Well, facing world powerhouse Brazil on Tuesday night might not be everyone's idea of a party, but in the context of the Socceroos itinerary, a meeting with the Selecao in front of a big crowd at the MCG with nothing much at stake might feel like light relief.
Ola Toivonen scored from the halfway line as Sweden grabbed a stoppage-time 2-1 win over France after a blunder by keeper Hugo Lloris, while Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as European champions Portugal won 3-0 at Latvia in World Cup qualifiers.
The Lionel Messi-led Argentina saw off their old rivals Brazil, winning 1-0 through a Gabriel Mercado goal just before the interval in front of more than 95,000 fans at the MCG in a quality friendly on Friday night.
Apparently you still need a Sherrin to sell the Socceroos to Victorians.
At this stage of the game, when World Cup qualification is balanced on a knife edge, a win is a win and the three points are all that matter – whether they are won with style or secured in ugly fashion.
The Saudis were in our country and that makes what they did grossly disrespectful.
There are inadvertent breaches of protocol. There are cultural misunderstandings. Such things are inevitable in international sport. But there is also downright insensitivity.
The move caused outrage among fans on social media, who accused the Saudis of failing to show respect.
Australian soccer chiefs on Thursday night sought to defuse growing outrage over what UK media has characterised as a Saudi Arabian snub for the memories of the eight victims of last weekend's London terrorist attack.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not expected to be offered a new contract by Manchester United with the club's 'retained list' set to be published imminently.
Antonio Conte's decision to dump Diego Costa by text threatens to cost Chelsea millions of pounds, despite a warning from the club's board that he will not be allowed to negotiate his own exit.
Australia's World Cup destiny remains in their own hands after a narrow 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia.
Small gestures make a big impact when they come from superstar Lionel Messi.
Jorge Sampaoli likes challenges, which is just as well.
Follow full live coverage as the Socceroos host Saudi Arabia in a third round World Cup Qualifier.
Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho says he'd relish playing alongside Aaron Mooy and suggested the Socceroos star be recalled to Pep Guardiola's first team instead of sold.
Paul Wade names Tom Rogic as next Socceroos captain ahead of crucial their World Cup clash.
Socceroos coach puts his faith in a trio of midfield sharpshooters in must-win World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia.
Think of a cliche about the beautiful game and Brazil is sure to come straight to mind.
To paraphrase Bob Dylan, when it rains, it pours in Australia's football codes.
There must be something in the water – or air – in Adelaide, certainly where breeding sibling Socceroos is concerned.
For the best part of three decades Saudi Arabia were the powerhouses of Asian Football.
The battle for immortality between Messi and Ronaldo hardly seems believable, writes Jonathan Liew.
Christiano Ronaldo has capped off arguably the best 12 months of his career by being announced as the cover athlete for FIFA 18.
Australian soccer's 'next big thing' has put career development ahead of the prospect of a bumper pay day.
Bayern Munich-based defender Rafinha says each game Brazil's national team plays is difficult, including friendlies, because every team desperately wants to beat the world famous "Selecao".
Former Ivory Coast and Newcastle United midfielder Cheick Tiote collapsed and died at the age of 30 in training with his Chinese club Beijing Enterprises.
Aaron Mooy, Australia's latest English Premier League star, admits that he has no idea what his future holds for next season.
It's all about goals. For years Australia could rely on proven top performers like Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell, Mark Bresciano, John Aloisi and Tim Cahill to deliver.
Adelaide United are set to appoint an experienced Bundesliga coach as the replacement for Gui Amor, instead of the former Argentinian star striker.
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