Australia was drawn in Group C for the tournament and will now play France in Kazan (16 June), Denmark in Samara (21 June), and Peru in Sochi (26 June) at next year’s international showpiece. 

Milicic was one of Australia’s representatives at the Final Draw in Moscow, and after witnessing Italian great Fabio Cannavaro select the  Socceroos in Group C, he said that the nation ought to be pleased with its draw. 

“We have to be satisfied with our draw,” said Milicic.

“It is obvious when you are in Pot 4 that you are going to come up against three strong opponents, and if you look at the FIFA rankings that’s what we’ve got.”

“Logistically it (the draw) has worked out really well for us. Playing the first game in Kazan where our team base is is definitely an advantage.

"And to close the Group Stage we must be pleased to go back to Sochi, a city and Stadium that we visited during the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.” 

“We know that in tournaments like this you need to start well and that’s what we’ll intend to do.

"We will approach this group with the aim to progress to the next round, and I am sure that the players will be looking forward to the challenge.

"They (the players) will be looking forward to the friendly matches that we will have in March, as well as the preparation games that we will play prior to our arrival in Kazan next June,” concluded Milicic.