After qualifying for the last 4 World Cup tournaments, the Socceroos’ dream of qualifying for a 5th in Qatar later this year is alive after beating the United Arab Emirates in Doha this morning. COVID interruptions notwithstanding, the Aussie men’s team have had a rough 6 months… After becoming the first nation in World Cup qualifying history to win 11 consecutive matches, the Socceroos faltered. It’s put the future of coach Graham Arnold up in the air, with Football Australia forced to issue a statement saying his job was safe – for now. Things are underway, and it’s one-goal a piece at send time. Next step: Peru next Tuesday, and if we win, we’re in.

If that doesn’t scratch your football itch, you can get your blue/maroon face on tonight with game 1 of the State of Origin series between NSW and Queensland in Sydney. The Blues are the favourites after claiming 3 of the last 4 series, but the Maroons are hoping that a new coach Billy Slater and a raft of new debutants will give them the winning edge.