Sydney to host Socceroos qualifiers

Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the NSW Government made the announcement on Wednesday evening.

Both matches will be played at ANZ Stadium with the Matchday 7 qualifier against Oman to take place on Tuesday 26 March 2013 and the Matchday 10 qualifier against Iraq to take place on Tuesday 18 June 2013.

"As Australia's global tourism and events city, Sydney is a fitting destination for these 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian qualification matches," Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner said.

The Socceroos are aiming to secure direct qualification to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil by finishing in the first two places in the group that also includes Japan, Iraq, Jordan and Oman.

"The home matches are crucial on the road to Brazil and we know the Socceroos get a real lift from vocal and passionate football fans across Australia," FFA CEO Ben Buckley said.

Socceroos midfielder Brett Emerton, who is an FFA and ANZ Stadium ambassador, welcomed the news.

"The Socceroos get a fabulous reception everywhere, but it's special for me to be able to play in my home town in front of family and friends," he said.

"Sydney and ANZ Stadium will always have that special history with that unforgettable night against Uruguay in 2005, but we need to do it all again to make sure Australia qualifies for Brazil in 2014."

Australia kicks off its home campaign in this phase of qualifying against Japan in Brisbane on Friday 12 June.

The Socceroos' other home match will be played against Jordan in Melbourne, in a venue yet to be decided, on Tuesday 11 June 2013.