Global World Cup wrap: Spain ruthless, Argentina struggles
A global wrap of all the overnight action from World Cup qualifying.
Football
'I'm not going to waste my time': Postecoglou stares down critics
The critics are circling and Ange Postecoglou's future as national team coach is under increasing pressure as former stars line up to call for his head.
Cahill baffled by Socceroos' failure
Socceroo captain-for-the-night Tim Cahill – who may now not get the chance to achieve his ambition of scoring at four World Cups – was baffled by Australia's failure to score a bag of goals against Thailand.
Socceroos' next opponent has at least 13 players missing or government detention
As Syria's soccer team stepped onto an Iranian pitch late Tuesday to take an unprecedented shot at qualifying for its first World Cup tournament, the supporters who packed cafes across the region could have been forgiven for keeping their hopes in check.
The Socceroos' inability to finish teams off has cost them dear
Australia must take a long and winding road if it is to make it to Russia in 2018 after it could only finish third in its Asian World Cup qualifying group, despite a 2-1 victory over Thailand in the final match at AAMI Park.
Socceroos forced into play-offs for World Cup spot
Australia's worst fears were confirmed in the early hours of Wednesday morning, as a 1-0 win to Saudi Arabia over Japan saw them leapfrog the Socceroos into a direct qualifying spot for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Frustrated Postecoglou backs 'magnificent players'
An emotional Australia coach Ange Postecoglou paid tribute to his team.
Socceroos dominate Thais but can only scrape by on road to Russia
The Socceroos dominated Thailand, monopolised possession, shot on sight and tried everything they knew to finish a nervous World Cup qualifying campaign on a high at a packed AAMI Park in Melbourne.
Live: 2018 World Cup qualifier - Socceroos vs Thailand
The Socceroos need to beat Thailand to stand any chance of taking the direct route to Russia. They then need to win by as large a score as possible in case Saudi Arabia should beat Japan early the next morning and take the coveted runners up spot in their group.
European big guns move closer to World Cup berths
England had to come from behind to beat Slovakia 2-1 at Wembley on Monday, while Germany thrashed Norway 6-0 in a one-sided World Cup 2018 qualifier, with both teams closing in on a place in Russia.
Socceroos WCQ: High scoring wins not unknown - but they're often controversial
Teams needing to win games by a certain number of goals to qualify for tournaments, avoid relegation or gain promotion, is nothing new. But sometimes those results are shrouded in controversy, especially if they produce victories with a wide goal margin.
Postecoglou pays tribute to Cockerill as a champion of the local game
Australia's coach, Ange Postecoglou has joined in the tributes to former Fairfax soccer writer Michael Cockerill, who died from cancer last week, saying he was keenly feeling the loss of a man who was one of his biggest backers.
Game plan will take us to the World Cup: Postecoglou
As the critics circle and fears over Australia's ability to qualify for the World Cup mount, coach Ange Postecoglou remains defiant.
Belgium into World Cup, Dutch hopes stay alive
​Belgium qualified for next year's World Cup with two games to spare when they won 2-1 away to Greece.
Socceroo Jackson Irvine desperate for World Cup berth
Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine says Australia won't leave anything to chance against Thailand.
It looks like a gimme for the Socceroos, but ...
There is no margin for error for Australia when it hosts Thailand on Tuesday night at AAMI Park.
Mooy recovered and in frame for start against Thailand, Juric also in mix
A couple of years ago, he couldn't secure a place in the squad Ange Postecoglou chose for the Asian Cup.
Brilliant Isco leads Spain show of dominance over Italy
Two brilliant strikes from Isco and a late goal from Alvaro Morata gave Spain a 3-0 win over Italy, to move into the driving seat for automatic qualification to the 2018 World Cup.
Matildas sell out Brazil clash in Penrith
The Matildas will play Brazil in front of a bumper crowd of about 17,000 people this month after their clash at Penrith was announced as a sellout.
Socceroos must face up to qualifying reality against Thailand
It's crunch time in the battle for a place at next year's World Cup and the Socceroos are battling on at least two fronts.
Keep Calm and Score Goals. Australia has been here before
Before we all panic about Tuesday night and Australia's crucial World Cup qualifier against Thailand, let's stop, take a deep breath and remember.
Socceroos must stand and deliver - for Postecoglou and the nation
Disgruntled critics suggest the man who has masterminded the national team for almost four years might now be past his sell by date.
Night in the cells for 'drink driving' Wayne Rooney
​Wayne Rooney has been charged with drink-driving after he was stopped behind the wheel of a Volks-wagen Beetle near his ??6 million home early yesterday (Friday) morning.
Mike Cockerill predicted result of our sporting insularity
If columns could take the field with a black armband, one would be worn here for the late Mike Cockerill. By way of tribute, all we can do is echo one of that fine man's passionate themes.
Be brave bold and resolute and go for goal: Socceroos have no other option
If ever there was a moment to seize the day, make a huge statement and defy the odds, it is at hand for the Socceroos.
The Cockerill columns that defined a football era in Australia
In over 30 years of covering football for the Herald, Mike Cockerill filed hundreds of columns encompassing the full spectrum from NSW state league to World Cups. Below are extracts from five of the most memorable pieces Cockerill wrote over his distinguished career.
Mike Cockerill was a giant in Australian sports journalism
Fairfax Media sports writer Michael Cockerill has died, aged 56.
Canberra secures double young guns for W-League
Canberra United 'best friends' re-sign with the W-League club to launch their careers.
Sydney FC bolster squad with young midfielder Kalik
Defending A-League champions Sydney FC have added another of Graham Arnold's former charges to the ranks, signing teenage midfielder Anthony Kalik on loan from Hadjuk Split.
What the Socceroos need to keep their Cup dream alive
And so it now all comes down to this. Ninety minutes in Melbourne, next Tuesday night at a raucous AAMI Park when Australia tries to rekindle their World Cup dream against a Thailand team that has nothing to play for save pride.