'Massive' advantage for Caltex Socceroos in World Cup draw

Ante Milicic believes the Caltex Socceroos will benefit from a favourable schedule in a World Cup group that could be decided by fine margins.

Australia will meet heavyweights France on 16 June before completing its Group C engagements against Denmark on 21 June and Peru on 26 June.

While Les Bleus are favourites to advance on top, Milicic is encouraged by getting underway in Kazan - scene of the team's home base.

"I think we're satisfied. We have to be. Not so much with the opponents, we knew we would get a difficult group and it is," assistant coach Milicic told SBS' The World Game.

"But I think logistically it's a massive [bonus] for us. To kick off our first game in Kazan, where we're based, I think is going to be a good advantage for us coming into that first game.

"We finish off the third group game in Sochi and we're familiar with that stadium. We were just there recently for the Confederations Cup.

"But also if you look at the second group game against Denmark there's not a lot of travel in there as well.

"I think we've done okay in that department."

Handed what is regarded as a tough but manageable trio of opponents, Milicic expects the Caltex Soccceroos' squad will relish the challenge.

"The players will be excited I'm sure. They're a very close group and they've been waiting for this day," he said.

"They deserve to be here first and foremost. I'm sure they'll be ready."