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By Henry Hanson
Topic:Socceroos
Star midfielder Jackson Irvine makes his long-awaited international comeback as the Socceroos face South American opposition for the first time in over two years.
Today's match against Venezuela in Houston is the first of a US double-header which concludes with a clash against Colombia in New York on Wednesday.
Positive results this week will aid Australia's hopes of receiving an easier draw for next year's World Cup, also in North America.
Follow all the action from Houston in our live blog below.
By Henry Hanson
The lively Luis Balbo has been trying to run off a knock for a little while now, but eventually sits down on the field and the Venezuelan medical staff are ushered onto it.
It looks like they're telling him to come off but Balbo wants to continue and it looks like he'll get his wish – after a prolonged pause in play we restart with Balbo waiting on the touchline to re-enter the play.
By Henry Hanson
Surely, “Houston, we have lift off” was the opening line begging for a start. Go Aussies!
– Mike
I feel like missing that one is almost a sackable offence, isn't it….
G'day Mike, thanks for joining us!
By Henry Hanson
That is a moment of real quality from debutant Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach.
Luis Balbo whips in a tantalising cross from deep on the left and centre-forward Jesus Ramirez is diving at full stretch and making good contact with his head.
It's a bullet header, and Beach does incredibly well to get a strong hand to the ball and parry it behind for a corner.
By Henry Hanson
So, it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, considering the way that Tony Popovic sets up this Socceroos side, but Venezuela have had the lion's share of possession early on in Houston.
The inexperienced South Americans, missing star players like Salomon Rondon and Tomas Rincon, have recycled and recirculated the ball well, without creating any clear-cut chances.
Their latest set of passes ends in a shot from outside the box, which is easily saved by Patrick Beach low down.
By Henry Hanson
Mo Toure is looking very, very sharp early on in Houston.
This time, he's circling on the right-hand edge of the penalty area and snapping a shot goalwards.
It's into the side netting and Venezuela survives.
By Henry Hanson
It's the Socceroos' first meaningful raid forward and the red-hot Mo Toure goes very close!
Craig Goodwin whips a lovely, curled ball down the left-hand touchline and Toure bends his run beautifully.
Toure makes his way into the penalty area and gets a side-footed shot away.
It looks like it's destined to go between the keeper's legs but it's saved. Just.
By Henry Hanson
Australia, wearing their zany yellow and green swirl of a kit, kicks-off.
It's not quite a sell-out crowd in Houston. Lots of empty seats.
Venezuela, wearing deep burgundy, settle quickly, and have the first meaningful foray forward.
Debutant Luis Balbo drives a shot from outside the box just wide of the post.
By Henry Hanson
The two teams have walked out onto the turf in Houston and are lined up for the national anthems.
Three debutants for Australia from the start, with Patrick Beach starting in goal, Kai Trewin at the back, and Paul Okon-Engstler in the middle.
We're not far away, folks…
By Henry Hanson
Earlier this week, ABC Sport's Amanda Shalala dived into the Socceroos' preparation for next year's World Cup, as well as Miloš Degenek and the art of manifestation.
By Henry Hanson
Today's game has a little bit more meaning than your average international friendly; for Australia, anyway.
The Socceroos are currently ranked 26th in the world, sitting on 1584 points.
But if they can climb up into the top 24 places in time for next year's World Cup, they will receive a much more favourable draw for the tournament.
Victories against Venezuela and Colombia this week could see them do just that.
By Henry Hanson
Australia and Venezuela begin their international friendly in Houston, Texas at 8:30pm local time, which is:
By Henry Hanson
It has been a chaotic year or so for Venezuela.
The world's 50th ranked team failed to qualify for next year's World Cup, sacked their coach, and have cycled through a number of interim coaches and new players.
26 members of the 30-man squad for today's match have two international caps or less!
Telasco Segovia is one to watch in midfield – he plays with none other than Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in the MLS.
By Henry Hanson
Tony Popovic names a youthful lineup to take on Venezuela in Houston.
Patrick Beach, Paul Okon-Engstler and Kai Trewin are all set to make their maiden international appearances, while the exciting duo of Mo Toure and Nestory Irankunda start up top.
Craig Goodwin looks to be starting at left wing-back in the place of the injured Jordy Bos, while Jackson Irvine and Riley McGree make their international returns from the bench.
By Henry Hanson
Hello everyone and welcome to ABC Sport's online coverage of the Socceroos vs Venezuela in Houston, Texas.
It is the first time Australia has played South American opposition in more than two years — and with World Cup seeding on the line, this is an international friendly with a little extra meaning.
Jackson Irvine, after missing the last three international windows, returns for the 'Roos, while Riley McGree also comes back into the fold.
My name's Henry Hanson and I'll be here to guide you through every moment of the action.
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