman (Suwon Bluewings), James Meredith (Millwall), Josh Risdon (Western Sydney), Trent Sainsbury (Grasshoppers)

Midfielders: Mile Jedinak (Aston Villa), Jackson Irvine (Hull City), Robbie Kruse (Bochum), Massimo Luongo (Queens Park Rangers), Mark Milligan (El Ahli), Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield Town), Tom Rogic (Celtic)

Forwards: Tim Cahill (Millwall), Tomi Juric (Luzern), Matthew Leckie (Hertha Berlin), Andrew Nabbout (Urawa Red Diamonds), Dimitri Petratos (Newcastle Jets), Daniel Arzani (Melbourne City), Jamie Maclaren (Hibernian)

Manager: Bert van Marwijk