Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou has laid down the law for stadiums and sporting bosses. Credit:Getty Images "Hopefully the curators around Australia are listening because we will be playing in tough conditions overseas so whenever we play here we have to have the advantage." All the qualifiers are in two-game blocks where the Socceroos will play twice within a short time frame and two of those windows see the Socceroos playing in Australia after an away game. "I'll have some say over it and some will be around looking at the logistical challenges we may have," Postecoglou said. "So coming back into Australia and what are the easiest ports of access."

Postecoglou said any state governments who request a game need to come with their biggest stadiums and best pitches, adding it was no longer acceptable to come home to a torn up playing surface even during the winter months. "If state governments want us it's up to them to make a pitch for us and we aren't fixed to one place or another," Postecoglou said. "We want the best possible place and the best possible venues. "The Saudi Arabian crowd will be hostile and we'll face a similar scenario in Japan. "I reckon the Thais will pack out their stadium for us as well.

"Hopefully our guys can feel invincible at home." Melbourne City and Socceroos defender Ivan Franjic said the next stage of qualifying would be a "challenge". "It's a bit of a tough draw but it's a new one and I know the players there and the coaching staff it's a new challenge," he said on Wednesday. "Everyone is looking to a new challenge ahead because the way the Socceroos have played over the last couple of years. "It's been exciting for the public and it's not going to stop, it's going to get more exciting and we are looking forward to qualifying for Russia."

Postecoglou has also focused his side on the early fixtures which start on September 1 against Iraq in Australia then September 6 away to UAE. The Socceroos coach also expressed his relief FIFA and the Greek FA had solved their dispute which could have seen the Greece national team unable to play against the Socceroos in their two friendlies in Australia in June - two games Postecoglou said were vital to preparing for September's qualifiers. "It would have been a disaster if we didn't get those two games," Postecoglou said. "It would have left a massive hole in our calendar. "Greece is rebuilding their side but has still got real quality in the team.

"I'm hoping to see massive crowds and to give our players a taste for what's ahead. "I always knew it would get sorted out, us Greeks always like to leave it late." With Andrew Tate Socceroos 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers Thursday, 1 September 2016 - Australia v Iraq

Tuesday, 6 September 2016 - UAE v Australia Thursday, 6 October 2016 - Saudia Arabia v Australia Tuesday, 11 October 2016 - Australia v Japan Tuesday, 15 November 2016 - Thailand v Australia Thursday, 23 March 2017 - Iraq v Australia

Tuesday, 28 March 2017 - Australia v UAE Thursday, 8 June 2017 - Australia v Saudia Arabia Thursday, 31 August 2017 - Japan v Australia Tuesday, 5 September 2017 - Australia v Thailand