Last-in Socceroos complete Confeds line-up

Jun 15, 2017 - 8:36 PM The Socceroos are sleeping soundly after completing a marathon 30-hour transit to Sochi for the Confederations Cup.

Ange Postecoglou's side were the last of the eight nations competing in the tournament to arrive in Russia.

Their first-up opponents, world champions Germany, narrowly beat Australia into the coastal city earlier on Thursday from a home training camp.

A double stopover from Melbourne lengthened the trip substantially.

A Dubai-Moscow flight took the side almost directly over Sochi, before the Socceroos doubled back from the Russian capital to arrive at their destination.

While Australia's journey was arduous, the Socceroos will find conditions in Sochi pleasing.

The most 'western' city of venues for the Confederations Cup, on first glance Sochi has more in common with the Gold Coast than a Soviet-era stereotype.

The city, strung out along a long stretch of Black Sea shoreline, is a popular tourist destination and is packed with families enjoying Russia's warmest pocket.

There are shades of Homebush - albeit on a grander scale - in the Sochi Olympic precinct that the Socceroos have based themselves near and will play at on Monday night.

And there's none of the heat or hostility that has come with recent trips to Iran, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and UAE for World Cup qualifiers.

Dylan McGowan, who made his Socceroos debut against Brazil before jetting out with the squad, said after the "biggest point in his career" came most likely the longest transit of his life.

"It's been a long journey. The boys have really put in the miles," he said, backing the side to quickly dispose of their jetlag.

"It's the best set-up I've ever seen in terms of the staff and everything that goes into it."

Source: AAP