SYDNEY (AP) " Newly-signed Melbourne City veteran Tim Cahill is the only Australian-based player to feature in the Socceroos squad for two World Cup qualifying matches next month against Iraq at home and away to United Arab Emirates. Cahill, who has played 91 matches for Australia, is the Socceroos' all-time leading scorer with 47 goals. "Both Iraq and UAE present challenges for us and every player will need to be ready to hit the ground running," Postecoglou said. "We've now arrived at the final stage of World Cup qualifying, where we will face a stronger group of opponents in testing conditions." Asian champion Australia is playing in Group B in the last qualifying stage for Russia in 2018.

Source: New Zealand Herald August 17, 2016 01:41 UTC