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Tag: Adam Taggart

  • Hero’s recall amid injury carnage, with Socceroos already in China’s head — Talking Pts

    Hero’s recall amid injury carnage, with Socceroos already in China’s head — Talking Pts

    The biggest moment of the Socceroos 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign has arrived.

    Weren’t we there five days ago? Yep, all of Australia’s remaining three games in the third round are likely to be played with an all-or-nothing undercurrent.

    Next up, China in Hangzhou tonight (10pm AEDT kick off) and once again it is must win.

    PROJECTING CALM WHILE THE STAKES ARE HIGH

    Milos Degenek made his first appearance for the Socceroos in 528 days last week when he was sent on as a second half substitute against Indonesia in Sydney.

    The versatile defender, now with 46 caps to his name, is tailor made to handle the eve of a match like the one that looms against China.

    Usually, a player guaranteed to feature in the game would accompany coach Tony Popovic to the final press conference. Degenek might just be in line for cap number 47 given his presence in-front of a packed media room or maybe he was sent to handle questions about pressure like Roger Federer used to hit a cross-court backhand or Ricky Ponting a pull shot.

    Those who have followed Degenek’s journey in life and football would’ve known what was coming when he was asked about the magnitude of the game. His perspective is shaped by the testing route his family took to even get to Australia in the first place from Croatia. The 30-year-old has told stories of a childhood spent dodging bombs in underground bunkers.

    “I think there’s no pressure. Pressure is something that when you wake up in the morning and you have to provide food for your family; that’s pressure. This is just joy and love,” said Degenek.

    “The fact that we do this, we’re very grateful and we’re very happy to be able to play in games like this that are of very high importance.”

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    The ‘kick up the backside’ behind Socceroo’s revival as European form sparks key WC qualies acts

    Wake-up call sparks forgotten ace’s return; Poppa masterstroke as exiled star fires — Talking Pts

    Two-minute, two-goal blitz sparks key win for Socceroos’ World Cup qualifying hopes

    Mitchell Duke of the Socceroos heads the ball against Saudi Arabia.Source: Getty Images

    FITNESS OF THE SQUAD

    Popovic has 25 fit and healthy players to choose from.

    Strikers Adam Taggart (groin) and Kusini Yengi (hamstring) were left behind in Sydney and they’ve since returned to the Perth Glory and Portsmouth in England respectively.

    Mitch Duke was recalled to the squad at short notice after initially missing selection due to a lack of game time and goals at Japanese side Machida Zelvia, while Western Sydney Wanderers forward Brandon Borrello was sent on when Taggart was substituted at half-time against Indonesia.

    Popovic was giving little away when asked about the make-up of his strike force.

    “Mitch has come in. He’s looking good, he looks sharp and well. He’s very accustomed to the Socceroos shirt and what’s required so he’s fitted in easily,” he said.

    “We have options for [tonight] in that striker position and we have some ideas that the players are aware of.”

    SET PIECE PSYCHOLOGY

    The Socceroos scored two goals from corners against Indonesia and in the psychology stakes, defender Cameron Burgess believes that could help Australia before a ball has even been kicked in Hangzhou.

    Australian players had been used to running around the region and using their size and strength to dominate set pieces. The Socceroos scored four set piece goals from six games in the second round of World Cup qualifying. One came in each of the first four outings.

    It has led to a quirk where injured centre back Harry Souttar has the equal fourth most goals of any Socceroo that is still playing professionally. Only Mathew Leckie (14), Jackson Irvine (13) and Mitch Duke (12) have more. The defender is level on 11-goals with Jamie Maclaren. But Australia had only scored one goal from a set piece from its last eight World Cup qualifiers prior to kick off against Indonesia at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night. Lewis Miller and Irvine both nodding home from corners signalled that a key weapon in the side’s arsenal was firing again.

    “If you look across world football, set pieces play a massive part in the game,” said Burgess.

    “They’re a huge weapon and we see it as such, and then you have the psychological factor where, if you’re scoring goals from set-pieces, you’re going up with that extra little thing in the back of your mind that we can score off this and then the opposition feel the same way.”

    The 1.94m Burgess, who plays for Ipswich Town in the Premier League, hopes China was paying attention to the rout of Indonesia and the way Australia cashed in on corners.

    “They’re obviously going to be worried about that I guess and that’s just human nature, that’s the psychological factors in how the game of football works. They’re huge weapons for us and we’ve always seen it that way and that’s something we definitely work on.”

    Craig Goodwin and Cameron Burgess of Australia celebrate a goal by teammate Lewis Miller against Indonesia.Source: Getty Images

    WHAT WILL CHINA BRING TO THE TABLE?

    The last time Australia played China was Popovic’s first match in charge. The new era got off to a shaky start with China scoring first at Adelaide Oval in October. That’s one of just six goals China has scored in seven games as the Socceroos recovered to win 3-1.

    Burgess believes Australia will have to ride out an early onslaught.

    “They came out firing and obviously got the goal as well. They’re a pretty direct team and look to do things quickly,” he said.

    “We’re expecting a fast start. The same as the other night really so we have improvements to make on that and hopefully we can start the game better than we did the other night.”

    The other night Burgess is referring to is the 15-minute period where Indonesia put Australia under immense pressure in Sydney; a period where they could easily have been 2-0 down and on the ropes. The fact the Socceroos recovered to win 5-1 showed maturity and character.

    While this game could follow a similar pattern – China sit in last place in group C and must win to have any hope of securing an automatic qualifying spot to the World Cup next year – Australia’s quality should see them through if they can take their chances like they did against Indonesia. And they will have their chances. China’s opponents have had an average of 13.71 shots per game during the third round and enjoyed 72% of possession.

    “They’re going to be coming out swinging,” said Burgess.

    “They’re playing at home in-front of what looks to be a big crowd as well. Under no illusions it is going to be a difficult task for us. We need to stamp our authority on the game and do what we can do to hurt them as well.”

    TIME FOR BURGESS TO LEAD THE BACKLINE

    Any side would struggle without the giant presence of Harry Souttar, but as the towering Socceroo rehabilitates a ruptured Achilles tendon, the responsibility for organising the central defensive trio is likely to fall on the broad shoulders of Burgess again.

    “I think I put that leadership pressure on myself a little bit anyway,” said Burgess.

    “I’ve been doing that for a number of years. I think it comes with age and experience.”

    Popovic wasn’t happy with Australia’s backline against Indonesia. He felt they “weren’t great,” on edge and “a little bit sloppy.”

    Burgess has struggled for consistent game time at Ipswich this season and while his timing and movement looked a little off initially against Indonesia, he insists he still feels sharp. Burgess’ 11 Premier League appearances have included minutes against Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and Manchester United to name a few. A similar situation faced good mate Souttar last season, who was limited to four games in all competitions at Leicester but enjoyed the continued confidence of former Socceroos boss Graham Arnold. Burgess is hoping the national team can also offer him refuge.

    “It’s not great not playing. I’d love to be playing every minute of every game as would everyone. However, the one upside is how hard we train there,” said Burgess of life at a top flight club.

    “You get a real buzz because you’re here to play games. When you do get the chance to play it’s a great feeling. So, coming into camp to try and play minutes and help the team you get that adrenaline buzz.”

    Socceroos coach Tony Popovic.Source: Getty Images

    THE STATE OF PLAY

    Australia sits second in group C behind Japan. Three points against China will see them stay there and allow the side to prepare for the final window in June against Japan and Saudi Arabia with confidence.

    The Socceroos are on 10 points with Saudi Arabia on nine and the chasing pack of Indonesia, Bahrain and China on six.

    The reward for finishing first or second in the group is a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

    Third and fourth from each of the three groups progress to the fourth round and will be split into two groups of three. The group winners there also automatically qualify for the expanded 48 team tournament.

    The runners-up of each of those groups advance to the fifth round for a home and away showdown. The winner advances to an inter confederation play-off for the final spot at USA, Canada and Mexico.

    The fourth and fifth rounds are appointments the Socceroos are desperate to avoid.

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  • Poppa masterstroke as exiled star fires; wake-up call behind forgotten prodigy’s return: Talking Pts

    Poppa masterstroke as exiled star fires; wake-up call behind forgotten prodigy’s return: Talking Pts

    The Socceroos might’ve finished 5-1 winners against Indonesia in their crucial World Cup qualifier in Sydney and taken a giant step towards automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup in North America, but coach Tony Popovic made it clear there’s still plenty of room for his side to improve describing the performance as “solid but it wasn’t great.”

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    Goals to Martin Boyle, Nishan Velupillay, Lewis Miller and a double from Jackson Irvine send Australia to China with three vital points in the bag and full of confidence, but all too aware that its job half done when it comes to jumping the hurdles this international window presented.

    The mental resilience the side showed to escape unscathed – albeit with some fortune – from a tricky 15-minute opening period is also a sign of growth as is a welcome surge in the way chances were finally converted into goals. This result bloats Australia’s goal difference column too and that could be one less thing to worry about come the final matchday of round three in June.

    It wasn’t all good news though with Martin Boyle and Adam Taggart coming off at halftime. Popovic revealing post-game that both have fitness concerns.

    OMINOUS SIGN BEFORE A BALL WAS KICKED

    A crowd of 35,241 packed into the Sydney Football Stadium and the Indonesian fans not only made their presence felt but had the decibel reader reaching its upper limits.

    The Indonesian national anthem was greeted with full voice by those in red and more than one Socceroos player turned to look at the raucous away end. It did not sound,

    look or feel like a Socceroos home game until the goals started flying in.

    Remarkably, the Team Garuda faithful were still chanting at 5-1 down in the second half.

    “It’s part of football and it’s what we love about it, that teams can come away from home and bring that energy and atmosphere,” midfielder Jackson Irvine said.

    “I thought our fans were equally brilliant and pushed us in the key moments of the game and gave us that extra leg up probably when we needed it.”

    A TALE OF TWO PENALTIES

    Perspective is in the eye of what colour jersey you were wearing.

    The decision to award Indonesia a penalty in the seventh minute after the Brisbane Roar’s Rafael Struick was ruled to have been fouled by the recalled Kye Rowles was

    contentious through an Australians lens, but while it was on the softer side it was the right call.

    Kevin Diks dulled the debate by hitting the woodwork. A sprawling Mat Ryan guessed the right way in any case and might’ve saved it.

    Indonesia coach Patrick Kluivert, in his first match in charge, believed his side struggled to shrug off that setback.

    “If you shoot the penalty in it would be a totally different match of course,” Kluivert said.

    “From that moment we changed something in our minds.

    “We had a grip of the game. I think that we played better than Australia.

    “If you score 1-0, I’m sure it will be a totally different game.”

    10-minutes later Australia was sent to the spot after Nathan Tjoe-A-On pulled off a tackle on Lewis Miller in the box that looked more like something James Tedesco would execute on this ground in a Roosters jersey. Boyle did the honours from the spot.

    The goal helped calm the nerves after the Socceroos were let off the hook just moments prior. The side looked far more settled from that point and Australia led 3-0 at the break thanks to two more goals from Velupillay and Irvine.

    “It’s the hardest I’ve been pressed in a home game in a long time,” Irvine said.

    “There was absolutely no time on the ball in the middle of the park.

    “Once we broke that pressure it looked like we were going to score every time we went through.”

    3-0! Socceroos dominant first half surge | 01:31

    POPPA PULLS THE RIGHT SELECTION CALLS

    This was not an easy squad to pick.

    Six regular starters were missing through injury and Popovic had key calls to make when it came to his starting wingers and striker.

    As Velupillay wheeled away to celebrate with the fans in the 20th minute he had fellow winger Martin Boyle and striker Adam Taggart to thank for the opportunity.

    Boyle’s pass found Taggart whose lunging effort resulted in Velupillay being able to run onto the ball and calmly slot Australia’s second.

    “It’s a special moment for the boy,” Popovic said.

    “Starting your first game, pressure, a stadium that’s full. It doesn’t come bigger than that.

    “When he looks back, he should be really proud of that.”

    This was the first time Boyle had seen minutes under Popovic after failing to get on the pitch in the November window against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. 14-goals and 9

    assists in 36 games for Hibernian in Scotland made a compelling case for selection.

    Velupillay is working his way back into form after a nasty ankle injury suffered against Saudi Arabia in Melbourne. To start him in a game of this magnitude was bold. Taggart deserved his spot after five goals in his last 11-games for Perth Glory in the A-League but hadn’t even been picked in a squad by Popovic yet before this window.

    For a goal that released the pressure valve in this campaign to be created by two players who’d never featured under this manager and scored by one still not quite at

    top form domestically must be applauded.

    Unfortunately, Taggart and Boyle were both substituted at half time with potential fitness issues. Taggart appeared to feel for his groin multiple times just before the break. Asked if there was anything amiss with both players Popovic said “there could be.”

    “They both had a bit of a niggle, maybe Adam a little bit more than Martin Boyle.”

    “Adam was definitely coming off and Martin was a bit of a precaution.”

    IRVINE GOAL A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT

    Jackson Irvine is the heartbeat of the Socceroos midfield. His goals in the 34th and 90th minutes were the 12th and 13th of his international career and came on the same

    ground where he scored his first ever for Australia in 2017.

    “From a personal point of view a special night,” he said.

    “I never take it for granted being here and I haven’t played in this stadium since that night.”

    THE RETURN OF DANIEL ARZANI

    Arzani replaced Velupillay in the 72nd minute and was greeted by warm applause. It was his first appearance for Australia since a 26-minute spell in a World Cup qualifier

    against Bangladesh in June last year.

    His last minutes prior to that came against Kuwait in a friendly match in 2018. That was just before the anterior cruciate ligament tear on debut at Celtic that would change the trajectory of his then skyrocketing career.

    It took just two minutes for Popovic to call Arzani to the sideline for a chat after his introduction, but generally he worked hard in defence and looked lively in attack.

    All of this after Popovic told Arzani his effort in camp during the October international window last year “wasn’t good enough” and that his “level was really poor in

    training.”

    It appears to have been the wake-up call the 26-year-old – once dubbed the next big thing in Australian football – needed.

    Five months on from that camp and Arzani has impressed his mentor this time around. Popovic does not give out easy minutes even with Australia 4-0 up at the time.

    It was an impressive response from a player who can only enhance the fortunes of himself and his country with similar application.

    Socceroos calm ahead of crucial clashes | 01:56

    STATE OF THE PITCH

    There’d been concerns about the state of the Sydney Football Stadium pitch in the days prior to kick-off and those fears weren’t alleviated once the game got underway.

    Several players lost their footing or looked unsure on the ball. It was not ideal and hampered the fluidity of the game.

    “Tough pitch for the players,” Popovic said.

    “Very hard underneath and slippery on top. The players were in two minds. Half the players wore studs, and half the players had moulds. It was a difficult one for them tonight. It took a lot out of them.”

    MAT RYAN BACK TO HIS BEST ON AN HISTORIC NIGHT

    Lost in the euphoria of scoring five goals was the three incredible saves Mat Ryan pulled off between the sticks.

    On a night where the goalkeeper became the third most capped player in Socceroos history with 97, moving ahead of another former skipper in Lucas Neill and now only

    behind Mark Schwarzer with 109 and Tim Cahill on 108 appearances, Ryan was immense.

    He stopped Jay Idzes’ header from a freekick in the 5th minute, made a superb diving save to his left in the 53rd minute and another clutch reflex save down low to his right

    in the 84th minute.

    “I have to say I’m not surprised after seeing him when he came into camp,” Popovic said.

    “Just a different demeanour and that comes from playing.

    “You can see he’s full of confidence and he showed that when he came in. He was a real presence around the group and tonight he stood tall.”

    The fact the captain was dropped to the bench for the first three games of Popovic’s tenure now seems a distant memory. His move to Lens in France from Roma in Italy

    has been a masterstroke.

    Davidson hoping to re-ignite Roos career | 02:26

    ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT AT THE BACK

    Australia’s backline was hardest hit by the current run of injuries between November and March.

    Popovic picked Lewis Miller, Jason Geria, Cameron Burgess, Kye Rowles and Aziz Behich.

    Geria, Burgess and Rowles formed the central trio of that combination, and the coach made it clear there was plenty to work on. Indonesia’s goal was well taken, but the lead-up was scrappy.

    “The goal they scored probably summarised how we defended,” Popovic said.

    “They didn’t create, we gave them chances, we gave them the penalty, we gave them the goal as well.

    “Defensively we weren’t great, we were a little bit on edge, a little bit sloppy in our defending.”

    WHERE ARE THE SOCCEROOS AT WITH PROJECT POPPA AND WHAT’S NEXT?

    Project Poppa is progressing, but it’s far from the finished article. That’s not a bad thing, but just the reality of only being in the job for six-months.

    “I aim quite high,” Popovic said with a smile when asked how far along the side is when it comes to implementing his game style.

    “They’re not where we want to be, but that’s not a negative that’s a positive. They’ve taken strides forward and it’s not easy to do what they did tonight.”

    Popovic pointed to decision making as an area that needs work.

    “How do we identify quicker what is happening on the field?” he said.

    “That will happen with more games together.

    “I felt that this camp or this window of the first game is the first time I’ve felt in training and just around the hotel that this group is now starting to build into something.”

    Now, it’s off to China for their next qualifier on Tuesday night.

    Australia remains second in group C and in control of its own fate when it comes to securing automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup.

    That goal could be a maximum of three games away.

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  • World Cup hero gone, two shock returns and six rookies as Popovic names Socceroos squad

    World Cup hero gone, two shock returns and six rookies as Popovic names Socceroos squad

    Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has made 10 changes to his squad for two must win World Cup qualifiers this month against Indonesia and China, headlined by the omission of veteran striker Mitch Duke.

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    The extended 26-player squad features six uncapped players in Scotland based midfielder Nectarios Triantis, Melbourne Victory midfielder Ryan Teague, Melbourne City defender Kai Trewin, Middlesbrough goalkeeper Thomas Glover, fellow shot stopper Paul Izzo and Sydney FC defender Alex Grant. It’s the first time Triantis, Teague, Grant and Trewin have earned a senior national team call-up.

    Popovic has also turned to two players, Jason Davidson and Fran Karacic, who haven’t been a part of the Socceroos’ set-up for some time. Davidson, a 33-year-old left back who plays for Panserraikos F.C in the Greek Super League, hasn’t featured for Australia since a friendly against Jordan in 2022. Before that, the 2015 Asian Cup winner’s last appearance was in a World Cup qualifier against Bangladesh in November that year. Karacic’s last involvement for the Socceroos was during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The right back, who now calls NK Lokomotiva in Croatia home, was part of the squad for all four games and featured in the group stage win against Tunisia and the 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16.

    A raft of injuries to first choice players made picking this squad a tricky task. Goalkeeper Joe Gauci (hip), defenders Hayden Matthews (ankle), Harry Souttar (achilles), and Jordy Bos (hamstring) are all missing while Riley McGree (knock) continues to struggle with his fitness at Middlesbrough. Alessandro Circati is also a long-term absentee as the 21-year-old Parama defender continues to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament tear. The only two bits of good news from the frequent medical reports came in the form of striker Kusini Yengi returning to action for Portsmouth in the Championship three weeks ago after the 26-year-old hurt his knee in the Socceroos last match against Bahrain in late November while giant defender Cameron Burgess has seemingly shrugged off a calf complaint suffered in Ipswich Town’s fifth round FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest on March 4.

    Mitchell Duke celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup match between Tunisia and Australia.Source: AFP

    The rest of the squad is a mix of potential, young stars ready for their chance and one veteran who probably thought his time had passed.

    Melbourne Victory’s Daniel Arzani gets another chance to impress after Popovic blasted the talented winger during an interview with reporters in January. The coach said Arzani “wasn’t good enough” when he came into camp in October last year and that his “level was really poor in training.” Arzani, once dubbed “the next big thing” in Australian football, missed selection for the November window and has been left in no doubt as to what Popovic wants to see from him. Marco Tilio’s impressive comeback for Melbourne City from a two-and-a-half-month stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury has also caught Popovic’s eye. Those two will be fighting to fill the inverted winger role with Ajdin Hrustic not selected. Hrustic has played just 16-minutes for Italian second division side US Salernitana in 2025.

    Triantis made himself almost impossible to ignore after a stunning run of form for Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League where he has featured as a ball-winning midfielder. Melbourne Victory’s Ryan Teague adds depth to the fight for that deeper lying role in the centre of the park. Speculation had recently linked him to the Chinese national team if his exploits had seen him overlooked for Australia again.

    Triantis and Teague were picked over Max Balard and Patrick Yazbek. Balard has been a regular starter for NAC Breda in the Dutch top flight and was called into the Socceroos squad for the November window, but didn’t get on the field.

    Defender Alex Grant gets his reward for a solid run of games with Sydney FC since signing a short-term deal with the Sky Blues in February. Grant is hugely experienced and has an Asian Champions League final appearance and a Korean Cup winners medal on his resume from his time with Pohang Steelers. At 6 foot 3 inches, the 31-year-old goes some way to filling the giant voids left by the injured Souttar and Matthews.

    “It was a whirlwind start to the beginning of my tenure with the national team, and since November we’ve had the chance to review and assess all facets of our program ahead of these Qualifiers,” Popovic said.

    “We understand the importance of these upcoming games and are excited by the opportunity to further cement our position in the group’s automatic qualifying positions.”

    Australian coach Tony Popovic.Source: News Corp Australia

    The biggest surprise is Duke missing selection. The striker has been a regular in green and gold since late 2019, but despite a huge work rate without the ball, hasn’t found the back of the net with the type of regularity the Socceroos have needed to smooth their path at or on the road to, major tournaments. Duke has found the back of the net just four times in 24-games at international level since the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The 34-year-old has also played 45-minutes for J-League side Machida Zelvia this season. Goals will now need to come from the boots of Yengi, Adam Taggart and Brandon Borrello.

    There also wasn’t room for Nestory Irankunda once again despite the 19-year-old being named the Swiss Super League’s Player of the Month for February after his move from Bayern Munich to Grasshoppers.

    The games against Indonesia on Thursday in Sydney and China in Hangzhou on Tuesday shape as crucial to Australia’s hopes of sealing direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico. The Socceroos currently sit in second spot in Group C with four games left in the third round. If they stay there, they’ll earn an automatic berth to the game’s global showpiece. It makes two wins from these next two fixtures vital with Japan at home and Saudi Arabia away to come in June. Just one-point separates second placed Australia from last placed China.

    “I’m looking forward to seeing the players and getting the squad together on the pitch in preparation for what will be a great occasion at the Sydney Football Stadium,” Popovic added.

    Extended 26 player Socceroos squad:

    Daniel Arzani, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Anthony Caceres, Jason Davidson, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Thomas Glover (GK), Craig Goodwin, Alex Grant, Jackson Irvine, Paul Izzo (GK), Fran Karacic, Lewis Miller, Aiden O’Neill, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan (GK), Adam Taggart, Ryan Teague, Marco Tilio, Nectarios Triantis, Kai Trewin, Nishan Velupillay, Kusini Yengi

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  • 19yo Aussie striker ‘could’ve had a couple’ in dream English debut. Why Socceroos could be next

    19yo Aussie striker ‘could’ve had a couple’ in dream English debut. Why Socceroos could be next

    Socceroos hopeful Thomas Waddingham produced a Portsmouth debut he’ll never forget after the striker scored for the Championship club.

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    Waddingham, who only completed his transfer to Portsmouth from the Brisbane Roar last week, came off the bench in the 57th minute and slammed one home from close range in the third minute of added time as Pompey slumped to a 5-1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion.

    “I’m really pleased for him,” Portsmouth coach John Mousinho said after the game.

    “For him to come on and make an impact so quickly, I think he’ll be absolutely thrilled.

    “To get a taste of the level as well is probably a really, really important thing.

    “He probably could’ve had a couple and, yeah, he took his goal well.”

    The goal continues the 19-year-old’s incredible rise after he found the back of the net 15 times in 40 appearances for the Roar across the A-League and Australia Cup before Portsmouth came calling. Waddingham, a product of the Roar’s NPL program, only made his debut for Brisbane in August of 2023.

    While it’s still early days for Waddingham in England, the fact the forward was not only included in a matchday squad so soon after his arrival but also got on the field for just over half an hour, speaks volumes about the regard in which he is held at Fratton Park.

    The speed with which the Cairns born product has been thrown into the first team, while still a teenager, is slightly unusual for Australian players making their way to the second-tier Championship.

    If he’s able to continue to feature for Portsmouth it could provide a somewhat unlikely answer to one of the most pressing questions facing Socceroos coach Tony Popovic ahead of two crucial World Cup qualifiers in March against Indonesia and China.

    Popovic lacks depth in the striking role with Kusini Yengi, who is also on the books of Portsmouth, not expected back from a knee injury until late February, 34-year-old Mitch Duke scoring just three-times in 20-games in green and gold since the start of 2023 and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos continuing to struggle with a calf injury after a rich run of form at Motherwell in Scotland. 31-year-old Adam Taggart is trying to make a late run with three goals in his last six games for Perth Glory.

    Even if Yengi is integrated straight back in Portsmouth’s first team following the completion of his rehabilitation, he’ll still be a little short of match fitness ahead of the clash with Patrick Kluivert’s Indonesia in Sydney on March 20. It leaves the door ajar for a new name.

    In an expansive interview with reporters last week Popovic laid bare what it would take for players like Waddingham to thrive after making the move to Europe.

    “Physically the demands are extremely high and what you do one day in training; that’s expected every single day and if you can do that, well then you can make the jump,” Popovic said.

    The Socceroos boss is currently keeping an eye on a talented crop of young strikers, including Archie Goodwin, Jed Drew and Noah Botic, who are turning in impressive performances in the A-League, but Waddingham could pull away from the trio in the pecking order with a big few weeks.

    “Now the question is, in three or four years’ time, can we be watching one of them playing in the bigger leagues in Europe? That is the question,” Popovic said when asked about Goodwin, Drew and Botic.

    “Can they take their game to another level? The level they are at now is not good enough to play in Europe. That’s just the reality.”

    Waddingham has shown his level is good enough to play in Europe and if he can back it up then he would’ve formed a strong case for a call-up to the Socceroos.

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  • ‘Surprise to me’: Socceroos squad announced as teenage sensation named despite injury scare

    ‘Surprise to me’: Socceroos squad announced as teenage sensation named despite injury scare

    Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has dismissed concerns about the fitness of teenage star Nestory Irankunda ahead of Australia’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bahrain on Thursday night.

    Irankunda was on Friday named in a 24-strong national squad for next week’s clash on the Gold Coast and the September 10 battle with Indonesia in Jakarta, with overseas players to travel to Australia after completing weekend duties around the world.

    However, the 18-year-old winger seemingly sent a midweek scare through the Socceroos camp when he was left screaming in agony and clutching his ankle after being tackled by Joao Palhinha during a training session with their German club Bayern Munich.

    He was transported from the training field in a golf-style buggy but was later seen leaving Bayern’s training complex on foot.

    “I spoke to him yesterday, it was a surprise to me to see that type of article because Nestory didn’t mention to me any type of injury,” Arnold said in playing down the severity of the issue.

    Arnold said he was “excited” about seeing the former Adelaide United star’s improvement when he arrived in camp.

    “Training with those types of players (at Bayern), he’s just going to improve, so I’m really excited to see (his progress) … not only physically but technically as well.”

    Irankunda is among a host of wingers named by Arnold in a squad that also includes other wide men Awer Mabil, Craig Goodwin, Sammy Silvera and Martin Boyle.

    “I have gone for more wingers this time than I did previous times and less number nines (centre-forwards),” Arnold said.

    “In these two games especially we’re going to need that type of (wide) player.”

    The three centre-forwards selected were Mitch Duke, Kusini Yengi and Adam Taggart, who was one of just two A-League players, along with left-back Aziz Behich, named in the squad.

    “Probably they’re not getting selected on form, they’re getting selected on reputation,” Arnold admitted when explaining the decision to choose Perth Glory’s Taggart and Melbourne City’s Behich despite the new A-League season not having started yet.

    “I know what great professionals they are and I know what they can bring,” he said.

    “Those two players can maybe not be at their best fitness-wise but the adrenaline rush will get them through.”

    Among those not selected was Cardiff City midfielder Alex Robertson, who remains eligible for senior football for England, Scotland and Peru despite having played two friendlies for the Socceroos.

    “He’s coming back from a very heavy injury. He hadn’t played a game since January, he’s at Cardiff now and he’s started playing, getting some game time and settled into the club and getting match fit,” said Arnold, who added he would be “disappointed” if Robertson chose to represent another nation in the future.

    “We’ve had him in other camps and he’s had a bit of game time … I’d be disappointed if he wasn’t lining himself up to play for Australia.”

    Socceroos: Keanu Baccus, Aziz Behich, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Alessandro Circati, Thomas Deng, Cameron Devlin, Mitchell Duke, Joe Gauci, Craig Goodwin, Nestory Irankunda, Jackson Irvine, Paul Izzo, Awer Mabil, Connor Metcalfe, Lewis Miller, Joshua Nisbet, Aiden O’Neill, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan, Sam Silvera, Harry Souttar, Adam Taggart, Kusini Yengi.

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  • Teen sensation scores first Socceroos goal as Aussies thrash minnows

    Teen sensation scores first Socceroos goal as Aussies thrash minnows

    Kusini Yengi further enhanced his claims for a permanent spot in the Socceroos’ starting team with a brace in Australia’s 5-0 disposal of Palestine in Perth on Tuesday night.

    The 25-year-old Portsmouth striker scored twice in the first half at HBF Park, where the Socceroos completed the second-round of AFC qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup with a sixth successive win.

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    Yengi has now scored four goals in his past three matches for Australia as he stakes a genuine claim to be the Socceroos’ first-choice centre forward.

    Joining him on the scoresheet in the comprehensive win were Adam Taggart, Martin Boyle and substitute Nestory Irankunda, who netted his first goal for the Socceroos in just his second appearance with a late penalty following a handball offence from Palestine defender Yaser Hamed.

    It was part of a tough night for Hamed, who also gave away a spot kick in the first five minutes to give the Socceroos the early ascendancy.

    However, it was a contentious decision from Saudi Arabian referee Khalid Al-Turais, with Palestine furious after he pointed to the penalty spot following a collision in the box between Hamed and Australian left-back Aziz Behich.

    Irankunda celebrated his first Socceroos goal with a trademark backflip. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

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    With the VNR system not in operation, there was to be no reversing of the decision, with striker Yengi netting the spot kick.

    The Australians doubled their lead in the 26th minute when Perth Glory marksman Taggart scored for the first time in Socceroos colours since 2019 with a clinical finish after being fed by Martin Boyle.

    Taggart’s seventh goal in 20 Socceroos’ appearances was also the first time he had found the back of the net in an international on home soil.

    The Socceroos put the game to bed late in the first half when Yengi scored his second of the night, but there were doubts over the goal, with Boyle, who again provided the assist, appearing to be offside in the build-up.

    Yengi scored twice in the 5-0 rout over Palestine. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    The rout continued in the second-half, with Boyle rewarded for his good performance with a 53rd-minute goal, scoring from close range after some unselfish play from Taggart, who rather than shoot from a good position, laid the ball into his grateful teammate’s path.

    Bayern Munich-bound Irankunda provided the icing on the cake with his 87th-minute penalty, and celebrated with his customary backflips.

    “It was a good result for the boys and a fantastic performance at home,” Perth product Taggart said.

    “It means a lot to do it here in Perth. I couldn’t be happier.”

    Socceroos coach Graham Arnold made eight changes to the side that start in last Thursday’s 2-0 win over Bangladesh, while Newcastle Jets striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos was given his first Socceroos cap off the bench.

    “It’s (about) the depth that we’ve been creating,” Arnold said.

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  • Bayern-bound teen’s Socceroos call-up confirmed as former whiz-kid earns deserved recall

    Bayern-bound teen’s Socceroos call-up confirmed as former whiz-kid earns deserved recall

    Bayern Munich-bound prodigy Nestory Irankunda is poised to make his Socceroos debut following confirmation of his selection in Australia’s squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Palestine.

    National coach Graham Arnold on Wednesday named a 25-man squad, and it included teenage sensation Irankunda, as well as former whiz-kid Daniel Arzani, who hasn’t played for the Socceroos since the 2018 World Cup.

    Arzani, 25, has earnt his recall after helping Melbourne Victory reach the A-League grand final, while Irankunda – who will leave Adelaide United to join German giants Bayern Munich – was part of the A-League All-Stars squad that beat a severely weakened Newcastle United 8-0 last week.

    As revealed by News Corp Australia last week, Socceroos captain and goalkeeper Mat Ryan wasn’t chosen, with Arnold “resting” him.

    Overall, there are 11 changes from the squad that beat Lebanon twice in March.

    Out are Ryan, injured quartet Brandon Borrello, Craig Goodwin, Riley McGree and Tom Glover, as well as defenders Nathaniel Atkinson and Thomas Deng, midfielder Patrick Yazbek, and attackers Bruno Fornaroli, John Iredale and Sammy Silvera.

    Apart from Irankunda and Arzani, coming into the squad are defenders Aziz Behich, Alessandro Circati and Ryan Strain, midfielder Cameron Devlin, uncapped striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, wingers Martin Boyle and Mathew Leckie, and goalkeepers Paul Izzo and Lawrence Thomas.

    Uncapped pair Nestory Irankunda (left) and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos have been named in Australia’s 25-man squad for two World Cup qualifying matches next month. Picture: Martin Keep / AFPSource: AFP

    “We’ve got several players who’ve had significant workloads in recent times, and it’s important we give them a proper break,” Arnold said.

    “I want to ensure they’re physically and mentally prepared for another big 12 months of

    qualification.

    “This has also allowed us to provide opportunities to players who have been performing well at their clubs as we continue to build depth right across the pitch.

    “Our leadership group of Jackson (Irvine), Aziz (Behich) Mat (Leckie), Harry (Souttar) and Adam (Taggart) will have an important role to play throughout this camp in welcoming those players, as they demonstrate the core values that are central to the Socceroos’ culture.”

    Despite having already qualified for the third round of the Asian Football Confederation World Cup qualifiers, the Socceroos are desperate to beat Bangladesh in Dhaka next Thursday, and Palestine in Perth on June 11 to give them the best possible chance of being among the three nations in pot one for the round-three draw.

    “I’ve spoken about how important these two games are when it comes to official FIFA rankings, and while we’ve qualified for round three it’s important that we take all six points,” Arnold said.

    “It’s an expectation we set ourselves as a group and as always, getting our mentality right will be crucial to securing two wins and giving ourselves the highest possible ranking ahead of the draw for round three.”

    Socceroos squad: Daniel Arzani (Melbourne Victory), Keanu Baccus (Mansfield Town), Aziz Behich (Al-Nassr), Jordy Bos (KVC Westerlo), Martin Boyle (Hibs), Cameron Burgess (Ipswich Town), Alessandro Circati (Parma), Cameron Devlin (Hearts), Mitchell Duke (Machida Zelvia), Joe Gauci (Aston Villa), Ajdin Hrustic (Heracles Almelo), Nestory Irankunda (Adelaide United/Bayern Munich), Jackson Irvine (St Pauli), Paul Izzo (Melbourne Victory), Gethin Jones (Bolton Wanderers), Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City), Connor Metcalfe (St. Pauli), Josh Nisbet (Central Coast Mariners), Kye Rowles (Hearts), Harry Souttar (Leicester City), Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (Newcastle Jets), Ryan Strain (St Mirren), Adam Taggart (Perth Glory), Lawrence Thomas (Western Sydney Wanderers), Kusini Yengi (Portsmouth).

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  • PL giant disgraced in mega A-League drubbing… and it should’ve been more

    PL giant disgraced in mega A-League drubbing… and it should’ve been more

    The A-League Men’s All-Stars have sent Newcastle United back home with their tails between their legs after embarrassing the English Premier League club 8-0 at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

    Newcastle coach Eddie Howe expressed his lack of enthusiasm during the week about making the long trip down to Australia so soon after the end of the EPL season.

    And, just five days after playing their final Premier League game, his Magpies played like a team that couldn’t wait to head back home.

    Newcastle fielded a much more inexperienced team than the one that beat Tottenham Hotspur on penalties at the MCG on Wednesday night. Excluding fourth-choice goalkeeper Mark Gillespie, the average age of their starting line-up was 19.5.

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    MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 24: Alex Murphy of Newcastle United and Aidan Harris of Newcastle United look on following the the exhibition match between A-League All Stars Men and Newcastle United FC at Marvel Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    The Magpies were missing multiple mainstays from their side such as Alexander Isak, Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Miguel Almiron, Fabian Schar, Sean Longstaff, Anthony Gordon, Martin Dubravka and Dan Burn.

    The All-Stars took full advantage and wrapped up the contest in little over half an hour after needing less than five minutes to open the scoring when Wellington star Ben Old rammed it home from 12 yards out at the back post.

    The hosts doubled their advantage in the 25th minute when Dylan Charlton failed to negotiate Western United veteran Ben Garrucio’s cross from the left and after the 17-year-old Newcastle defender looped it towards his own goal, the ever-alert Nicolas Milanovic pounced and toe-poked it past Gillespie.

    Nine minutes later, A-League golden boot winner Adam Taggart made it 3-0 with a magnificent effort from the edge of the box as he turned on a dime and let loose with a peach of a hit that went in off the left upright.

    Things fell apart dramatically for the visitors in the second half and in the 62nd minute, Newcastle Jets star Apostolos Stamatelopoulos put the All-Stars four goals to the good against his namesake club when, from 20 yards out, he whipped it magnificently past Gillespie diving at full stretch.

    MELBOURNE , AUSTRALIA. May 24 , 2024: Apostolos Stamatelopoulos of the All Stars celebrates a 2nd half goal with Nestory Irankunda . Pic: Michael KleinSource: News Corp Australia

    Stamatelopoulos completed his brace 12 minutes later when he made it 5-0 with a tap-in from the goal line after being fed by a beautiful pass from Nestory Irankunda who went on a blistering run down the right in what was a parting gift for the Australian public from the precocious teenager before he heads to Germany to link up with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

    The All-Stars scored again in the 82nd minute when Irankunda and Bozhidar Kraev combined to get it to Jake Hollman who tapped it home from a few yards out into an unguarded net under absolutely no pressure.

    Jordan Courtney-Perkins made it 7-0 eight minutes later when he popped it home from close range at the back post after mopping up Stamatelopoulos’ header from Tolgay Arslan’s corner and in the first minute of stoppage time an unmarked Kraev completed the rout when he elegantly chipped it over Newcastle goalkeeper Aidan Harris.

    The All-Stars’ winning margin could have been even greater. In the 17th minute, Gillespie kicked it straight to Milanovic who gleefully sprinted to 16 yards out and unleashed a strike which had the Newcastle custodian beaten, but incredibly Milanovic watched on in disbelief as it pinballed off both posts and back out again.

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    Under their feisty coach Patrick Kisnorbo, the All-Stars treated the match as anything but a friendly and went full throttle from the first whistle.

    In many respects it was a case of boys against men as the hosts’ high-intensity press put the young Newcastle team under huge pressure, forcing multiple skill errors, and the more seasoned and experienced All-Stars made sure they capitalised.

    The hosts dominated the first half and blitzed Newcastle for shots on goal (12-2) and shots on target (6-1), before ultimately winning both stats convincingly 23-5 and 13-1 respectively.

    After coming on in the 71st minute for his first ever Newcastle bow against Tottenham, Aussie teenager Garang Kuol made his maiden start for the Magpies.

    Kuol produced Newcastle’s only decent chance of the match in the 25th minute when he fired from 17 yards out but it went straight into the chest of All-Stars goalkeeper Alex Paulsen.

    Things came full circle for Kuol who landed at Newcastle, thanks largely to his sensational performance for the All-Stars against Barcelona two years ago which grabbed the attention of global scouts.

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  • Lebanon coach’s salty swipe at Aussie rookie as Arnie hints at sweeping changes

    Lebanon coach’s salty swipe at Aussie rookie as Arnie hints at sweeping changes

    Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has hit back a barbed swipe from Lebanon coach Miodrag Radulović on Monday night aimed at youngster Patrick Yazbeck, who is set to make his debut for Australia on Tuesday night.

    Yazbek was born in Sydney but has Lebanese heritage, and was eligible to represent either nation.

    But he rebuffed approaches from Radulovic’s Cedars and is now a “more than 90 per cent” chance to make his debut in Canberra’s FIFA World Cup qualifier, according to Arnold.

    “He’s Australian first and foremost,” Arnold said of the 21-year-old, who plays in Norway with Viking FK. “It’s the blood and the heart and the passion.

    “His mum and dad are from Lebanon, and he’s got that in him as well. But he’s a fantastic kid. He will more than 90 per cent get match minutes tomorrow night and make his debut against Lebanon, I think it’s a great thing for him and his family that they’ll never forget.”

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    It came just minutes after Radulovic claimed Yazbek should have chosen to represent Lebanon instead.

    “I think it would be better to be one of the leaders in our team than sitting on the bench (for Australia), but this is his decision,” Radulovic said.

    “I’m not interested anymore.”

    Graham Arnold anticipated sweeping changes to the Socceroos XI.Source: Getty Images

    Arnold signalled Yazbek’s likely debut while stating there would be “four or five” changes to the starting XI that beat Lebanon 2-0 on Thursday night in Sydney.

    Some of the decisions have been made for him, with left wingers Riley McGree and Jordy Bos both injured in Thursday’s win, while defensive midfielder Keanu Baccus is suspended. All three have left camp early to return to their clubs.

    But in a boost to the team, veteran winger Craig Goodwin is fit and ready to start after missing the first match with a virus picked up during the long trip down under from England.

    “It was quite frustrating as I started the travel to come over, I started feeling a bit sick and had some symptoms on the plane,” Goodwin said.

    “I landed, spoke to the doctor and went and got seen and had a bit of a virus so I had to sit tight to not bring it into the camp and affect more players and affect the games that we’ve got.

    “I’m here now and I’m ready to go and looking forward to the game.”

    He’s likely to jump straight into the starting side after the injuries to McGree and Bos.

    “Hopefully, they’re okay. But hopefully, I can come in and fill that void that’s been left on the left-hand side now,” Goodwin said.

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    Craig Goodwin is set to return.Source: Getty Images

    Ajdin Hrustic’s impressive performance off the bench on his return has the playmaker poised to make a first Socceroos start since September 2022, having subsequently gone through a torrid 18 months marred by injuries and a dramatic exile from former club Hellas Verona in Italy.

    Now at Heracles Almeda in the Netherlands – and crucially, back on the field regularly – his return to form is a significant boon for Graham Arnold and the Australian set-up.

    Arnold indicated he is likely to persist with a 4-4-2, with in-form Kusini Yengi expected to retain his place as one of the two strikers. Adam Taggart was the other starting centre-forward on Thursday, but competition for places at the head of the attack is fierce, with Arnold naming a full six strikers for this squad.

    “It’s about playing the players to their strengths,” Arnold said. “At the moment we’re short for wingers and we’re playing lopsided.”

    Besides Yazbek, Central Coast Mariners midfielder Josh Nisbet, 24, could also make his debut off the bench after a standout run in the A-League Mens.

    Winger Samuel Silvera will be hoping for a chance to prove himself in the absence of a number of familiar faces in that role, including the injured pair of Martin Boyle and Marco Tilio as well as the fresh injuries to Bos and Goodwin.

    Elsewhere, defenders Thomas Deng and Gethin Jones could get a look-in if Arnold looks to rotate his stocks.

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  • No answer to striker headache; injuries give huge opportunity for next gen: Socceroos Talking Points

    No answer to striker headache; injuries give huge opportunity for next gen: Socceroos Talking Points

    Familiar issues were painfully clear to see as the Socceroos battled past a Lebanon side that put up a hell of a fight on Thursday night.

    The Socceroos struggled to create much in the way of chances, outside of a lucky fifth-minute goal from Keanu Baccus that he joked was deliberate – but really was intended as a cross.

    Defender Kye Rowles made it 2-0 in the second half off a corner, but the Socceroos’ worrying inability to carve out opportunities from open play was on full display once again despite a win that moves Australia closer to the 2026 World Cup.

    Even a change to a 4-4-2 formation didn’t spark much life into a Socceroos attack that has long struggled to break down opposing defences.

    There was, certainly, flashes of brilliance and reasons for optimism. Ajdin Hrustic showed flashes of his instinctive, creative best – something the Socceroos have missed with the playmaker having been stuck in club purgatory for just about all of 2023, where he managed all of 45 minutes for the national team.

    “He gives you that little bit of X factor,” coach Graham Arnold said. “Some of the flicks around the corner, the little chips over the top – those type of things are what we’re wanting, and what we need in the final third against some of these opponents.”

    And there was the caveat that many of the players had just one training session together after assembling in Sydney, while Arnold also pointed to a Commbank Stadium turf that “wasn’t an easy pitch to play on”.

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    Keanu Baccus’ early goal failed to spark the Socceroos into life in a nervy win.Source: Getty Images

    NO CLEAR ANSWER TO BIG NO.9 ISSUE

    When Graham Arnold named his 25-player squad for this pair of fixtures, one thing stood out: the inclusion of a full SIX strikers.

    Since the retirement of Tim Cahill, no number nine has well and truly made the shirt their own. There has been no shortage of good players given a shot in that position, but with focus turning to the World Cup in 2026, it remains one of the biggest headaches for coach Graham Arnold.

    The biggest problem is that many of his striker options are in their 30s – and may not still be fit and firing by the time 2026 comes along.

    In the current squad, there is 36-year-old Bruno Fornaroli, 33-year-old Mitchell Duke, and 30-year-old Adam Taggart, while Brandon Borrello is 28.

    By the next World Cup, Arnold will be lucky to have all of them available for selection – or perhaps even a couple of them.

    Kusini Yengi (25) started against Lebanon alongside Taggart – the two most in-form attackers at club level – while John Iredale (24) debuted off the bench alongside Duke.

    The four each had promising moments but none made a real statement that they should be the starting No.9 moving forward.

    No centre forward has scored for the Socceroos since before the Asian Cup in January – now a six-game drought.

    All six of the players offer unique skill-sets, as Arnold said when announcing his squad.

    “All of them bring something different,” Arnold said.

    That was on full display tonight.

    Taggart frequently ran in behind the defence, Yengi is strong and loves to dribble at opponents, Duke is an excellent hold-up player and tireless in pressing, and Iredale is fast and physical.

    “Six centre forwards in the squad is an exciting prospect for us,” Jackson Irvine said this week, “and it will be interesting to see how that unfolds over the next couple of games.”

    Tonight none of them put their name up in lights.

    Arnold will have his fingers and toes crossed that one of the six grabs the reins on Tuesday and makes the number nine their own.

    Kye Rowles was beaming after scoring a maiden international goal.Source: Getty Images

    DEFENCE DOES THE JOB AGAIN

    Thursday’s victory made it eight clean sheets from the Socceroos’ last ten matches – an impressive record in defence.

    Sure, all-but-one of those matches have come against lower-ranked opponents, but you can’t deny that the Socceroos success is being built on a foundation of a strong defence – even if that clean sheet was somewhat fortunate, given Lebanon finished the better side and struck the post late on.

    Harry Souttar continues to defy his lack of club minutes at Leicester City in England’s second tier, while Cameron Burgess has converted his strong form for Leicester’s high-flying Championship rivals Ipswich Town into solid performances for the Socceroos. The third centre-back, Kye Rowles, has become one of the most dependable performers for the team, even despite being pushed out to left back to replace the injured Aziz Behich.

    The depth at centre-back is extremely pleasing – as is their knack of scoring goals.

    “That’s what we need, we need everyone to score!” Arnold told Channel 10 with a wry smile.

    Souttar already has 11 to his name for the Socceroos, while man of the match Rowles scored his first against Lebanon.

    Rowles and Souttar are both 25, while Burgess is 28. The trio could have locked down the centre-back spots for the foreseeable future.

    Meanwhile Maty Ryan, the captain and first-choice number one, was typically solid between the sticks and made two fine saves.

    While depth on at both fullback spots remains something of a concern, the defence – and particularly that core group of four players – is in rude health.

    The defence was excellent once again.Source: Getty Images

    INJURIES WILL FORCE MORE SHUFFLING … AND MORE CHANCES

    Arnold’s selections for the Asian Cup and this pair of World Cup qualifying fixtures made it clear that he’s looking towards the future.

    Asked pre-game if it felt like a ‘new phase’ for the team, Arnold told Channel 10: “Yeah look, the things I said before the Asian Cup about regenerating the squad came – hopefully – through thick and clear.

    “With some of the older boys out injured in this game – Craig Goodwin, Mat Leckie’s still injured, Martin Boyle, Aziz Behich – the young ones that we gave a chance at the Asian Cup, this is a great opportunity for them.”

    Keanu Baccus (25) and Connor Metcalfe (24) were both impressive after being named in the starting XI on Thursday night, while the returning Ajdin Hrustic also reminded Arnold what he can offer the team.

    But a pair of first-half injuries – to Riley McGree and 21-year-old Jordy Bos – means that Graham Arnold will be forced into more changes for the Lebanon rematch in Canberra on Tuesday.

    Arnold immediately ruled both out of that match, while Baccus earned a yellow card that will see him suspended on Tuesday night.

    The Socceroos will have Craig Goodwin available, with the winger recovering from an illness and ready to play the second match.

    “(Goodwin) is so good he’s already down in Canberra waiting for us,” Arnold said. “He’ll be available on Tuesday.”

    21-year-old Patrick Yazbek and diminutive 24-year-old Josh Nisbet will be hoping to debut in the midfield in that game, while 23-year-old winger Samuel Silvera has been in strong form for Middlesbrough in England’s second tier and will also hope to get on the pitch.

    While the raft of injuries to veteran players has left the squad short on experience, it’s a huge opportunity for the next generation to make their mark.

    And should the Socceroos win on Tuesday, Australia will be guaranteed a place in the next stage of World Cup qualifying with two matches to spare.

    In that case, matches against Lebanon and Palestine in June will become dead rubbers – and Arnold might be tempted to roll the dice on blooding a whole raft of young guns.

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