World Cup champion Bastian Schweinsteiger has claimed that former Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho banished him to the Under-16s squad for three months without explanation.
The former Germany international, who won eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League with Bayern Munich, joined Manchester United in 2015, with Mourinho replacing Louis van Gaal as coach the following year.
However, speaking to Manchester United legend Gary Neville on the Overlap Podcast, Schweinsteiger recalled how Mourinho froze him out of the first-team without warning after he returned to pre-season from the European Championship, not even allowing him to enter the dressing room.
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“When I walked into Carrington, (football director) John Murtough was there and said that I wasn’t allowed to walk into the dressing room, the coach (Mourinho) had said so,” Schweinsteiger said.
“No warning, nothing. I don’t know. Someone could have told me there, or explained it to me in a normal way, but okay, I went to the youth dressing room and trained with the Under-16’s.”
Manchester United’s German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLISSource: AFP
According to Schweinsteiger, Mourinho later explained the club was not happy with his decision to undergo treatment for a knee injury back in Germany.
“I then had a meeting with (Mourinho) in the afternoon. He explained to me that he didn’t see me happy here at United because when I had my injury, I did my rehab with German doctors, spending time in Germany,” Schweinsteiger continued.
“Of course, I came back to United and was in contact with doctors and watched the games – I had a conversation with Louis van Gaal when he was coach, and he said to come on the weekends to United and remain in contact with the doctors, they needed me fit and there was an FA Cup final which I almost played.
“That was our agreement and I kept to it. For me, I just wanted to get healthy and wanted to be able to play – I stuck to the agreement with Louis van Gaal but obviously the board thought a little differently about that.
“After that, I was training alone for at least three months with a fitness coach. I trained before and after the team.
“I guess they wanted to get rid of me. At that moment, I was still super happy at United, I loved to wear the jersey, I loved it. I was thinking that maybe it was just a period, I will train now and keep myself fit and maybe one day they’ll change their mind. My dream was to always step back out into Old Trafford.”
Neville said he was “stunned” by the revelations, claiming the club’s behaviour could have been considered “illegal”
“I was the PFA Union Representative, and you’re not allowed to do that,” Neville responded.
“You can’t dismiss someone like that, it’s constructive dismissal in some ways.
“It’s probably a few years too late, you should have come and seen me at the time.
“I’m stunned and embarrassed at what I’m hearing because I always think, players leave clubs and people fall out, but there is a way to do things and a way to behave and act.”
Schweinsteiger left Manchester United to join MLS club Chicago Fire the following March, while Mourinho was sacked by the club in December 2018.
The Olyroos’ shock 1-0 loss to Indonesia has left their hopes of qualifying for the Olympic Games in tatters.
To guarantee themselves a spot at this year’s Paris Games, the Olyroos must finish in the top three at the under-23 Asian Cup in Qatar, while fourth will earn them a playoff against African nation Guinea for an Olympics berth.
However, the Australians have acquired just one point from their opening two Group A matches and are yet to score a goal.
Disappointed Olyroos trio (from left) Lachlan Brook, Jordi Valadon and Patrick Beach reflect on their team’s 1-0 loss to Indonesia. Picture: Mohamed Farag/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
To have any hope of securing the top-two pool berth needed to progress to the quarter-finals, the Olyroos must beat runaway Group A leaders Qatar on Monday morning (AEST).
The Australians also need Jordan – who also have one point from two Group A games – to beat Indonesia in a game also being played on Monday morning, but not by a greater margin than their own potential than their own required win over Qatar as both the Olyroos and Jordan currently have the same goal difference (-1).
Qatar has already secured a quarter-final berth with six points from two games, while Indonesia, who have three points, only need a draw against Jordan to also progress to the last eight.
The Olyroos had chances to beat Indonesia, including a first-half penalty from striker Mohamed Toure that was saved by goalkeeper Ernando Ari.
The Australians then fell behind in the 45th minute when Komang Teguh headed home from close range.
Olyroos coach Tony Vidmar brought on a host of attackers in the second half, including the Kuol brothers Alou and Garang, but Indonesia held on to put a massive dent in the Australians’ hopes of Olympic Games qualification.
The Matildas have already booked their place in the Paris Olympics as they chase a first-ever medal. Now the Aussie men are hoping to join them there – but the under 23 ‘Olyroos’, not the Socceroos.
In a relic of the debate over professionalism in the Olympics – which was originally intended to be for amateur athletes – and to keep the FIFA Men’s World Cup as the showpiece international tournament, the men’s football tournament at the Olympics is limited to players aged 23 and under. Each team is allowed three over-age players.
It means that the Olympics become a crucial proving ground for young talent. It is a valuable opportunity for youngsters to develop against quality opponents on a high-pressure stage – and to put their names up in lights.
As midfielder Adrian Segecic said: “I think for a lot of players, it’s a life changing, career changing thing, so I think a lot of players are going to be looking forward to it.
“We’re going to give everything we can to make sure that we get to the Olympics.”
But the age limitation also poses significant challenges – and the Olyroos’ stocks have taken a major hit thanks to some unique problems with the U-23 regulations.
The Olyroos on Monday night begin their U-23 Asian Cup campaign, where a third-place finish or better would seal qualification into the Olympics.
Finish fourth, and Australia will play off with the fourth-placed African team, Guinea, for a place in Paris.
But Australia aren’t just at the tournament to make the Olympics: they’re here to win, having never done better than third place (in 2020).
Goalkeeper Steven Hall said: “I think any competition that we go into, we always want to win, we always set our bar as high as we can set it.
“I think all the boys believe that we can go all the way and qualify for the Olympics, but also win this tournament.”
Australia, who finished fourth at the last edition in 2022, have been drawn alongside hosts Qatar, Jordan, and Indonesia in the group stage.
Australia beat Jordan 1-0 in the group stage in that 2022 tournament, while Qatar failed to win a game in their own group. Indonesia are making their debut in the U-23 Asian Cup this time around.
Yet the rapid development of Asian football in recent years – and particularly when it comes to youth programs – means that won’t be easy.
WHY IT IS A BIG DEAL
Competing at the Olympics is a lifelong dream for many athletes, and it’s no different when it comes to football.
As Hall says: “It would be a dream come true to go to the Olympics, I think it’s something not everyone gets to do.
“For myself, it would just be amazing to represent my country at the Olympics.”
But the Olympics is also a crucial stepping stone for players’ careers. Firstly, it is an invaluable opportunity to compete on a major stage, often leading to players earning transfers to bigger clubs. That was the case with many of the Olyroos who competed in Tokyo in 2021 – the team’s first appearance on the Olympic stage since 2008.
Back in 2008, now-Socceroos coach Graham Arnold was in charge, as Australia faced the likes of Argentina – featuring players like Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, and Pablo Zabaleta. They are proof that the Olympics is a breeding ground of future legends.
Argentina’s player Lionel Messi, (r), crosses the ball past Australia’s James Troisi in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.Source: News Limited
Recognising the importance of the tournament in developing the next generation, Graham Arnold also took charge of the Olyroos team in 2021 alongside his duties as Socceroos coach.
From that squad in Tokyo, 12 players (excluding the designated over-age players) have played for the Socceroos – and a handful more have been called into national team camps but haven’t yet debuted.
Some have become genuine standouts: Harry Souttar and Kye Rowles in defence, Keanu Baccus and Connor Metcalfe in midfield, and playmaker Riley McGree.
Seven of the Tokyo team were included in the Socceroos’ most recent squad.
If more proof was needed of the value of the Olympics in unearthing and refining the next generation of Socceroos stars, that statistic says it all.
But there’s a major problem that could prove disastrous to the Olyroos’ hopes of making the Olympics.
Spain’s forward and captain Mikel Oyarzabal (R) shoots while Australia’s defender Harry Souttar (L) attempts to block during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games men’s group C first round football match between Australia and Spain at Sapporo Dome in Sapporo on July 25, 2021. (Photo by ASANO IKKO / AFP)Source: AFP
THE UNDER-23 PROBLEM
This tournament does not take place during a FIFA ‘international window’ – the designated times for international matches to be played. All Socceroos matches take place in the designated men’s international windows (typically two weeks long, or a month for competitions like the Asian Cup or World Cup). It’s the same with the Matildas.
But in a controversial decision, this tournament – and frequently many other U-23 tournaments – do not take place in a FIFA window.
During an international window, clubs are forced to allow their players to represent their national team. Outside of things like injury or international retirement, players also have to accept a call-up from their national teams during a window – they can’t simply say no if they are officially called up. That distinction will become relevant a little further on when we discuss Adelaide United’s teen talent Nestory Irankunda.
Outside of an international window, clubs aren’t forced to let their players go on national team duty (or Olyroos duty in this case). There are many reasons clubs refuse. Perhaps they are chasing promotion, or avoiding relegation, or they have a big cup match coming up. There’s the fear of a player suffering injury while on national team duty – or in Australia’s case, the long flights for players competing in Europe can lead to problems like fatigue.
It’s wholly understandable that clubs want their best players available.
But it means that players can be denied crucial development time with their national team set-up – and it means the Olyroos will be without an array of their best players as they attempt to qualify for the Olympics.
That includes Socceroos duo Alessandro Circati (Parma, Italy) and Patrick Yazbek (Viking FK, Norway).
Coach Tony Vidmar said: “I’ve been open and honest with my disappointment that the Asian Cup falls outside of a FIFA window, but we knew access to players would be a challenge and it’s something we’ve planned for in recent months.
“I just feel for those who’ve not been given the opportunity to join us, as representing your country at any level is something you never forget, and they would have benefited greatly from the experience.”
Alessandro Circati was banned from playing for the Olyroos this tournament.Source: Getty Images
He added recently: “I visited a majority of the clubs where the players were, we were confident that we were going to get a good percentage of those players. And then when it came closer to the time, we lost (Nicholas) Bilokapic, (Nectarios) Triantis, (Calem) Nieuwenhof, (Patrick) Yazbek and (Cameron) Peupion.
“(Alessandro) Circati was always going to be a difficult one. I spoke to Circati and he was keen months ago to be involved. So all of these players were so keen and desperate to be involved and we’re very disappointed that the clubs haven’t released them.”
And in a late twist, Louis D’Arrigo was denied joining the Olyroos by Polish club Lechia Gdansk, despite the club previously committing in writing to allowing him to play.
Convincing clubs to release players is a difficult task, but often clubs are persuaded given their young players will get match minutes, training, and the chance to shine on the international stage – something which can lead to big transfer fees for their clubs should they subsequently sell them.
But in the difficult tug of war between club and country, Australia has been left without a half-dozen stars for this crucial tournament – and it might just cost the Olyroos their place in the Olympics.
Talented youngster Nestory Irankunda will be absent.Source: Getty Images
THE IRANKUNDA DRAMA
One particularly fascinating case has dominated headlines over the last week: Australia’s supremely talented Nestory Irankunda, an Adelaide United attacker who will move to German mega-club Bayern Munich in June.
The 18-year-old is one of the most gifted products to emerge in recent decades, and is being tipped for a long career for Australia’s national teams.
But the raw and emotional teen has born the brunt of an overwhelming media spotlight since his transfer to Bayern was announced – and he has often struggled with the limelight.
That’s why Olyroos boss Tony Vidmar did not call up Irankunda when he named his squad for the Asian Under-23 Cup.
“With Nestory, we have to be mindful, I’ve met with him on a couple of occasions,” Vidmar said. “What has happened to him this season, I think he’s on a rollercoaster 24/7 – that’s the way he is and we have to look at the bigger picture.
“We don’t have the luxury of having a thousand of those players where you can throw them against the wall and they break and you don’t use them. He has been through so much this year, I’d hate to be in his shoes. He has been prodded and poked and everyone wants a piece of him.
“He’s just turned 18, it’s a big ask for him … the person is number one.
“I could be selfish and just bring in him for the sake of it but we feel that the bigger picture is the Socceroos, you want to be talking about him for the next 15 years as a national team player.”
But things took a major twist when star attacker Marco Tilio withdrew from the squad with a quad injury. Football Australia reportedly sounded out Irankunda – informally – about replacing Tilio in the Olyroos squad.
Irankunda declined, preferring to stay at Adelaide and finish the season off before moving to Germany.
Had the Olyroos officially called Irankunda up to the team, he would have had to accept – or be banned from playing for Adelaide for the duration of the tournament.
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That’s why rival A-League clubs – many of which had sent their own players off to the Olyroos for the tournament – were upset.
But Football Australia did not formally call Irankunda up, only privately sounding him out – and reportedly through a third party.
Adelaide coach Carl Veart said after Adelaide’s 2-1 loss to Macarthur on the weekend, where Irankunda scored again before missing a late penalty, that there was “no contact whatsoever” between the FA and player.
Nestory Irankunda of Adelaide United was in tears after losing on the weekend.Source: Getty Images
Nevertheless, the debate over Australia’s top young talent only served to reinforce the ongoing tensions between club and country – and the difficult situation that the Olyroos find themselves in when it comes to getting the best squad available.
There are plenty of excellent players in the Olyroos squad, of course. It features the likes of Garang and Alou Kuol, the gifted brothers, and plenty of in-form A-League players. They are determined to make history by not just qualifying for the Olympics with a top-four finish in the Asian Cup, but winning the whole thing for the first time.
If they do make it to the Olympics, Irankunda will be back in the frame for selection.
“He’s always been in consideration [for Paris] and on our list of players,” Vidmar said.
“He is one where after the Olympic qualifiers it’ll be about having that discussion again and he likes that contact.
“He’s been open with me about a lot of things, but I don’t want to divulge them because that’s a trust and a relationship I’m building with him.”
For now, it’s up to the players at Vidmar’s disposal to get the job done.
Basketball Australia on Thursday morning announced a 22-man Boomers squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics, with a mix of established veterans and fresh faces selected by Brian Goorjian.
The squad builds on what was a transitional tournament for the Boomers at the FIBA World Cup last year, where Josh Giddey formed a new-look backcourt alongside Patty Mills.
There are a few bolters in Johnny Furphy and Rocco Zikarsky who, while unlikely to make the final team itself, will only benefit from the experience of being part of the Boomers set-up early.
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Johnny Furphy has risen up draft boards. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Zikarsky, meanwhile, stands at 7-foot-3 as the tallest player in the NBL after joining the Brisbane Bullets at 17 years old as the league’s youngest Next Star.
The Australian big man will be eligible for the NBA draft in 2025 and led Australia to victory at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament earlier in the week, crowned MVP after averaging 18.7 points, 11 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game while shooting at 73.1 per cent from the field.
Speaking to ESPN, Goorjian floated the possibility that either Furphy or Zikarsky, while players of the future, could also gain selection for the Paris team.
“I just think it’s really important that he’s brought into the Boomers program and culture,” Goorjian said of Furphy.
“The worst case is he gets to see the Boomers and be around this group, but, also, we need a shooter. He does that.”
As for Zikarsky, Goorjian compared him to an “upcoming [Andrew] Bogut”.
“He’s probably a year earlier than Bogut was when he went to Athens… There’s nothing like him,” the Boomers coach said.
“He’s 7’4, and he’s co-ordinated. I talk about some of our gaps after the World Cup, with the shooting and adding McVeigh [to the squad]… rim protection [too], a presence around the rim, we didn’t have it. Rocco is that.
Australia’s Rocco Zikarsky (R) shoots against Indonesia’s Lester Prosper during a FIBA Basketball Asia Cup qualifier match. (Photo by YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP)Source: AFP
“Touching those guys is one thing, but both of them, in their position, have a skill.
“When you pick your nine, with this group; those last three, you never know what it is. Is it a rim protector? Is it defence? Is it a chemistry guy? Is it, we have everything covered so let’s give a young guy a piece of this so they’re ready for the next one?”
There are plenty of familiar names in the 22-man squad, with 10 members of the Tokyo bronze medal team included while all players from last year’s FIBA World Cup selection camp outside of Thon Maker are back in the mix.
Elsewhere, JackJumpers duo Jack McVeigh and Will Magnay have been rewarded for their fine form in Tasmania’s triumphant NBL season with selection while Adelaide’s Dejan Vasiljevic is the other new face.
As expected, Ben Simmons is not available for selection after his 2023-24 NBA season with Brooklyn was cut short by a nerve impingement in his back.
Ben Simmons is not available for selection. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Goorjian said the Boomers coaching staff were able to draw on the team’s disappointment from an early exit at last year’s FIBA World Cup to better identify specific areas Australia needs to improve ahead of Paris.
“The FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023 marked a new beginning for the Boomers,” Goorjian said in a statement on Thursday morning.
“We were able to introduce some new faces and identify areas that we needed to advance and improve.
“We’ve been actively monitoring the Aussie players across international leagues in USA, Europe and Asia as well as domestically in the NBL and we’re confident in the potential chemistry of this list.
“The complexity of international tournaments like the Olympics is that you have a relatively short window to train and prepare – so you have to identify and implement a style that works fast and amplifies the collective skill set.
“There’s always a correlation made of our offensive play with European styles, which is interesting considering there isn’t a whole lot of exposure to the Euro system with our players.
“What we have experienced is the emergence of Australians at the top level overseas and the evolution of the NBL as a world class league with high powered scoring offences, so we want to drive a game that is familiar but unique to our group.”
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Goorjian also pointed to the added versatility in this year’s Olympics squad, which is better equipped to handle any further injuries in the frontcourt after losing Jock Landale in the lead-up to last year’s World Cup.
It is not just the squad’s versatility either, with Duop Reath also benefiting from a significant role with the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA.
“When Jock Landale went down we had to adjust to small ball. It was challenging but ultimately rewarding as we got to trial different packages and get prime minutes into Duop Reath which fast-tracked his development,” said Goorjian.
“Looking to the Olympics, we will have Jock Landale available for selection and the added versatility of Kay, Xavier Cooks as well as guys like Will Magnay and Rocco Zikarsky.
“We’ve also introduced more depth across shooters in the squad with veteran Chris Goulding joined by Dyson Daniels, Jack McVeigh and DJ Vasilijevic.”
Australia faces a tough road to another medal at the Olympics, drawn into Group A alongside Canada and two other teams which will be determined through qualifying tournaments.
At this stage, Spain and one of Slovenia, Greece and Croatia loom as the most likely countries to be joining Australia in its group.
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“We’re really excited at this opportunity. The consensus is that the tournament will be at an unseen level with the talent and international NBA star-power across the teams,” added Goorjian.
“I will emphasise and instil with the group that we’re not aiming to match or replicate the style of game heading our way from other nations. Our goal is to beat them.
“We’re going to play Aussie ball. And we’re going to go at them with all we’ve got.”
Goorjian told ESPN that ‘Aussie ball’ will centre around “playing at tempo, at pace, downhill”, which plays well into the strengths of the likes of Josh Giddey, Dante Exum and Josh Green both as scorers and playmakers.
The initial squad will be trimmed down further before training camp in Melbourne in July, with Goorjian to then narrow it down again to a final 12.
Boomers Paris 2024 Olympic Squad
Chris Goulding, Joe Ingles, Nick Kay, Dante Exum, Johnny Furphy, Patty Mills, DJ Vasilijevic, Sam Froling, Rocco Zikarsky, Duop Reath, Josh Giddey, Will Magnay, Dyson Daniels, Josh Green, Will McDowell-White, Jack McVeigh, Keanu Pinder, Xavier Cooks, Jack White, Matisse Thybulle, Jock Landale, Matthew Dellavedova
The Asian Cup has ended and the Socceroos are back at their clubs – although for some of them, the January transfer window saw them secure major transfers.
Now, Socceroos coach Graham Arnold can turn his full focus to World Cup qualification, with the Aussies resuming their road to the 2026 tournament next month.
Here’s the situation for every Socceroo – and a couple of other guns who are knocking down the door for international selection.
This mega Roo Radar begins with Socceroos who featured in the Asian Cup squad sorted by position, before including a number of other notable names.
The Socceroos skipper recovered from a fractured cheekbone in time to play in all five of the Socceroos’ Asian Cup games and was a calming presence throughout.
With Ryan between the sticks the Socceroos conceded just three goals all tournament long, one of which was a penalty and another an unstoppable free-kick from South Korean star Son Heung-Min.
Ryan kept up his trend of clean sheets in his first game back for AZ Alkmaar as they drew 0-0 with Almere City.
Ryan needed to wear a face mask for some Asian Cup games after surgery on a fractured cheekbone.Source: Getty Images
Joe Gauci
Gauci travelled to Qatar as the clear back-up to Ryan but he did earn a start in the final warm-up match against Bahrain which the Socceroos won 2-0.
Despite not playing, Gauci generated plenty of headlines in Australian football after he completed a switch from Adelaide United to Premier League outfit Aston Villa for up to $2.5m
Emi Martinez, the latest recipient of the Yashin Troph for the best goalkeeper in the world, is Villa’s clear number one as Gauci will compete with Swedish veteran Robin Olsen for the back-up role.
Gauci has already been heavily involved at the Birmingham outfit and was a part of the warm-up drills prior to his new side’s fixture against Manchester United at Villa Park.
The 23-year-old has also been registered in Villa’s squad for the remainder of the Europa Conference League.
Could we see Gauci in the Premier League this season?Source: Getty Images
Lawrence Thomas
Although Thomas didn’t see a single minute of action for the Socceroos, he was thrust straight back into action for the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Thomas was included in the Wanderers’ extended squad for the fixture against Macarthur on February 4 but came on at halftime in place of Daniel Margush.
Unfortunately for Thomas, there was little he could do to prevent Valere Germain’s winner in the 93rd minute as Macarthur sealed a highly controversial 4-3 victory that sparked a furious rant from Wanderers boss Marko Rudan in his post-match press conference.
DEFENDERS
Nathaniel Atkinson
The 24-year-old right back made three Asian Cup appearances for the Socceroos, but faces a tough task to regain his place in the starting XI for Scottish side Heart of Midlothian. Hearts signed 20-year-old Jamaican talent Dexter Lembisika on loan from Premier League side Wolves in mid-January, and he’s impressed in six appearances since the move. Atkinson came off the bench to replace Lembisika in a Cup game on the weekend but will be desperate to earn his place back in the starting side.
Aziz Behich
33-year-old Behich sealed a massive loan move to Saudi club Al-Nassr – joining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo – after playing every minute of the Socceroos’ five Asian Cup matches at left back. He debuted in an Asian Champions League clash, playing the full 90 minutes, in a promising sign he’ll be in the starting XI for the Saudi giants for the remainder of the season.
Behich in the yellow and blue of Al-Nassr.Source: Getty Images
Jordy Bos
The supremely talented 21-year-old locked down the left wing-back role at Belgian club Westerlo this season after joining from Melbourne City last July (for a fee that was at the time the Australian record). Since returning from the Asian Cup, where he made five appearances (three starts) and scored a goal off the bench against India, he’s immediately regained his starting spot at club level.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold prefers to use him as a left winger, but Bos has typically been used as a fullback by Westerlo who sit 11th in the Belgian Pro League.
Cameron Burgess
The Scottish-born 28-year-old is right back in English Championship team Ipswich Town’s starting XI after returning from the Asian Cup, where he started one game and came off the bench in the quarter-final defeat.
Ipswich sit fourth in the Championship with a game in hand as they chase promotion to the Premier League, and Burgess looks set to add to his 24 league appearances already this season – remarkably, he has never been substituted in those matches.
He plays alongside Aussie midfielder Massimo Luongo, who turned down an Asian Cup call-up and retired from international duty to focus on the club’s promotion push.
Thomas Deng
The 26-year-old didn’t get onto the field in the Asian Cup – and hasn’t played for the Socceroos since March last year – but he’ll be eagerly anticipating the start of the new J-League season next weekend. The versatile centre-back started most matches for Japanese top-flight club Albirex Niigata last season as they finished tenth, and he’ll hope to retain his role this time around.
Gethin Jones
The 28-year-old is back in the starting line-up at League One club Bolton Wanderers after three starts for the ‘Roos in Qatar – and he’s even worn the captain’s armband in both games since his return. And this week, the right-back scored his first league goal of the season with a looping set-piece header in a 2-1 win for the third-placed side. With games in hand, Bolton are well in contention for automatic promotion that would see Jones reach England’s second tier.
Lewis Miller
The 23-year-old right back played less than 50 minutes across two Asian Cup games, but he’s another Aussie to return straight to the starting line-up at club level. Miller made his 16th start of the Scottish Premiership season (plus one bench appearance) in Hibernian’s 2-1 defeat to heavyweights Celtic, then backed up on the weekend with another start in a cup win.
All up, he’s played 41 times for Hibs since joining in July 2022, and shows plenty of promise as a long-term Socceroos prospect despite struggling in the Asian Cup.
Kye Rowles
Rowles started every single league game for Hearts (in Scotland) before the Asian Cup, and came right back into the side in a cup win on the weekend. The 25-year-old was a standout in the Asian Cup, playing every minute in four of the five matches, and is contracted with Hearts until 2028 – showing just how much they value the cool, calm, and collected centre-back.
Harry Souttar
Souttar is in a dire position at his Championship club Leicester, with the 200cm centre-back in virtual exile. He’s played just four appearances (two starts) this season for a total of 188 minutes. A strong Asian Cup performance put him in the shop window in the January transfer window, with Scottish giants Rangers and Celtic both interested in a loan move – but a deal to join brother John at Rangers fell through on deadline day. Saudi side Al-Nassr were also interested.
Souttar has vowed to fight for minutes at Leicester, but is unlikely to feature unless a starting centre-back is injured.
“I know obviously to continue to be in the national team, I’ve got to be playing club football – but we’ll cross that bridge when it comes,” Souttar told AAP during the Asian Cup.
“He’s got to sort out his club career, he really does,” coach Graham Arnold told AAP. “This can’t go on forever.”
For now, Souttar will be waiting desperately for the season to end and the next transfer window to offer him a way out of his nightmare.
Souttar kept up his incredible scoring record by pitching in at the Asian Cup.Source: Getty Images
MIDFIELDERS
Keanu Baccus
After playing all five matches at the Asian Cup, Baccus returned to Scottish club St Mirren with a half-hour bench appearance before a 90-minute effort against Celtic in the Cup. He’s started most games this season – and come off the bench in the handful where he’s started from the pine – and looks a crucial player in St Mirren’s run home. 25-year-old Baccus is also off-contract at the end of the season, so the next few months will be crucial for his future.
Jackson Irvine
The midfield maestro is back at German second-tier club FC St Pauli, where he wears the captain’s armband – but missed out on playing on the weekend after being “quite sick” and having a “really bad week”. He’s back at training with the team now, who are three points clear at the top of the table despite suffering their first league loss since April 2023. 19-year-old Aljoscha Kemlein (on loan) has been excellent in filling in for Irvine in recent weeks, but the 30-year-old Aussie is nailed-on to get back into the starting team and push for promotion to Germany’s top flight in the next few months.
Irvine was devastated after Australia’s Asian Cup exit.Source: AFP
Riley McGree
McGree started six of the first ten Championship matches for Middlesbrough (and came off the bench in the other four) before suffering a foot injury that ruled him out for two months.
He returned for just a handful of bench appearances before jetting off to the Asian Cup, where he made two starts and three substitute showings. Those handy minutes put him in good stead upon his return to club football, where he came back with a bench appearance before playing the full 90 minutes yesterday – but at attacking midfield rather than his usual left wing role. That’s because Middlesbrough signed 23-year-old talent Finn Azaz from Championship rivals Plymouth Argyle in early January. He had seven goals and five assists before the move, and has nabbed a goal and an assist in five appearances for his new club since then. McGree has a tough battle on his hands to unseat Azaz, but could be
Connor Metcalfe
The 24-year-old has appeared in every match for the Socceroos since the start of 2023, and continued that run with three starts and two sub appearances at the Asian Cup. Since then, he’s returned to FC St Pauli alongside Irvine, and played 28 minutes off the bench upon his return. Overall, he’s made 21 appearances this season with 12 starts and nine substitution efforts – so will be looking to press his case for a locked-down starting berth in the final months of the season.
Aiden O’Neill
The defensive midfielder has been sensational for Belgian club Standard Liege this season, and took things to another level last weekend with a sensational goal in a 1-0 win over OH Leuven.
On the edge of the area, O’Neill chested the ball down before slamming a half-volley into the net, his first goal for the club after joining last July.
“To be honest, there is a bit of luck in this goal,” the Aussie told DH Les Sports+. “I was in a good position and I said to myself ‘why not take my chance?’.
“I had already dreamed of scoring a goal like that but, to succeed in doing it, especially in such an important match, is something else. It means a lot.
“I had already scored goals from outside the box but, yes, I can say that this one is probably the best of my career. And it brings three super important points for the team.”
O’Neill had started six-straight league matches before the Asian Cup and looks to be back in the first team.
Aussie returns from Asian Cup in style | 00:41
FORWARDS
Martin Boyle
Having missed the 2019 Asian Cup and the 2022 World Cup through injury, Boyle finally got to represent the Socceroos at an international tournament.
The 30-year-old winger even got his first tournament goals, scoring a penalty against Uzbekistan and one of Australia’s four against Indonesia.
Boyle has wasted little time in returning to form for club side Hibernian since returning, scoring once and assisting another in the club’s 3-1 win over Inverness CT in the fifth round of the Scottish FA Cup.
He also played the full match as a right winger in a 2-1 defeat to Celtic on February 7 as Hibernian remain in eighth in the Scottish Premiership.
Sammy Silvera
Since moving to Middlesbrough from the Central Coast Mariners last summer, Silvera has largely been used as an impact substitute, coming off the bench 13 times prior to the Asian Cup.
Silvera enjoyed a similar role for the Socceroos in Qatar whenever Arnold sought out a fresh injection of pace and trickery but struggled to find his groove.
The Aussie youngster has once again reprised his role as an impact sub upon returning to Middlesbrough, coming off the bench in Boro’s last three Championship fixtures against Sunderland, Bristol City — where he scored a 91st-minute consolation goal — and Preston North End.
With 15 game left in Middlesbrough’s season, Silvera will hope to earn some regular starts as he looks to prove he belongs at the Championship level.
Bruno Fornaroli
Fornaroli entered the Asian Cup on the back of some scintillating form for Melbourne Victory, scoring 13 goals in 10 games.
A first start in Qatar for Fornaroli didn’t arrive until the Round of 16 clash against Indonesia as a result of Mitchell Duke’s injury-enforced absence, with the Victory man consigned to cameos off the bench in the Socceroos’ other games.
Fornaroli fired a blank in his first game back for Victory (1-0 defeat to Macarthur), when he suffered a fractured hand – but still played the entire game. He has since undergone surgery but could still play this weekend, and it’d be silly to bet against the 36-year-old enjoying another rich vein of scoring form.
After all, he’s still tied first for the golden boot race alongside Newcastle’s Apostolos Stamatelopoulos despite missing five games.
’El Tuna’ may be 36 years old, but he’s in vintage scoring form.Source: Getty Images
Kusini Yengi
Yengi took major strides in staking his claim to be the Socceroos’ next long-term option up front, starting the group stage clash against Uzbekistan in place of an injured Mitchell Duke, with Arnold describing his performance as “outstanding.”
He may not provide the same relentless pressing as Duke does up top, but Yengi’s physicality and ability to hold the ball up certainly caught the eye.
Yengi earned his call-up thanks to a strong debut season for League One promotion hopefuls Portsmouth with seven goals in 17 appearances prior to the Asian Cup.
And the former Western Sydney Wanderers man didn’t need to wait long to make an impact on his return at Fratton Park, scoring the first of Portsmouth’s three in a win over Cambridge United.
Marco Tilio
Having secured a dream move from Melbourne City to Celtic last summer, Tilio’s endured a Glaswegian nightmare.
The 22-year-old had clocked 28 minutes all season long under Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers but was still included in Arnold’s Asian Cup squad due to his ability to “bring that bit of difference as an impact player” and to “get that smile back on his face.”
Tilio appeared just once for the Socceroos in Qatar — five minutes off the bench against Uzbekistan — but has since secured a loan move to Melbourne City for the remainder of the season.
He made his return in the 5-1 humiliation against Brisbane in a 32-minute appearance off the bench and one would imagine it won’t be long before he’s back starting games again.
It is a loan move that must work out for Tilio in a bid to force his way back into Rodgers’ Celtic plans.
Otherwise his time with the Hoops could be over as quickly as it began.
Mitchell Duke
Duke remains Arnold’s first choice at striker, although the two group stage fixtures he played in didn’t exactly play to his main strengths of stretching opposition backlines.
The 33-year-old also had a golden chance to send Australia into the semi-finals against South Korea but flashed his header wide.
Duke is now gearing up for the 2024 J1 League season with Machida Zelvia having helped the team achieve promotion last year.
At his age, it’s likely Duke has just one more World Cup cycle left in him as Arnold must eventually turn to the next generation.
But as long as Duke has plenty of running left in him, he won’t give up his starting spot without a fight.
Craig Goodwin
Goodwin continues to age like a fine wine and richly deserved his spot in the AFC’s Asian Cup 2023 team of the tournament.
However, Goodwin cannot let his performances for club or country dip knowing Jordan Bos is breathing down his neck as his replacement at left wing, even though the latter has made his name predominantly as a left back.
The 32-year-old last featured for Saudi Pro League side Al-Wehda on December 31 before the league took a brief pause, but has started 13 of the 14 league games he’s played in this season.
Goodwin will most certainly have a vital part to play in the Socceroos’ road to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and will hope to feature at the tournament.
Goodwin’s outstanding performances at the Asian Cup saw him named in the team of the tournament.Source: Getty Images
John Iredale
Iredale represented somewhat of a surprise inclusion in Arnold’s Asian Cup squad, although the Aussie boss revealed the forward was a player he’d “admired for a long time.”
The 24-year-old, who plies his trade with 2. Bundesliga side Wehen Wiesbaden, didn’t see a minute of action in Qatar but earning a call-up is no easy feat.
In his return to action for Wehen Wiesbaden, Iredale came off the bench against FC Nuremberg for a brief cameo.
However, should Iredale start to receive more regular starts, expect him to figure in the conversation for Socceroos inclusions for several more international windows to come.
OTHERS — NON ASIAN CUP
Calem Nieuwenhof
The 22-year-old centre midfielder (well, he turns 23 tomorrow!) was one of the standouts in the last A-League season before moving to Scottish club Hearts in July. Since then, he’s come along in leaps and bounds – so much so that his coach is confident he’ll lace up his boots for the Socceroos soon.
After a slow start to the season, Hearts are third in the league with eight wins in a row in all competitions, and their Aussie foursome of Nieuwenhof, Kye Rowles, Nathaniel Atkinson and fellow young midfielder Cameron Devlin have been crucial to their success.
He’s played 25 times in all competitions, scoring two goals in his last five games and picking up an assist. His most recent goal was an absolute stunner.
Crucial to his rise has been an increased physicality and toughness in the midfield scrap – with the Scottish league the perfect place for the youngster to grow in that regard.
“The character he is, he’s a reserved person and is really chilled out,” coach Steven Naismith told The Scotsman. “That probably went against him in his first few months when he was finding his feet, but in training you can see his quality – his calmness in possession, his understanding of the game, his range of passing, and he is a goal threat as well.
“He’s one of the fittest players at the club. What he brings on and off the ball is really important. He’s consistently improving and becoming more dominant in games, which is why we signed him. We knew he was a good player, he’s a really good player.
“He’s got a desire to get into the international team and I don’t think that’ll be too far away if he continues in the same vein of form.”
Nieuwenhof said his manager was ‘not wrong, for sure’ about being chilled out – but added: “You need to go into every game with that mindset that you are going to have to get stuck in and get involved. Cammy’s great to learn from. He’s a real dog and a really aggressive player. For sure that is something I can take from his game. That’s something I have really learned across the last few months and brought it into my game and just trying to get consistency into that side of my game, the physical aspect.”
For now, he looms as a crucial member of Australia’s Under-23 Olyroos squad who will compete in the U-23 Asian Cup in April-May in a bid to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. But he’s building a compelling case to join the Socceroos’ stacked midfield ranks.
Two-cap Socceroo Cameron Devlin, meanwhile, was ruled out for around six weeks after an ankle injury which cost him a place at the Asian Cup. The 25-year-old has been on the bench for the last two games for Hearts but has not yet played.
Alessandro Circati
Circati’s stock continues to rise with every game for Serie B side Parma and it’s only going to strengthen the case for his inclusions in future Socceroos squads.
The 20-year-old was left out of the team that went to the Asian Cup as Arnold felt it was better for his development to keep playing at club level rather than warm the bench in Qatar.
Since Serie B resumed from the winter break, Circati has started three of the five games, with one draw and two wins in that time with Parma losing one of the games he was benched for.
Circati has plenty of years on his side and, crucially, the benefit of regular game time.
Additionally, Parma are six points clear at the top of Serie B and are no doubt the favourites for promotion, meaning Circati could very easily be lining up in Italy’s top flight next season.
If Parma go up and Circati starts Serie A games, the noise will only grow louder for his inclusion in Socceroos line-ups – and the rumours of Premier League interest will only grow stronger.
Ajdin Hrustic
Hrustic has rapidly fallen from his status as one of the Socceroos’ key creative outlets to the international wilderness, but a January switch could provide the spark needed to get his career back on track.
The midfielder’s move from Frankfurt to Serie A side Hellas Verona has been an unmitigated disaster, failing to even make the bench for any of their league games this season.
But Hrustic sealed a loan switch to Dutch side Heracles Almelo and earned a start in just his second match, helping the club to a 3-2 win over Vitesse. It was his first top-flight start in over a year.
It’s a much-needed move for Hrustic if he is to force himself back into Arnold’s thoughts ahead of World Cup qualification.
Hrustic has not appeared for the Socceroos since a 45-minute showing in the 2-0 friendly defeat to Argentina in China last June.
Given the Socceroos’ struggles when it came to unlocking deep-lying defences at the Asian Cup — a problem the Aussies will encounter throughout the road to the 2026 World Cup — Hrustic’s return would be a welcome one.
Hrustic finally ended a year-long nightmare at Verona.Source: Getty Images
Cristian Volpato
Until Volpato makes his international future clear, there’s still a chance he could be capped for the Socceroos in the not-too-distant future.
Speaking to ESPNprior to the Asian Cup, Arnold revealed he had been in constant communication with Volpato but the talented midfielder “wants to just focus on his club career” for now.
Since moving from Roma to Sassuolo last summer, Volpato has largely been consigned to appearing off the bench and only just made his first start of the season against Bologna.
But Volpato made full use of the opportunity, scoring a stunning goal to give Sassuolo a 2-1 lead in the 34th minute as they went on to record a 4-2 victory.
With the 2026 World Cup cycle about to begin, could Volpato’s interest in international football be piqued?
Nestory Irankunda, Garang Kuol and Awer Mabil
And what of the Socceroos’ attacking trio of Nestory Irankunda, Garang Kuol and Awer Mabil?
Mabil has been a mainstay of the Socceroos set-up and loomed as a likely inclusion for the Asian Cup squad, but he picked up an injury in Grasshopper’s 1-0 win over Basel on December 10 and has not been sighted since.
Prior to the injury, Mabil had been in solid form throughout the season and started eight out of 12 games he appeared in, with four goals and three assists to boot.
At 28 years of age, expect Mabil to be in and around Socceroos squads for the next World Cup cycle.
Popular figure Awer Mabil missed the Asian Cup with injury.Source: Getty Images
On the other end of the age spectrum is Kuol and Irankunda.
Kuol burst onto the scene for the Central Coast Mariners and earned a move to Premier League side Newcastle United, but from there his club journey hasn’t gone as he’d have hoped.
He moved to Eredivisie side FC Volendam on a season-long loan but they sit in 17th place, nine points away from safety.
Kuol himself has struggled to hold down a starting spot as well, clocking just 55 minutes of action since December.
It’s important to remember he is just 19 years of age and there’s plenty of time on his side, but as it stands, he’s behind in the pecking order of Socceroos’ wingers.
Garang Kuol scored his maiden Socceroos goal last March.Source: Getty Images
Then there’s Adelaide United winger Irankunda, who recently turned 18 and is headed for Bayern Munich at the end of the season.
The teenage sensation turned heads with blistering power in his shots and silky runs down the right, breezing past defender with ease.
However, since his move was announced, Irankunda has often cut a frustrated figure on the field and Adelaide coach Carl Veart even said he doesn’t “see enough happiness” from the prodigy.
Irankunda was brought into the Socceroos fold as a train-on player for the friendlies against Ecuador in March last year and has also featured for the Joeys.
Should Irankunda continue his remarkable upward trajectory with Bayern, a full Socceroos call-up is not out of the question and he could loom as a major game-changer for the upcoming World Cup cycle.
In his first appearance without his protective mask, Socceroos skipper Ryan was colossal.
Ryan was rarely called into action during the first half but in the second, he made vital saves to keep South Korea at bay.
He bravely put his body on the line to thwart Lee Jae-Sung in the 78th minute too given he was coming back from a fractured cheekbone.
Unfortunately there was little the skipper could do to prevent South Korea’s two goals, with one coming from the penalty spot and another being an unstoppable free kick from Son.
Even after the Socceroos’ hopes had all but vanished, Ryan still popped up with superb stops deep into extra time.
Nathaniel Atkinson – 6.5
Had a very difficult task in trying to nullify star winger Hwang Hee Chan, but Atkinson stood up to the task.
Korea did try and target the space in behind the Aussie right back, yet he remained wary.
Atkinson’s driving runs forward also provided a vital outlet for the Aussies and it was he who delivered the crucial assist for Goodwin’s goal.
Came off in the 73rd minute for Lewis Miller.
Kye Rowles – 7
An assured performance from Rowles at the heart of defence, rarely putting a foot wrong.
Operating as the left-sided centre back, Rowles was solid alongside Souttar and distributed the ball well.
Harry Souttar – 8
Souttar was once again at his brilliant best throughout, thwarting several South Korean attacks with his gangly legs and snuffing out crosses with excellent blocks.
Unsurprisingly he made several headed clearances to give the Socceroos some breathing space at the back.
The Leicester City man ended the game up front as the Socceroos chased the equaliser that never came.
Had the Aussies made the semi finals, Souttar would have missed it having picked up a booking during first half stoppage time.
Souttar made countless blocks to deny South Korea. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)Source: AFP
Aziz Behich – 7
It was a gutsy performance from Behich who formed a solid partnership with Goodwin on the left.
Behich delivered an all-action display, flying up the touchline and providing a useful outlet.
He also performed his defensive duties with aplomb, with one big moment coming in the 51st minute as he made a crucial clearance to deny Korea at the back post while they chased an equaliser.
Behich put in an incredibly gutsy shift at the back end of the contest as well, defying severe cramp to play until the final whistle.
Keanu Baccus – 7
Knowing he’d be tasked with stopping South Korea’s forays into the final third, Baccus had to be on point with every tackle and pass he made.
The St. Mirren man had a few shaky moments and helped spring Korea’s counter attacks when he lost a handful of individual battles.
However, Baccus made several crucial interventions to deny Korea’s stars from making the impact some outsiders anticipated they would have made.
Came off in 70th minute for Aiden O’Neill.
Jackson Irvine – 8
He may not have found himself on the scoresheet, but this was one of Irvine’s best games for the Socceroos.
The St. Pauli man was here, there and everywhere in the middle of the park to break up play and drive the ball forward.
His passing was on point, switching the play at the perfect time to advance the Socceroos into dangerous positions.
Even deep into extra time, Irvine showed off plenty of heart to keep running until the final whistle and should be proud of his performance.
Connor Metcalfe – 6
Metcalfe wasn’t as anonymous as he had been in the group stage fixtures and helped out his teammates with intelligent positions to present himself as a passing option.
He had the first shot of the game in the 18th minute but could only drag his effort wide of the post.
Metcalfe also could and perhaps should have scored the opener for the Socceroos when a rebound from a Craig Goodwin shot fell straight to him, but it was an awkward chance to bury on his weaker foot.
Came off in the 70th minute for Riley McGree.
Metcalfe missed a golden chance to give the Aussies the lead. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)Source: AFP
Martin Boyle – 6
The industrious Boyle flew up and down the right flank as he largely was forced to help out Atkinson with defensive duties.
Boyle’s rapid speed was a major aid in helping Australia transition from defence to attack.
He’ll be frustrated not to have gotten on the scoresheet when a Behich cross found him unmarked at the back post, but Boyle could only direct his header straight at the goalkeeper.
Even when the rebound fell straight to his feet, he couldn’t find the back of the net.
Came off in the 87th minute for Cameron Burgess.
Mitchell Duke – 6.5
Despite carrying a hamstring injury, Duke managed to play the entire period of regular time but had it not been for his misfires, the Socceroos could have saved themselves an extra 30 minutes of effort.
Duke volleyed wide over the bar from just a few metres out early in the second but his worst miss was yet to come.
A cross from Bos on the left took a deflection and popped up into the air, but Duke steered his header wide of an open goal.
Although he fired a blank in front of goal, Duke’s off-ball work was heroic to the Socceroos’ efforts, constantly chasing lost causes and harassing opposition defenders.
Came off in 93rd minute for Bruno Fornaroli.
Craig Goodwin – 9
There’s a reason why commentator Andy Harper described Goodwin’s showing as “superb” and “one of the great Socceroo performances.”
The left winger earned a recall to the team after scoring a goal and assisting another in the space of four minutes against Indonesia and he was by far the Aussies’ most dangerous outlet.
Goodwin fashioned space to fire off a strike that almost led to the Socceroos’ first goal, but Metcalfe fired the rebound wide.
However, Goodwin would make no mistake when he thumped home a floated cross from Atkinson to hand the Aussies the lead.
Goodwin also showed off his remarkable engine, tracking back when the Socceroos didn’t have the ball.
Came off in the 73rd minute for Jordan Bos.
Goodwin was the Socceroos’ best. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
SUBSTITUTES
Riley McGree – 5.5
Came on in 70th minute for Connor Metcalfe.
McGree had a chance to score Australia’s second when he tried to lob the goalkeeper with a first time effort, but it went over the bar.
That was perhaps McGree’s most notable contribution to the game as he struggled to find the pockets of space in which he has been so dangerous previously for the Aussies.
McGree did show some needed hustle during extra time, using his pace to help track back and defend for the Aussies despite being a goal down.
Aiden O’Neill – 4
Came on in 70th minute for Keanu Baccus.
O’Neill looked solid at first when replacing Baccus, but things quickly unravelled in extra time as he had a yellow card upgraded to a red in extra time for a nasty challenge on Hwang Hee Chan.
Lewis Miller – 2
Came on in 73rd minute for Nathaniel Atkinson.
Miller earned the ire of many when deep in second half stoppage time, he decided to go to ground in an effort to win the ball off of Heung Min Son.
However, Miller collected none of the ball and all of the man, giving the referee an easy decision to award a penalty which Hwang Hee Chan converted.
Miller’s second brainfade ultimately led to the winner as he fouled Chan on the edge of the box, leading to a free kick for South Korea.
Son made no mistake with the set piece and compounded Miller’s woes even further.
Jordan Bos – 6
Came on in 73rd minute for Craig Goodwin.
Bos made important clearances not long after entering the contest as the Aussies looked to clear their lines.
He should have had an assist late in the second half, but Duke fired his header from Bos’ cross wide.
Bos ended up having to play a dual role as the left winger and left back when Behich struggled badly with cramp.
The former Melbourne City man desperately tried to link up play with his teammates but it was to little avail.
Cameron Burgess – 5
Came on in 87th minute for Martin Boyle.
Thrown on late with the pure intention of keeping South Korea out, there was little Burgess could do when Miller brought down Son.
He remained at centre back in extra time as Souttar got thrown forward, but the Ipswich Town star soon joined the towering defender up top in a desperate late gamble from Arnold.
Bruno Fornaroli – N/A
Came on in 93rd minute for Mitchell Duke.
As much as Fornaroli tried to find his feet in the game, he ultimately had little impact as the 10-man Socceroos chased an equaliser.
History will show it was the Ange Postecoglou-led Socceroos who emerged victorious, with a James Troisi strike in extra time proving the difference.
It was the first continental triumph in Asia for the Socceroos and a landmark moment in Australian football.
For South Korea, the defeat meant its agonising wait for a first Asian Cup triumph since 1960 — a tournament which featured only four teams and 80-minute games — rumbled on.
In the early hours of Saturday, the two nations will collide for the 29th time in the quarterfinal of the 2023 Asian Cup, as South Korea looks to banish the demons of 2015.
And, in a cruel twist for the Socceroos, one of their own could be the architect of its downfall in Qatar.
The Socceroos will take on South Korea in the quarter final of the Asian Cup. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
WILD CONTRAST IN PATH TO ASIAN CUP QF AS ARNIE’S TROOPS SHOW UP WORLD NO. 23
South Korea’s road to the final eight at this Asian Cup has been far from smooth.
Jurgen Klinsmann took over managerial duties from Paulo Bento last February but his tenure has been dogged by large swells of criticism from South Korea.
The German great quickly found himself offside when he elected to remain living in the United States once appointed to the role, relying on his assistants to attend K-League matches and report back to him.
It is in complete contrast to Klinsmann’s predecessors, who all made the move to South Korea after earning the job.
Klinsmann’s early results did not help either, failing to win any of his opening five matches before finally achieving his first victory as South Korea boss after beating Saudi Arabia 1-0 in September.
Drawn in Group E alongside Bahrain, Jordan and Malaysia, nations ranked 86th, 87th and 130th in the world respectively, it represented a golden chance for Klinsmann and his troops to make an early statement at the Asian Cup.
But if pundits thought a cruisy 3-1 win over Bahrain was a sign progression to the knockout stages would be a breeze, how wrong they were.
Klinsmann hasn’t exactly won over Korean fans since his appointment in February 2023. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
South Korea were bailed out by an own goal in second half stoppage time to salvage a 2-2 draw against Jordan and conceded in the 15th minute of second half stoppage time against Malaysia to draw 3-3.
Klinsmann was even seen sporting a smile after the draw against Malaysia, a gesture that gave his most vocal detractors even more ammunition.
The two draws meant South Korea, rather embarrassingly, finished second in their group behind Bahrain.
In a twist of fate, not topping Group E meant the Taegeuk Warriors avoided a clash against fellow Asian heavyweights Japan, as a Round of 16 fixture against the Roberto Mancini-led Saudi Arabia beckoned instead.
Yet again, South Korea were rescued by stoppage time heroics as Cho Gue-Sung scored the equaliser in the 99th minute after Abdullah Radif put Saudi Arabia ahead almost as soon as the second half began.
Neither side could find the winner in extra time, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout in which South Korea prevailed to seal a quarterfinal showdown against the Socceroos.
In contrast to South Korea’s journey, the Aussies were rarely troubled by their Group B rivals.
Graham Arnold’s side kept clean sheets in wins over India and Syria but once again, a perceived lack of inventiveness in the final third was the main talking point from the first two games.
Struggling to break down teams who defend in deep, low blocks has been a constant criticism throughout Arnold’s tenure, although the Aussie boss has passionately argued it is results rather than style that matter most in tournament football.
Arnold has been criticised for a lack of creativity in the final third. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Former Socceroo Robbie Slater also defended the team’s tactical approach in the Asian Cup, reiterating the need to “build” as the tournament goes on.
“I spoke to Arnie about it, and he doesn’t like to get too much into it but I can tell his disappointed … I think (the criticism) is unfair,” Slater told SEN.
“We’re in a tournament (where) we’ve conceded one goal, we’ve scored eight. Have we played like Brazil at their best? No, but it’s a tournament and you build.”
A controversial penalty helped the Socceroos seal top spot in Group B with a 1-1 draw against Uzbekistan and was followed by a comfortable-yet-feisty 4-0 victory over Indonesia in the Round of 16.
Given South Korea have a day less to recover from the draining 120-minute encounter against Saudi Arabia, it is a huge bonus for the Socceroos, even if Klinsmann suggested a penalty shootout win “gives the team an enormous amount of energy.”
Couple that with the Socceroos’ propensity to perform with reduced possession against better teams and it’s as good a chance as ever for the Aussies to make the semi finals.
A win for either nation would lead to a semi final against Jordan or Tajikistan, who are ranked 106th in the world.
It would be too dismissive to suggest the winner between South Korea and Australia would go on to a spot in the Asian Cup final, but an easier ride to the last stage might not present itself ever again.
The Socceroos will face either Tajikistan or Jordan should they beat South Korea and qualify for the semi finals. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)Source: AFP
THE TRIO OUT TO VANQUISH DEMONS OF 2015 … AND HOW ANGE HAS PLAYED A HELPING HAND
Few in South Korea have forgotten what happened in the final of the 2015 Asian Cup.
That day, a 22-year-old Heung-Min Son scored a stoppage time equaliser in the second half to cancel out Massimo Luongo’s sizzling strike and send the contest to extra time.
But, as then-Socceroos boss Postecoglou was at pains to point out during his team talk prior to extra time, Son and his South Korean teammates had exhausted every ounce of energy they had while the Aussies appeared fresh as a daisy.
The Socceroos soon found the winner courtesy of James Troisi in a moment etched into Australian football folklore, but for South Korea it represented yet another Asian Cup heartbreak.
Of that Socceroos team that started in the final, only Mat Ryan and Aziz Behich remain.
As for South Korea, the trio of Son, Kim Young-Gwon and Kim Jin-Su are the sole survivors.
Having come agonisingly close to ending the nation’s wait for a first Asian Cup since 1960, the trio’s desire to vanquish the demons of 2015 will burn deep.
Much has changed since that day at Homebush, especially for Son.
It was only a few months after the 2015 Asian Cup he moved from Bayer Leverkusen to Tottenham Hotspur for $AUD42 million, where he remains today.
In the near-decade he has spent in north London, Son has established himself as one of the Premier League’s deadliest wingers.
Heung-Min Son was left devastated after losing the 2015 Asian Cup final to Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Whether it be burning defenders for speed or producing Houdini-like escapes to wriggle out of tight spaces with the ball, the South Korean has constantly dragged Tottenham out of several holes.
Although Son suffered a dip in form last season under Antonio Conte and scored only ten league goals — his lowest tally since the 2015/16 season — the 31-year-old is back to his brilliant best.
Behind Son’s resurgence this season has been former Socceroos boss Postecoglou, who took over from Conte as Tottenham manager.
It was Postecoglou who named Son as Tottenham’s new captain in the wake of Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich and it is a role in which he has embraced and subsequently flourished.
Even though some pundits anticipated Son to struggle without Kane, he has stepped up in the latter’s absence with 12 goals and five assists from 20 league games.
Despite entering the Asian Cup as the most dangerous player across the entire competition, Son has been largely nullified by weaker opposition.
But it didn’t stop Arnold from cracking a joke about how he plans to stop the rampant Spurs winger.
“I rang Ange and asked Ange if he can take him back,” Arnold said during a press conference.
Ange Postecoglou has got Heung-Min Son firing. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Although Arnold publicly took a humorous stance on the matter, privately he will have been intensely plotting on how to prevent Son from running riot.
But it’s not like the Socceroos boss will need to draw up a blueprint from scratch.
After all, the Socceroos defenders have come up against the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Jack Grealish and Lionel Messi twice in the space of just over a year.
Son isn’t the only attacking threat the Socceroos must plan for, with Wolves forward Hwang Hee-Chan and Paris Saint-Germain winger Lee Kang-In also presenting major defensive headaches.
However, the Socceroos are one of the strongest teams defensively at the Asian Cup having faced just four shots on target throughout the entire tournament.
It’s why Behich is not losing sleep about what South Korea’s forwards are capable of.
“We don’t focus on individuals in teams,” Behich said, per ESPN.
“Yeah, you have to be careful, it’s obviously in the back of your mind as a player when you’re on the pitch that these types of world-class players can change a game in a moment.
“But it’s all about us and what we can do as a team.”
Socceroos gear up for South Korea clash | 01:27
Given South Korea’s short turnaround from their Round of 16 fixture, the deck is heavily stacked in the favour of the Socceroos when it comes to the physical battle.
But, much like the Socceroos against higher ranked opponents, beware the team that is ready to run itself ragged for the cause.
Couple that with a trio, led by talismanic skipper Son, desperate to avenge the 2015 Asian Cup final defeat, and Arnold will be in for one of the toughest tasks of his managerial career.
But if he passes the test, the case for Arnold as one of the Socceroos’ greatest coaches will be significantly strengthened.
Erik ten Hag insisted he will deal with Marcus Rashford’s absence after the Manchester United star missed Sunday’s 4-2 victory at Newport in the FA Cup.
Ten Hag claimed Rashford was absent from the fourth round clash in south Wales after saying he was ill on Friday.
But reports over the weekend suggested the England forward had spent Thursday evening at a Belfast nightclub before missing training with United the next day.
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“He reported ill,” United boss Ten Hag said after United blew a two-goal lead before surviving their trip to fourth tier Newport.
“The rest is an internal matter. I deal with it, we will deal with it.”
Ten Hag said there was a “no good culture” when he arrived at United and he has encountered disciplinary issues during his Old Trafford tenure.
United winger Jadon Sancho returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan earlier this month after falling out with the Dutchman.
Rashford was also dropped for a Premier League match against Wolves last season after turning up late to a team meeting when he overslept.
Socceroos cruise into Asain cup Quarters | 02:04
Pressed on his latest issue with Rashford, Ten Hag said: “I don’t go in this case. We talked before about it, we played a good game, and now we move on.”
United struck twice in the first half against opponents 76 places below them in the pyramid thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
But Bryn Morris and Will Evans scored either side of half-time to leave United in danger of a humiliating defeat.
Antony and Rasmus Hojlund struck in the final stages to spare United’s blushes, but it was another disjointed display in a difficult season for Ten Hag.
“The first 35 minutes it was very dominant. We did not give the opponent any chance and should have been three, four, five-nil up,” Ten Hag said.
“Out of nothing they score a goal and straight after half-time again.
“We have to be critical of bad defending in transition. Poor defending from the cross, it’s 2-2, and they turned it around.
NEWPORT, WALES – JANUARY 28: Antony of Manchester United celebrates with Alejandro Garnacho and Diogo Dalot.Source: Getty Images
“But you see how resilient we are. We stayed calm, went back in our game, got the third and fourth goal, so job done.” Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw were all back in the United starting line-up after injury, while Harry Maguire made a late cameo for his first appearance since December 12.
Ten Hag hopes the return of those experienced stars can help a team who are eighth in the Premier League and have been eliminated from the Champions League.
“I know the character from Licha (Martinez), Casemiro, Luke Shaw, (Raphael) Varane, Bruno, Antony, (Alejandro) Garnacho, Hojlund. All fighters,” Ten Hag said.
Liverpool keep quadruple dream alive for ‘emotional’ Klopp
Liverpool remain in the hunt to send Jurgen Klopp off with a quadruple after beating Norwich 5-2 in the FA Cup on Sunday, with the manager admitting he’d have to be “made of wood” to remain untouched by the affection in which he is held.
Klopp was greeted by an emotional rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” before kick-off and banners of thanks in the first match since the German announced his decision to leave at the end of the season.
The 56-year-old said on Friday when he made the shock announcement on his impending departure that he hoped the “best memories were still to come” despite having won the Premier League and Champions League during his time in charge.
Should Liverpool progress to the FA Cup final, Klopp’s final game will be at Wembley and they will be strong favourites to progress to the quarter-finals after being paired at home to Watford or Southampton in the last 16.
Liverpool remain in the hunt to send Jurgen Klopp off with a quadruple.Source: Getty Images
“It’s emotional but I have to pull myself together. I received all the messages. I’m not made of wood,” said Klopp on dealing with the emotions of the past few days.
“There will be a moment at the end of the season where we will say ‘goodbye’ and it will be emotional, but between now and then we have a massive job to do.”
Klopp’s opposite number, Norwich boss David Wagner, was the best man at his wedding after the two played together at Mainz.
The pair enjoyed a warm embrace in the tunnel before kick-off, but Liverpool showed no mercy on Wagner’s men despite Klopp giving the chance to some of his youngsters to shine.
James McConnell was handed his full debut in midfield and the 19-year-old set up the opening goal as his teasing delivery was headed in by Curtis Jones at the back post.
Norwich hit back almost immediately as Ben Gibson powered past Alisson Becker from Gabriel Sara’s corner.
Liverpool should still have been out of sight by half-time as Darwin Nunez slotted home his 11th goal of the season after great work down the right by Conor Bradley.
– ‘Share intensity’ –
Bradley, who has impressed in recent weeks deputising for Trent Alexander-Arnold, should have had another assist moments later when Cody Gakpo sliced a glorious chance wide.
Ryan Gravenberch then had an effort cleared off the line as Norwich struggled to beat Liverpool’s press as they played out from the back.
The Reds have so far not missed a beat in the absence of Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations to move five points clear at the top of the Premier League and in the hunt for three more trophies in the League Cup, FA Cup and Europa League.
Diogo Jota has carried much of the goalscoring burden without Salah and the Portuguese blasted home after Gibson could only head a long ball over the top into his path.
Liverpool’s hopes of going all the way in four competitions were given a huge boost as all of Andy Robertson, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexander-Arnold made their returns from injury as second-half substitutes.
“It was very important that we could give them minutes,” added Klopp. “Trent and Dom were not that long out but Robbo was out for a long time and each minute they could get is really important and here it helped to share intensity.”
Szoboszlai’s corner was powered home by Virgil van Dijk to make it 4-1 just after the hour mark.
Borja Sainz’s thunderous effort from outside the box reduced Norwich’s arrears, but the home side fittingly had the final say when Gravenberch added a fifth in stoppage time.
Klopp made a love heart gesture as he was serenaded with a song in his name at full-time in what is sure to be only the start of a long goodbye to his adoring Anfield faithful.
Authorities found Laybutt’s body in bushland on January 14. He had been visiting friends in Casuarina, in northern NSW.
More details have now emerged about his final days with one friend speaking out about the “chilling” final message he sent before friends filed a missing persons report on January 13 when they were unable to make contact with him.
The friend said Laybutt wrote “adios” on his Facebook page the morning he disappeared.
He said close friends knew about Laybutt’s battles with depression and mental health.
According to the friend, those close to Laybutt did reach out to help, but he only responded to a few of them. The same friend said those select few were told it was too late to help him.
“There was an appreciation that he was struggling and some of us wonder if we could have had that extra conversation… everyone is living with that guilt,” he said.
Stephen Laybutt of the Olyroos in action. Credit: Matt Turner/ALLSPORTSource: Getty ImagesStephen Laybutt in a match against Kuwait. Credit: Robert Cianflone/ALLSPORTSource: Getty Images
“Personally, think he made up his mind a long time ago.”
“Nobody knew. It takes a fair bit of effort to hide like that,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald in 2021. “Just lying to yourself all the time. That breaks you, and you head down a path of self-destruction.”
At the time, he recalled how he had “spiralled out of control” afterwards because he thought everything would get easier once he was honest about who he was. Things drastically improved for the sports star when he met his partner, Michael Lutteral, in 2010.
Former Socceroo Stephen Laybutt was found dead over the weekend, and police are reportedly treating his death as a suicide. Photo from Facebook / Newcastle United Jets Supporters Group.Source: Supplied
The 46-year-old played 15 matches for the Socceroos between 2000 and 2004 while he also played for the Olyroos at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Laybutt made his domestic football debut in 1995 and went on to play at clubs in Australia and abroad, including in Japan, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Laybutt was known for his charitable endeavours, and made headlines in 2021 when he selflessly donated his kidney to a man on dialysis he had met while working at the rehabilitation unit at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.
He contacted patient Ian Pavey via text message with the offer to save his life.
“Hey mate it’s Steve from St Vincent’s,” the message said according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I want to investigate if I could give you a kidney. Consider it please.”
Laybutt had been helping the 67-year-old recover from a knee operation and said he made the incredible offer because he “liked his attitude”.
“He was always positive. I thought, ‘I should help this guy’. People have asked me what the thought process was behind it. I just thought it was the right thing to do,” he said at the time.
Meanwhile, Football Australia CEO James Johnson said Laybutt’s dedication to the sport will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him.
The soccer legend struggled for years to keep his sexuality hidden from both his teammates and the rest of the world. Picture from Facebook.Source: News Corp Australia
“Stephen’s journey from domestic leagues to the international stage exemplified dedication, skill, and the spirit of Australian football,” Mr Johnson said.
“His contributions to the Socceroos, especially during the OFC Nations Cup victories and the Sydney 2000 Olympics, have left a lasting legacy in our football community.
“We remember Stephen not just for his accomplishments on the field but also for his character and the positive influence he had on those around him.
“He will forever be remembered as part of the Socceroos family and will be deeply missed.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
The Socceroos are through to the Asian Cup quarterfinals after a 4-0 win over Indonesia on Sunday night. The scoreline may have flattered the Australians who struggled at times, but there’s no doubting the excellent performances of some players.
Here’s how every Aussie performed in our Player Ratings!
Faced just one shot on target in the match (and that was a simple catch), but nevertheless had a busy afternoon. Ryan was often called into action to rush out and stifle long balls, while he was often passed back the ball under pressure. But he never panicked and distributed the ball well.
Gethin Jones: 4.5
Produced an inch-perfect cross for Martin Boyle’s headed goal to double the advantage on the stroke of halftime. It was just reward for Jones’s tireless attacking runs up the line … except he gave away the ball too often by running straight into packs of defenders. Made a few dubious decisions in defence, especially in the first half. And Jones almost lost his head when he lashed out at an opponent after being fouled. If the incident had been any worse, he would have seen a red card instead of yellow – but he lasted just three more minutes anyway before being taken off with an apparent groin injury.
Harry Souttar: 7
It was a sloppy start, and he was guilty of misreading a long ball into the box in the 16th minute that could have proved costly if not for some smart work from Ryan. But Souttar calmed those early nerves and was reliable from there out, before capping off the win in the 91st minute with a trademark header. He won all of his aerial duels in another commanding performance.
Kye Rowles: 5.5
He’s often overshadowed by his centre-back partner in the green and gold (literally as well as figuratively). But he made a number of crucial interventions to stifle the Indonesian forays into the area including a team-high four clearances and was an assured presence at the back.
Aziz Behich: 5
Had a nervy start but settled into the game. The Socceroos needed calm heads in the second half and he contributed to a more stable, disciplined defensive unit after the break. No Aussie touched the ball more, and he passed well, but couldn’t find a target on any of his crosses.
MIDFIELD
Jackson Irvine: 7
Irvine has been excellent so far this tournament, and he continued his strong run of form with another influential performance. No Socceroo was up for the fight in the early minutes as much as Irvine, who set up the opening goal with a barnstorming run past a pair of defenders. He wasn’t at his best in terms of passing – completing a lowly 63% of his passes – but Indonesia’s hard-pressing defence deserves credit for breaking up so many attacks. He won’t get that opening goal credited to his name, since it was a cross deflected into the net, and he was also extremely unlucky not to score the third Socceroos goal – which was well saved but fell straight to Craig Goodwin to finish off.
Keanu Baccus: 5
Baccus was overrun in the midfield in the first half as Indonesia dominated that area, but he worked as hard as ever and made a number of tackles and interceptions. Improved markedly after the break and became more influential with his passing. Taken off in the 86th minute.
Riley McGree: 3.5
McGree and Bruno Fornaroli were meant to provide the creativity and attacking impetus that the Socceroos have lacked so far this tournament, but it was another very quiet performance. He couldn’t build the kind of connected, smooth-flowing passing moves that he often orchestrates at his best, gave the ball away frequently, and was subbed off after 61 minutes.
ATTACK
Martin Boyle: 7
Boyle was switched on from the opening kick-off, and was willing to take on defenders from the first minute until the last. Boyle’s dangerous dribbling was on full display, completing six of seven dribbles (a game-high). He also won a remarkable 10 of his 11 ground duels, which are battles for the ball with a defender. His goal sums up everything we love about Boyle – a well-timed run that caught out a defender, followed by a desperate body-on-the-line dive for the ball. It was his second goal in as many games.
Jordan Bos: 5
Graham Arnold sees Bos as a winger rather than a left-back, but this was not the young gun’s best attacking performance by some distance. He played just one ball into the final third, despite getting into some excellent positions and showing off great technical ability. The potential is clearly there for him to be a dangerous attacking threat, and Arnold praised him after the game, but he lost possession in good positions when he could have done more to create effective chances. Defensively, however, he tackled well and made five recoveries.
Bruno Fornaroli: 5
The 36-year-old was brought in for his ability to control the ball in tight areas and create chances – an especially valuable skill against packed defences.
And he started well, fighting hard for the ball and even attempting an acrobatic bicycle kick that instead earned him a yellow card.
He didn’t have the kind of creative input Arnold would have hoped for, made some poor tackles and lost the ball a bit too frequently, but there were promising signs.
He faces a tough battle on his hands to retain the position for the tough quarter-final ahead, with Arnold often preferring Mitch Duke in big games. Fornaroli was replaced after 61 minutes.
SUBSTITUTES
Mitch Duke: 4
Like Fornaroli, he struggled to get on the ball, but made a number of good runs off the ball to create space. He made a horrible mess of a great opportunity to chip the keeper and seal the game when it was 2-0 soon after coming onto the park. It was a quiet day for the dependable veteran, but he’ll be buoyed after getting through half an hour on his return from a minor hamstring niggle.
Connor Metcalfe: 4
He hardly saw the ball in his half an hour on the pitch, and started slowly before settling into the rhythm of the contest. There were no major mistakes, so it perhaps seems harsh to give him just a four – but there was also little of note from the talented midfielder, besides a couple of nice driving runs into space.
Nathaniel Atkinson: 6
Having lost his spot to Gethin Jones after replacing him for the Uzbekistan game, Atkinson was forced into action when Jones went down with injury in the 69th minute. Atkinson showed good intent with a couple of nice dribbles and a long-range shot that drifted wide. He also delivered an excellent cross into the box to set up the third goal. Didn’t need to do much defensively, but Arnold will trust he can replace Jones for the next match if the new recruit can’t overcome what looked like a groin injury.
Craig Goodwin: 9
Goodwin delivered one of the all-time cameos off the bench, scoring then assisting in the space of just over two minutes. His volley was clinical and coolly-taken, before he delivered a perfect set piece ball for Souttar to head home in the 91st minute. His set pieces were very poor in the opening game of the tournament – and he hadn’t played since then – so it was the perfect reminder to Graham Arnold of what he can do.
Aiden O’Neill: N/A
Only had a handful of minutes and didn’t have much of an impact.
