PIC SPECIAL: Ange faces the media

Postecoglou has come under fire after Australia failed to claim automatic qualification for the 2018 World Cup. Fox Sports commentator Mark Bosnich has led the criticism, calling for change.

"The Australian football industry chewed me up and spat me out 10 years ago," Postecoglou said, referring to his time as Young Socceroos coach when he was sacked in 2007 after failing to reach the Under-20 World Cup.

"This is nothing new. It doesn't change my conviction for what's right for our game and our country.

Ange Postecoglou walks into the press conference room on Wednesday

"I believe even last night, as frustrating as it was, I love watching this team play.

"I won't be pushed into the shadows of Australian football history like others by bowing to certain parts.

"I've survived much worse than this. If anything it motivates me to keep going because I want to make sure Australian football gets on the right path."

Postecoglou also said little would change in his approach looking ahead to the play-offs, despite falling short of automatic qualification.

"I think the style and approach is what works for us and what will work for us," he said.

"It's such fine margins. We've ended up losing one game in the whole qualifying campaign. Japan and Saudi have lost two (Saudi Arabia lost three).

"You look at how last night went, we played well enough to win three games. You always reflect and want to be better. 

"I think our players have been fantastic throughout the whole qualifying series. It's been challenging.

"Nineteen points in the other group would've got you easy qualification. This has been a tough one."

Postecoglou said the scouting had already begun of play-offs opponents Syria.

Syria will host the first leg, likely in Malaysia, on October 5, before the Socceroos at home for the second leg, with the venue yet to be determined.

"We're always scouting the other group anyway, not only just in case but for future reference for Asian Cups," Postecoglou said.

"We've already got some information on them. Obviously it was a bit in the air who the opponent could be until the last minute. We'll home in all our work on them now." 

PIC SPECIAL: Ange faces the media