The biggest World Cup ever is underway, and after an extensive preparation, Australia is about to enter the fray against Turkiye in Vancouver on Sunday.
This Socceroos squad has a hard act to follow. In Qatar in 2022, the Graham Arnold coached side achieved the Socceroos equal best ever finish at the tournament; bowing out in the Round of 16 after a 2-1 loss to eventual world champions Argentina. To eclipse that feat, Tony Popovic will need to achieve a quarterfinal finish and while that alone would undoubtedly capture the attention of a nation, the squad have placed no limits on what they believe they’re capable of.
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Socceroos World Cup prep heating up! | 00:47
CAN THE SOCCEROOS GET OUT OF THE GROUP?
Perceptions of Group D have changed since the draw was held in December last year. At the time, it was seen as a good draw for Australia, but upon further reflection and with Turkiye getting through the play-offs, it has transformed into the most even group at the tournament.
You could come up with several different finishing combinations and all would look logical. Popovic has been consistent in his messaging around mentality. He wants his players to believe they cannot just escape the group but go on to achieve their best ever World Cup finish. The squad has bought in.
A top-two finish will seal a spot in the Round of 32. Eight of the best third placed teams from the 12 groups also progress. Those equations give Australia a great chance of reaching the knockout rounds, but this will not be an easy task given how evenly matched the teams in Group D seem, on paper, at least.
WHAT HAS THE SOCCEROOS LEAD-UP FORM BEEN LIKE?
Australia’s preparations began with an intense training camp in the Florida heat. The team is confident it will be the fittest outfit at this World Cup. All the teams will, of course, be in great physical shape, but going into games with that state of mind can’t hurt. The Socceroos had two pre-tournament friendly matches. They lost 1-0 to Mexico in Los Angeles before pulling off a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in San Diego.
There were similar themes in both matches but those themes were carried out by two very different playing groups. It makes working out whether the issue will repeat more difficult. Slow starts have been the main cause for concern for the side, but they seem to be able to turn it around and make tactical shifts after the first water break. Can Australia assert itself earlier in the game and gain a more even share of possession? That will be the big question against Turkiye. Switzerland had the Socceroos under a mountain of pressure in the first half in San Diego and the score could easily have been worse than 1-0 at half-time.
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HOW BIG A CHALLENGE WILL TURKIYE BE?
Turkiye has emerged as many experts’ tip to top Group D.
This is a squad brimming with talent including two of the brightest young stars in Europe in Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz. That’s before you take into account the experience of Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu as well.
Expectations are extremely high for this side. It’s the first time Turkiye has qualified for the World Cup since their third-place finish in 2002 and they’ve got the roster to pull off a deep run.
SELECTION QUESTIONS AHEAD OF THE OPENING GAME
A large part of the Socceroos starting eleven seems settled for the opening game at least.
Three spots still appear to be up for grabs.
The left and right inverted-winger roles could be used in a variety of ways.
Mat Leckie on the right and Connor Metcalfe on the left would provide experience, a blend of defensive solidity and an ability to counterattack.
Cristian Volpato or Ajdin Hrustic on the right, and Nestory Irankunda on the left, would unleash technical class and explosiveness.
A mix of both options is a possibility as well.
There’s also a puzzle to solve down back.
Popovic’s system uses a back three with wing-backs either side. Jacob Italiano and Jordy Bos would fancy themselves filling those wingback roles, but the centre back combination will be interesting to watch.
Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington started against Mexico and Switzerland. Herrington’s inclusion meant the giant presence and experience of Cameron Burgess remained on the bench. Herrington has four caps for the Socceroos and has started all four games. Could a World Cup debut loom for an Australian teenager? It’s definitely a chance.
ARE THE YOUNGER PLAYERS IN THE SQUAD READY?
17 players in the 26-man Socceroos squad are at a World Cup for the first time.
It’s the second youngest squad Australia has ever sent to a men’s World Cup, with the average age just over 26.
While Popovic believes the less-experienced players in this squad are ready to compete with the best on the planet now, he is also confident they’ll be even better in four years’ time after gaining more experience at club and international level.
This tournament will provide invaluable lessons for some of the rising stars of the game in Australia. The older heads have taken on the task of normalising what lies ahead for them so they’re ready to compete now as well.
The time has come.