The door remains ajar for Nestory Irankunda to represent Australia at this year’s Olympics despite the “emotional” A-League teenage sensation missing selection for the Paris Games qualifiers for “welfare” reasons.
Socceroos pair Marco Tilio and Garang Kuol – who were both in Australia’s 2022 World Cup squad – will spearhead the Olyroos’ bid for 2024 Olympics qualification at the AFC under-23 Asian Cup.
A top-three finish at the April 15-May 3 tournament in Qatar will secure the Olyroos a berth at the Paris Games, while placing fourth will earn them a spot in the AFC-CAF (Africa) playoff match against Guinea for the final Olympics qualification place.
Bayern Munich-bound Irankunda, who scored a hat-trick for Adelaide United last week, is the most notable omission from the Olyroos’ 23-man squad.
Nestory Irankunda has missed Olyroos selection for the Paris Games qualifiers. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Olyroos coach Tony Vidmar said he could have been “selfish” by picking Irankunda, but his priority was the 18-year-old winger’s wellbeing.
“With Nestor, we have to be really mindful,” Vidmar said.
“He’s just such an emotional player, and what’s happened to him this season, I think he’s on a rollercoaster 24/7.
“That’s just the way he is. That’s the way it’s gone, and we have to look at the bigger picture.
“We want Nestor to be a 10-year-plus Socceroo. He’s going to be the future of the national teams, that’s for sure.
“We just have to be mindful of what we do with him in the national team space. At the moment, we don’t want to damage him.
“The welfare of the player is No.1. He’s just turned 18, and it’s a big ask for him to come in, (with) all these expectations from people outside.
“He’s been through so much this year. I’d hate to be in his shoes. He’s just been prodded at. Everyone’s poking at him, everyone wants a piece of him.
“I understand playing for the national team is a huge thing, I’ve spoken to him about that.
Marco Tilio (left) and Garang Kuol will lead Australia’s charge for Olympic Games qualification. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“He just wants to play football for his club and then get ready for that next part of his journey.”
It’s a journey that could yet result in Irankunda being selected for the Olympics should Australia qualify.
“He’s always been in that (Olympics) consideration. He’s always been on our list of players,” Vidmar said.
“He’s one where after the qualifiers, and when we do qualify for the Olympics, it’ll be again having that discussion, having a chat with him.
“He likes that, he likes that contact, and he’s been fairly open and honest with me with a lot of things.”
Apart from Irankunda, a host of eligible players – including Socceroos duo Alessandro Circati (Parma, Italy) Patrick Yazbek (Viking FK, Norway), Nicholas Bilokapic (Peterborough United, England), Calem Nieuwenhof (Hearts, Scotland), Cameron Peupion (Brighton, England), Nectarios Triantis (Hibs, Scotland) – also missed under-23 Asian Cup selection due to their overseas club teams not being obligated to release them, as the tournament does not take place in a FIFA international window.
“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,” Vidmar said.
“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.”
Tilio, who has returned to Melbourne City on loan from Celtic, is one of 15 A-League players selected for under-23 Asian Cup duty.
Kuol, whose older brother Alou is also in the squad, is on loan to Dutch outfit FC Volendam from English Premier League club Newcastle United.
“Everything we’ve done over the last 12 months has been focused on preparing for the Asian Cup,” Vidmar said.
“We set clear goals and expectations around what we want to achieve in Doha, and I’ve been really impressed by the way the group has taken ownership of that.
“There’s a strong desire and belief within this group that I believe will serve us well throughout the challenging moments that an international tournament of this calibre will present.”
“Our ability to prepare for this, build depth across the squad and foster important connections between our final squad gives me every confidence in this group and what they can achieve in Doha.”
Olyroos: Patrick Beach (Melbourne City), Lachlan Brook (Western Sydney Wanderers), Cameron Cook (Perth Glory), Jordan Courtney-Perkins (Sydney FC), Louis D’Arrigo (Lechia Gdansk), Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners), Jake Girdwood-Reich (Sydney FC), Steven Hall (Brighton), Jake Hollman (Macarthur FC), Jacob Italiano (Borussia Monchengladbach II), Alou Kuol (Central Coast Mariners), Garang Kuol (FC Volendam), Nicolas Milanovic (Western Sydney Wanderers), Mark Natta (Newcastle Jets), Alexandar Popovic (Gwangju FC), Adrian Segecic (FC Dordrecht), Callum Talbot (Melbourne City), Ryan Teague (Melbourne Victory), Marco Tilio (Melbourne City), Mohamed Toure (Paris FC), Jordi Valadon (Melbourne Victory), Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory), Rhys Youlley (KVC Westerlo).
The Matildas can ill-afford to take their foot off the pedal against Chinese Taipei on Wednesday night in Perth if they want to give themselves the best possible chance of qualifying for next year’s Olympic Games.
The Matildas have effectively locked in top spot in Group A and a place in February’s third round of qualifying, in which the four top-ranked Asian Football Confederation nations will be whittled down to the two who qualify for the Olympics.
It’s likely that seedings will be used to determine which of the teams play each other in the parallel home and away battles to decide which two nations are the AFC representatives in Paris.
Goal difference is therefore set to be crucial if the Matildas want to avoid Group B leaders South Korea or Group C leaders Japan in February.
The Matildas are currently one goal better off in the for and against stakes than Japan, who are also on six points heading into its final group game against Vietnam.
South Korea is tied on points with North Korea but well ahead on goal difference, and likely to win the group but finish as the third seed. Therefore whichever of Australia and Japan performs best should face the best-performing runner-up (currently North Korea), rather than a group winner (currently South Korea).
Matildas vice-captain Steph Catley said her side just had to “control what we can control”.
“For us, that is winning, and that is doing it however we need to and scoring as many goals as we can,” Catley told reporters on Tuesday.
“We will focus on the task at hand, and make sure that we get ourselves in the best position possible.”
And they will have to do so on Wednesday night without talented trio Ellie Carpenter, Emily van Egmond and Cortnee Vine.
A deal was done to release Carpenter and van Egmond back to their clubs early.
The absence of right-back Carpenter will demand at least one change to Australia’s starting team for coach Tony Gustavsson, who was weighing up how many minutes to play his best players in the third clash in a week.
Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Carpenter’s French outfit Lyon return to action on November 6 against Paris FC, van Egmond – who was used off the bench in Australia’s 8-0 weekend thrashing of the Philippines – is about enter the US National Women‘s Soccer League playoffs with the San Diego Wave.
Football Australia (FA) confirmed deals had already been done for the pair to return to their clubs before the Matildas’ third and final Group A game.
“Following agreements between Football Australia and their clubs, San Diego Wave and Olympique Lyon, van Egmond and Carpenter arrived earlier than normal into assembly and as a result have departed earlier,” FA said in a statement on Tuesday.
Carpenter played all 90 minutes in the Matildas’ opening clash against Iran last week and against the Philippines, and was among Australia‘s best in both victories.
Sydney FC’s Vine has also left camp after injuring her hamstring after coming on a substitute against the Philippines.
As per Asian Football Confederation qualifier regulations, no additional players will be registered in the Matildas‘ squad for Wednesday’s Chinese Taipei clash.
LONDON — In the final minutes of Australia’s hard-fought 1-0 defeat to England on Sunday morning, Socceroos veteran Craig Goodwin did something special; and not on the pitch.
The 31-year-old had put in a sensational shift against the world’s fourth-ranked side and was taking a well-earned rest on the bench for the closing stages of the match.
But Goodwin climbed back off the pine and trotted down to the corner flag. In his sights was 19-year-old Mohamed Toure, the young striker warming up along the sideline – a bundle of energy about to be unleashed for a Socceroos debut.
Goodwin wrapped up the teen talent in a warm hug, offered him one final calming word.
“Good luck mate, just enjoy it.”
And when Toure’s number was called and he stepped onto the famous paddock of Wembley, no one in the crowd of 81,116 had a bigger smile than Goodwin, who previously played alongside the teen at Adelaide United.
Goodwin said: “I was buzzing! … I’m really happy for him, obviously knowing him for a while and playing with him at Adelaide. But you know, I could see his face, he was so excited when the boss called his name.
“But just a great moment for him, and I’m really happy that I could be there to share it with him.”
England’s defender Kieran Trippier (L) vies with Australia’s striker #26 Mohamed Toure (R) during the international friendly football match between England and Australia at Wembley stadium in north London on October 13, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)Source: AFP
Goodwin was Toure’s captain at Adelaide United, where the youngster put his name up in lights in February 2020 by becoming the youngest-ever A-League Men’s scorer – hitting the back of the net before his 16th birthday.
Born in Guinea to Liberian refugee parents, it’s been a remarkable journey to gracing the stage of one of football’s most hallowed grounds.
Speaking today, Toure said he never would have dreamt of a Socceroos debut – let alone at Wembley.
He says with a laugh: “I don’t think I would have imagined making my debut full stop! But at Wembley makes it more special. I never would have thought that.”
He adds: “It was an amazing feeling, it was one of those feelings you can’t really describe. Making my Australian debut, it could have been in any stadium and it would have felt special but then to have it at Wembley as well was even better. It was just like a surreal experience.”
These days, Toure is learning his trade and fighting for playing time at Paris FC in the French second division, on loan from Ligue 1 club Reims. So when he got the call from Socceroos coach Graham Arnold, it came as something of a shock.
“I was a little surprised, you know. It was unexpected because I wasn’t really playing football. It just shows that the coach believes in me and he knows I have something,” he said.
Arnold isn’t alone in believing in the kid.
Speaking about the moments before his debut, Toure says: “As I was about to come on, he (Goodwin) got up off the bench and he walked down to me, and he gave me a hug and he wished me luck.
“That meant a lot to me because that’s not a normal thing to do.
“After the game he just told me congrats and to keep going. I really appreciate it.”
Craig Goodwin of Australia in action during the international friendly match between England and Australia at Wembley Stadium on October 13, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
It’s clear that Toure and Goodwin have a special bond, dating back to their days on the pitch with the Reds. But Toure, who grew up in South Australia, admitted today that he admired Adelaide’s all-time top scorer long before they played together.
Toure said: “You know, I’ve known Goody for so long, before he even knew who I was! At United, growing up I was watching these players.
“Then we became teammates, and I was really close to him because he’s someone I look up to. At training I used to watch what he does on and off the pitch.
“I became close to him and I used to ask him tips. I think he looked at as like: ‘this is my little brother now’.
“He looks up to me and he knows I look up to him, so he’s tried to be the best example he can be to me. He just takes care of me on and off the pitch and he’s always talking to me.”
It might have been just a cameo appearance off the bench against England, but Toure showed flashes of his prodigious talent.
As for Goodwin, he’s the biggest believer that there’s plenty more to come from his ‘little brother’ in the Socceroos.
“He’s someone with massive potential,” Goodwin said.
“He’s someone that in my opinion could be the Socceroos’ striker for the next 10 years. If he can be in here, learn and grow from that, and go away and take confidence and start producing massively at club level, I think it’s only the beginning for Mo.”
Australia’s Socceroos face New Zealand from 5:45am AEDT on Wednesday October 18.
Midfielders: Quinn (OL Reign), Simi Awujo (University of Southern California), Jessie Fleming (Chelsea), Julia Grosso (Juventus), Sophie Schmidt (Houston Dash)
Forwards: Jordyn Huitema (OL Reign), Cloe Lacasse (Benfica), Adriana Leon (Portland Thorns), Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns), Nichelle Prince (Houston Dash), Deanne Rose (Reading), Evelyne Viens (Kristianstad), Olivia Smith (Penn State Nittany Lions)
Forwards: Mariona Caldentey (Barcelona), Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid), Esther Gonzalez (Real Madrid), Eva Navarro (Atletico Madrid), Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona), Alba Redondo (Levante)
Costa Rica
Goalkeepers: Priscila Tapia (Saprissa FF), Daniela Solera (Sporting FC), Genesis Perez (University of Central Florida)
Defenders: Mariana Benavides (Saprissa FF), Maria Paula Elizondo (Saprissa FF), Valeria del Campo (Monterrey), Fabiola Villalobos (Alajuelense), Maria Paula Coto (Alajuelense), Gabriela Guillen (Alajuelense), Carol Sanchez (Sporting)
Forwards: Wang Shuang (Racing Louisville), Wang Shanshan (Wuhan Jiangham University), Tang Jiali (Shanghai Shengli), Xiao Yuyi (Shanghai Shengli)
Kerr reveals the ‘key’ for WC success | 01:10
Group E
United States
Goalkeepers: Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Defenders: Alana Cook (OL Reign), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns), Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Kelley O’Hara (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Sonnett (OL Reign)
Forwards: Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham)
Vietnam
Goalkeepers: Tran Thị Kim Thanh (Ho Chi Minh), Khong Thị Hang (Than KSVN), Dao Thị Kieu Oanh (Hanoi).
Defenders: Chuong Thị Kieu (Ho Chi Minh), Tran Thị Thu Thao (Ho Chi Minh), Tran Thị Thu (Ho Chi Minh), Hoang Thị Loan (Hanoi), Tran Thị Hai Linh (Hanoi), Le Thi Diem My (Than KSVN), Luong Thị Thu Thuong (Than KSVN), Nguyen Thị My Anh (Thai Nguyen), Tran Thị Thuy Nga (Thai Nguyen).
Midfielders: Nguyen Thị Tuyet Dung (Ha Nam), Nguyen Thị Bcch Thuy (Ho Chi Minh), Tran Thị Thuy Trang (Ho Chi Minh), Ngan Thị Vạn Su (Hanoi), Nguyen Thị Thanh Nha (Hanoi), Thai Thị Thao (Hanoi), Duong Thị Van (Than KSVN)
Forwards: Phạm Hai Yen (Hanoi), Vu Thi Hoa (Ho Chi Minh), Nguyen Thị Thuy Hang (Than KSVN), Huynh Nhu (Lank Vilaverdense)
Netherlands
Goalkeepers: Daphne van Domselaar (Twente), Lize Kop (Ajax), Jacintha Weimar (Feyenoord)
Defenders: Stefanie van der Gragt (Inter Milan), Merel van Dongen (Atletico Madrid), Aniek Nouwen (Chelsea), Lynn Wilms (VfL Wolfsburg), Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City), Caitlin Dijkstra (Twente), Dominque Janssen (VfL Wolfsburg)
Midfielders: Sherida Spitse (Ajax), Danielle van de Donk (Lyon), Jackie Groenen (PSG), Jill Roord (Wolfsburg), Victoria Pelova (Arsenal), Damaris Egurrola (Lyon), Jill Baijings (Bayer Leverkusen), Wieke Kaptein (Twente)
Midfielders: Peyton McNamara (Ohio State), Drew Spence (Tottenham), Trudi Carter (Levante), Solai Washington (Concorde Fire), Giselle Washington (University of Tennessee), Rachel Jones (Southern Soccer Academy), Atlanta Primus (London City Lionesses).
Forwards: Khadija Shaw (Manchester City), Jody Brown (Florida State), Tiffany Cameron (ETO FC Gyor), Kameron Simmonds (University of Tennessee), Kiki van Zanten (Notre Dame), Mikayla Dayes (Maryland), Paige Bailey-Gayle (Crystal Palace)
Brazil
Goalkeepers: Leticia Izidoro (Corinthians), Camila (Santos), Barbara (Flamengo)
Defenders: Hanane Ait El Haj (ASFAR), Nouhaila Benzina (ASFAR), Nesryne El Chad (Lille), Rkia Mazrouai (Charleroi), Yasmin Mrabet (Levante), Zineb Redouani (ASFAR), Sabah Seghir (Sampdoria)
Defenders: Shim Seo-yeon (Suwon), Lee Young-ju (Madrid CFF), Lim Seon-joo (Incheon Hyundai), Kim Hye-ri (Incheon Hyundai), Jang Sel-ji (Incheon Hyundai), Choo Hyo-joo (Suwon), Hong Hye-ji (Incheon Hyundai)
Midfielders: Kim Yun-ji (Suwon), Jeon Eun-ha (Suwon), Bae Ye-bin (Uiduk University), Cho So-hyun (Tottenham Hotspur), Lee Geum-min (Brighton), Ji So-yun (Suwon), Chun Ga-ram (Hwacheon)
Forwards: Kang Chae-rim (Incheon Hyundai), Son Hwa-yeon (Incheon Hyundai), Moon Mi-ra (Suwon), Park Eun-sun (Seoul), Choe Yu-ri (Incheon Hyundai), Casey Phair (unattached)
