Teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda has been omitted from the Socceroos squad for this month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, but uncapped trio Max Balard, Anthony Caceres and Hayden Matthews have been named by national coach Tony Popovic.
The 26-man attacking squad also includes returning attackers Martin Boyle, Brandon Borrello and Kusini Yengi, as well as veteran defenders Milos Degenek and Rhyan Grant.
Apart from Irankunda, also left out from the squad named for last month’s games against China and Japan were attacking weapons Daniel Arzani, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Sam Silvera, midfielders Luke Brattan, Keanu Baccus and Gianni Stensness, and defender Thomas Deng.
Sydney FC star Anthony Caceres has been named in the Socceroos squad. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“We’re in the early stages of this journey as a group and we’ll continue to implement the style of play that will be the foundation of our success throughout this cycle,” Popovic said.
“It’s an important series of fixtures and we’re looking forward to finishing off the year on the right note, and equally, putting on a strong performance for the people of Melbourne who have shown us such great support in recent years.”
Socceroos squad: Max Balard, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Jordy Bos, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Anthony Caceres, Milos Degenek, Mitchell Duke, Joe Gauci, Jason Geria, Craig Goodwin, Rhyan Grant, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Paul Izzo, Hayden Matthews, Riley McGree, Lewis Miller, Aiden O’Neill. Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan, Harry Souttar, Nishan Velupillay, Patrick Yazbek, Kusini Yengi
French club Monaco upset 10-man Barcelona by grinding out a 2-1 victory on Thursday in the Champions League, while a stunning David Raya double-save ensured Arsenal a goalless draw away to Europa League winners Atalanta.
Barca have started the season with a perfect record after five La Liga matches but, hindered by a red card in the 11th minute for Eric Garcia, fell to defeat on the French Riviera.
Maghnes Akliouche fired the French side into the lead five minutes after Garcia was dismissed for a last-man challenge on Takumi Minamino.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal equalised in the 28th minute with an arrowed shot after cutting in from the right onto his favoured left foot, but George Ilenikhena grabbed the winner for Monaco inside the final 20 minutes.
“After 10 minutes with the red card the game changed totally, but what I can see is really the positive thing,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick told reporters.
“We tried to defend as a team and also attack as a team, and we had chances, but today they deserve the 2-1 (win), so we have to accept that.”
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Monaco’s French midfielder Maghnes Akliouche celebrates with teammates. Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFPSource: AFP
In Italy, Arsenal goalkeeper Raya earned his side a point in a tough start to their campaign against Atalanta with a 0-0 draw.
A tight match was lit up six minutes after the interval when Mateo Retegui saw Raya plunge down to his right to keep out his penalty, after a foul by Thomas Partey on Ederson.
The ball rebounded up in the air and Retegui looked set to casually nod the dropping ball into the gaping net but the Spaniard sprang to his feet and hurled himself back across the goal-line to claw the ball to safety.
“It’s just a penalty and I was lucky to go the right way and save it,” Raya told TNT Sports.
“I was unlucky to give the rebound straight back to him but I was quick enough to get up and save it.”
A 90th-minute header by Jose Maria Gimenez sent Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone scuttling down the touchline in delight as his side edged visitors RB Leipzig 2-1.
Benjamin Sesko had put the German side in front just four minutes in, but Antoine Griezmann equalised just prior to the half-hour with a controlled finish from inside the penalty area.
The Frenchman then turned provider as he chipped a cross into the box, which Gimenez leapt highest to win at the back post and glance the ball back across Peter Gulacsi and into the Leipzig goal to spark wild celebrations in the Metropolitano Stadium.
“It’s amazing, to get a last-minute goal like this is always fantastic and it’s good to give the fans something to cheer about,” Atletico’s former Leipzig striker Alexander Sorloth told DAZN.
Arsenal’s Spanish goalkeeper David Raya. Photo by Isabella BONOTTO / AFPSource: AFP
Bayer Leverkusen starlet Florian Wirtz enjoyed a dream Champions League debut as the Bundesliga champions thumped Dutch side Feyenoord 4-0 away from home.
The 21-year-old scored a brace either side of an Alex Grimaldo strike before an own goal by Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther ensured Leverkusen had the points wrapped up by half-time.
“It may have looked pretty easy, but it’s really not,” Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso told reporters.
“Overall it was a very serious, very efficient performance from us, but it’s never easy.” French side Brest made a winning start in their first-ever appearance in European competition by seeing off Austria’s Sturm Graz 2-1.
Playing at Brittany rivals Guingamp’s home ground as their own stadium does not meet UEFA standards, Brest took the lead midway through the first half through Hugo Magnetti.
An own-goal by Edimilson Fernandes on the stroke of half-time levelled matters but Abdallah Sima’s smart finish in the 56th minute was enough to divide the sides.
Benfica held on in Serbia against Red Star Belgrade to claim a 2-1 win courtesy of goals in the first half by Turkish duo Kerem Akturkoglu and Orkun Kokcu.
The second matchday of the Champions League league phase will take place on October 1 and 2 with Arsenal hosting Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich travelling to Aston Villa and reigning champions Real Madrid visiting Lille.
Champions League Results
Benfica 2 (Akturkoglu 9, Kokcu 29) def. Red Star Belgrade 1 (Milson 86)
French superstar Kylian Mbappe was officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player on Tuesday, telling 80,000 fans “my dream has come true”.
“I’ve slept for many years with the dream of playing for Real Madrid and today my dream has come true,” Mbappe told fans gathered in record numbers to greet him at the club’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
The striker, who had completed his medical earlier on Tuesday morning, signed a five-year contract and was handed a No. 9 shirt by club president Florentino Perez.
Accompanied by his parents watching from the crowd and with a former French hero of the club, Zinedine Zidane, in attendance, Mbappe was emotional as the crowd chanted his name, and at one point kissed the jersey of the reigning Spanish and European champions.
MADRID, SPAIN – JULY 16: Real Madrid new signing, Kylian Mbappe is unveiled at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on July 16, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“My family is happy and my mum is crying,” said the 25-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain player.
“My dream is to measure up to this club, the greatest club in history,” he told the fans. “I will give my life for this club and this crest.”
“I’d like to send a message to the children,” he continued. “I was like you, I had a dream and today I have fulfilled it. I want to give some advice and that is that with passion you can do anything you want. Today I’m here and next time it could be one of you.”
The unveiling of Real’s latest Galactico allowed its fans to continue celebrating following Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph on Sunday.
“We would like to welcome an exceptional player who has come to help us continue our winning ways,” said Perez. “Welcome to your home.”
Real had courted Mbappe since his early teens.
“I know you will never forget that day in December 2012, when Zinedine Zidane invited you to visit Real Madrid City and meet the players you admired so much,” said Perez.
MADRID, SPAIN – JULY 16: Real Madrid new signing, Kylian Mbappe kisses the Real Madrid badge as he is unveiled at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on July 16, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Tens of thousands gathered to catch a glimpse of the new signing, matching the record numbers 15 years ago when Cristiano Ronaldo was unveiled.
The free tickets were snapped up rapidly with some fans reportedly trying to resell them to take advantage of the hype surrounding the arrival of arguably the world’s best striker.
At Real, Mbappe will form part of an offensive trio alongside England midfielder Jude Bellingham and Brazil attacker Vinicius Junior under the watch of veteran Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti.
That prospect is already exciting fans of the club who won their 15th Champions League title in June.
Although his new teammates began training on Monday, the forward, who captained France during their unsuccessful Euros campaign, will have a few more days off before kicking off his season in the Spanish capital.
Los Blancos begin the defence of their La Liga crown with a match against Real Mallorca on the weekend of August 17-18.
Mbappe’s debut might have to wait until the following week when Real Madrid face Real Valladolid who were recently promoted from the second division.
Number 9 Mbappe shirts went on sale last Thursday in Real’s club shops which are covered with his image.
Mbappe arrives after a personally disappointing Euros campaign, where he was overshadowed by Spain’s new teenage sensation Lamine Yamal of Madrid’s rivals Barcelona and France lost to the Spanish in the semi-finals.
That followed a difficult season with PSG following his decision not to renew his contract.
The club is hoping to offset the costs — a salary of at least 15 million euros per season and a signing bonus of more than 100 million euros ($A162m) — through sponsorship deals and ticket and merchandise sales.
Mbappe is hoping the move will finally see him win a Champions League and the Ballon d’Or, two of his lifelong objectives.
It was ugly, uninspiring and unimpressive, but England squeezed past Slovakia in extra time thanks to some late heroics from Jude Bellingham and a powerful Harry Kane header.
The 2-1 victory also preserved England boss Gareth Southgate’s streak of qualifying for the quarterfinals at the four major tournaments he has managed at.
But the final eight might not be the last stop for England given how lopsided the draw is.
Should the Three Lions get past Switzerland, they’ll face either the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi finals.
Yes, none of those opponents are easy beats, but considering Spain, Germany, France and Portugal are the remaining teams on the other side of the draw, it’s fair to say England wouldn’t want to trade places.
Aside from England’s lack of balance in the midfield and attack, Southgate must work out how to solve a problem perhaps all of his own doing: left-back.
Luke Shaw, who has not played since February, was picked in the squad as Kieran Trippier, a right-back by trade, has been forced to deputise in the left-back role.
However, Trippier was forced off with an injury against Slovakia as Bukayo Saka, who began his career at left-back but has evolved into a damaging right-winger, slotted into the role.
Trippier was forced off injured in England’s Round of 16 game against Slovakia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
So, how does Southgate solve the issue against Switzerland?
Trippier insists he will be fit to play, but his continuous desire to turn in-field and play the ball off of his right foot means opposition players know exactly what his next move is.
Shaw is back training with the squad but given he hasn’t played since February, there’s a risk he breaks down again.
Saka is an option and given England’s depth in the forward positions, moving the Arsenal star to left-back isn’t out of the question.
Ezri Konsa and Joe Gomez, who both logged minutes at left-back for England prior to Euro 2024, can play there but are centre-backs by trade and will offer little going forward.
It would not be a surprise to see anyone other than Trippier at left-back against the Swiss, but it also would not be a surprise to see someone else take the Newcastle defender’s place at some stage during the game.
Regardless of who ends up playing there, it is a headache Southgate could have avoided with a different team selection.
Southgate has a big selection call to make ahead of the Switzerland clash. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)Source: AFP
$414M WORTH OF ATTACKING TALENT … AND STILL CAN’T SCORE
Real Madrid may have handed Kylian Mbappe a $245 million signing bonus last June and Barcelona may have forked out $169 million to sign Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
But France cannot buy a goal from these two.
Despite not scoring a single goal from open play at Euro 2024, France are still alive as Jan Vertonghen’s own goal handed Les Bleus a 1-0 win over Belgium in the Round of 16.
Yes, the same France team that boasts Mbappe, one of the best strikers in the game, and Dembele, an electric forward who can twist defenders into a pretzel.
Mbappe does have a goal to his name at this tournament but that came via a penalty against Poland in the group stage.
The only other goal from France was when they beat Austria 1-0 in their tournament opener when Maximillian Wober turned the ball into his own net.
It’s worth remembering that France are masters of knockout football.
They won the 2018 FIFA World Cup and made the final at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2016, demonstrating French boss Didier Deschamps’ tactical nous in the latter stages of the tournament.
France also aren’t struggling to create chances, firing off 19 shots against Belgium and Poland 15 against the Netherlands and 14 against Austria.
Having conceded one goal all tournament — a penalty against Poland — France are clearly a formidable defensive unit and have a dynamic midfield.
But they desperately need their superstar forwards to click into gear against Portugal.
France haven’t scored from open play in four games. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
DAMNING EVIDENCE SUPPORTS BRUTAL RONALDO CALL THAT MUST BE MADE
Cristiano Ronaldo did not miss a second in Portugal’s penalty shootout win over Slovenia, but the burning question remains as to whether he should have remained on the field.
Despite boasting a ripped physique most males would swap their own for in an instant, Ronaldo is 39 and is nowhere near as explosive as he used to be.
And even when he had the chance to be the hero he fluffed his lines from the penalty spot in extra time.
It meant Ronaldo’s goal drought at Euro 2024 continued, despite having taken the most shots out of any player (20).
Excluding a penalty against Ghana at the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo has also now failed to score in his last eight games at a major tournament.
If it was anyone other than Ronaldo, one might imagine Portugal manager Roberto Martinez might have dropped them by now.
But it is Ronaldo, the nation’s record goal scorer, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Martinez now faces a crucial selection call: does he stick with Ronaldo, or does he take the drastic step of dropping him?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s attacking woes are well documented. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Fernando Santos, Martinez’s predecessor, made the staggering decision to drop Ronaldo at the 2022 World Cup in place of Goncalo Ramos for Portugal’s Round of 16 tie against Switzerland.
Ramos, aged 21 at the time, proceeded to score a hat-trick as Portugal demolished Switzerland 6-1.
Although he struggled initially this season with Paris Saint-Germain, Ramos scored eight goals in his last 14 league games for the French giants so it’s not like he’s entering the tournament completely out of form.
If it’s not Ramos, Liverpool forward Diogo Jota is also a viable option up top in place of Ronaldo, so Martinez is not short of options.
Dropping Ronaldo may not be a popular call, especially given the 39-year-old’s remarkable ego.
But it might be one Martinez has to make to give Portugal the best chance of winning.
Roberto Martinez is faced with a massive call that could make or break Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
TEEN SENSATION BEHIND HEAVYWEIGHT’S FAVOURITE TAG
Spain solidified their status as a major favourite to win 2024 with a resounding 4-1 victory over Georgia that could and perhaps should have been more.
The contest gave Spain a different challenge they hadn’t faced at the tournament as the world No. 74 sat back and happily ceded possession.
Unlike the group stage when Spain averaged 54 per cent possession across the three games, La Roja had 76 per cent possession against Georgia, meaning they had to find new ways to break them down.
The challenge became even harder when Georgia took a shock lead in the 18th minute via an own goal as the minnows happily parked the bus.
Enter Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
The Barcelona standout, who is just 16 years old, played with a fearlessness you rarely see in football as he became the youngest player to appear in the knockout stages at a European Championship.
Operating as Spain’s right winger, Yamal was a menace and constantly looked to get behind the defensive line.
He’d dance across the field with the ball at his feet before passing it and darting into space in the hopes of unlocking Georgia’s defence.
In the end Yamal finished the game with an assist and will feel like should have had a goal to go with it as well.
“Nothing seems to faze the Barcelona prodigy, whose technical quality, decision making and ability to impact games in key moments is already world class,” Corrigan said.
A quarterfinal against Germany represents an incredibly difficult test for Yamal, but given how well he’s played so far, the youngster could end up having the biggest say on one of the biggest stages.
Lamine Yamal has established himself as one of the brightest talents in the game. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda will have free rein to torment Bangladesh’s defence when he makes his Socceroos debut in Dhaka on Thursday night.
Having impressed national coach Graham Arnold on and off the training field in Socceroos camp, the Bayern Munich-bound winger will definitely be given game time in Australia’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Bengal Tigers whether it’s as a starter or off the bench.
And once Irankunda’s on the park, the Socceroos will fit around him rather than the former Adelaide United star being forced to adapt to a certain structure.
“I’m not going to try and control him and get him to do things that are not his specialty,” Arnold said.
“What he’s very, very good at is doing what Nestor does and we will fit that into our style of play, and also in our system.
“There’s just a couple of little things around his defensive side of things, but that’s why we need the senior boys on the field, some of them to help coach and lead those younger boys to make them feel comfortable on the pitch.”
Arnold said 18-year-old Irankunda had fit into the Socceroos’ culture “extremely well”.
“He’s been very good. He’s hanging around a lot of the senior boys which is good to see, and he’s been training very, very well,” the Socceroos boss said.
“I’m excited and happy that everyone is talking about the kid.
“He is a great talent but it’s not always just about talent. It’s also about where your career is going.
“He’s going to Bayern Munich, but it’s also about how much hard work he puts in, and how much belief he has in himself to go to that next level.”
Nestory Irankunda will have the chance to bamboozle Bangladesh’s defence. Picture: Michael KleinSource: News Corp Australia
Arnold has also been impressed with former prodigy Daniel Arzani, who has the chance to make his first Socceroos appearance since the 2018 World Cup.
“He’s brought in some energy. Everywhere he sits everyone’s laughing which is great, but on the training pitch has been very good as well,” he said of the Melbourne Victory attacking weapon.
“You can see he has the real commitment and the hunger to get back and be with us on the long journey ahead.”
While Arnold would not confirm his full starting team, he said Aston Villa’s third-choice goalkeeper Joe Gauci would start ahead of the Victory’s Paul Izzo and Western Sydney’s Lawrence Thomas in the absence of long-time custodian and skipper Mat Ryan, who has rested from the clash with Bangladesh and next week’s battle with Palestine in Perth.
“It’s a good opportunity for us again to look at Joey, but he hasn’t played since he’s been at Villa, so (it’s about) getting him on the pitch and making sure that he’s working extremely well with the other two keepers and (goalkeeper coach) John Crawley,” Arnold said.
“I’m having a few (selection) headaches, but they’re good headaches with the depth that we’ve created and built over the last few years.
“When I look at the squad list, there are 10 to 13-14 players that aren’t here through injuries or other reasons, but it shows that we’re getting stronger and stronger, which is exciting.”
Bayern Munich-bound prodigy Nestory Irankunda is poised to make his Socceroos debut following confirmation of his selection in Australia’s squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Palestine.
National coach Graham Arnold on Wednesday named a 25-man squad, and it included teenage sensation Irankunda, as well as former whiz-kid Daniel Arzani, who hasn’t played for the Socceroos since the 2018 World Cup.
Arzani, 25, has earnt his recall after helping Melbourne Victory reach the A-League grand final, while Irankunda – who will leave Adelaide United to join German giants Bayern Munich – was part of the A-League All-Stars squad that beat a severely weakened Newcastle United 8-0 last week.
As revealed by News Corp Australia last week, Socceroos captain and goalkeeper Mat Ryan wasn’t chosen, with Arnold “resting” him.
Overall, there are 11 changes from the squad that beat Lebanon twice in March.
Out are Ryan, injured quartet Brandon Borrello, Craig Goodwin, Riley McGree and Tom Glover, as well as defenders Nathaniel Atkinson and Thomas Deng, midfielder Patrick Yazbek, and attackers Bruno Fornaroli, John Iredale and Sammy Silvera.
Apart from Irankunda and Arzani, coming into the squad are defenders Aziz Behich, Alessandro Circati and Ryan Strain, midfielder Cameron Devlin, uncapped striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, wingers Martin Boyle and Mathew Leckie, and goalkeepers Paul Izzo and Lawrence Thomas.
Uncapped pair Nestory Irankunda (left) and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos have been named in Australia’s 25-man squad for two World Cup qualifying matches next month. Picture: Martin Keep / AFPSource: AFP
“We’ve got several players who’ve had significant workloads in recent times, and it’s important we give them a proper break,” Arnold said.
“I want to ensure they’re physically and mentally prepared for another big 12 months of
qualification.
“This has also allowed us to provide opportunities to players who have been performing well at their clubs as we continue to build depth right across the pitch.
“Our leadership group of Jackson (Irvine), Aziz (Behich) Mat (Leckie), Harry (Souttar) and Adam (Taggart) will have an important role to play throughout this camp in welcoming those players, as they demonstrate the core values that are central to the Socceroos’ culture.”
Despite having already qualified for the third round of the Asian Football Confederation World Cup qualifiers, the Socceroos are desperate to beat Bangladesh in Dhaka next Thursday, and Palestine in Perth on June 11 to give them the best possible chance of being among the three nations in pot one for the round-three draw.
“I’ve spoken about how important these two games are when it comes to official FIFA rankings, and while we’ve qualified for round three it’s important that we take all six points,” Arnold said.
“It’s an expectation we set ourselves as a group and as always, getting our mentality right will be crucial to securing two wins and giving ourselves the highest possible ranking ahead of the draw for round three.”
Socceroos squad: Daniel Arzani (Melbourne Victory), Keanu Baccus (Mansfield Town), Aziz Behich (Al-Nassr), Jordy Bos (KVC Westerlo), Martin Boyle (Hibs), Cameron Burgess (Ipswich Town), Alessandro Circati (Parma), Cameron Devlin (Hearts), Mitchell Duke (Machida Zelvia), Joe Gauci (Aston Villa), Ajdin Hrustic (Heracles Almelo), Nestory Irankunda (Adelaide United/Bayern Munich), Jackson Irvine (St Pauli), Paul Izzo (Melbourne Victory), Gethin Jones (Bolton Wanderers), Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City), Connor Metcalfe (St. Pauli), Josh Nisbet (Central Coast Mariners), Kye Rowles (Hearts), Harry Souttar (Leicester City), Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (Newcastle Jets), Ryan Strain (St Mirren), Adam Taggart (Perth Glory), Lawrence Thomas (Western Sydney Wanderers), Kusini Yengi (Portsmouth).
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.
Farewell party ruined for Adelaide | 01:05
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.
Ange Postecoglou is confident Tottenham will enter the post-season transfer window without being restricted in their spending like some of their Premier League rivals.
Spurs published their 2022/23 financial results on Wednesday showing total revenue had increased to £549.6 million ($AUD1.06 billion), up from £444 million.
A loss of £86.8 million ($AUD166 million) was attributed to “significant and continued investment in the playing squad”.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy also said Spurs are in discussions with prospective investors in a bid to “capitalise on our long-term potential”.
Postecoglou was continually asked questions regarding Tottenham’s finances throughout his pre-match press conference, stating earlier that “the detail of it is not my area of concern or expertise”.
However, a reporter questioned Postecoglou again on the club’s bank balance and asked whether Tottenham’s financial losses would have a big impact on transfer plans in the summer.
Postecoglou struggled to hide his frustration at being asked another question about finances but reiterated Tottenham would not be “as restricted as others”.
“See, now you’re getting into the detail … you’re dragging me down,” Postecoglou said.
“My discussions around those kinds of issues are not the minutiae of a balance sheet.
“It is about us planning to build a side that can potentially be successful. So that’s what we’re doing and nothing that is going to come out in the balance sheet is going to disrupt those plans.
“It is not like ‘oh we are going to wait for the financial results before we start thinking about who we’re going to sign.’ All this stuff is already in planning.”
Spurs are currently fifth in the table with eight games to play. Fourth place will guarantee entry into the Champions League next season and the team finishing fifth could also qualify, based on the record of Premier League clubs in European competitions this season.
Reaching for the Champions League would bolster the club’s finances, but Postecoglou said that was not his concern as manager.
“We’re not banks, we’re football clubs,” he said.
“We’re not financial institutions. I don’t get measured by the balance sheet at the end of the year.
“What I’m saying is, Champions League, great. Money, great. Does that mean we’re going to finish third next year? No. In fact it is probably going to be more challenging.
“So my role in that is not to worry about the financial pressure of making the Champions League.
“It is to create a squad that hopefully can compete in the Champions League and keep improving in the Premier League and have success in the cup competitions. That’s where I differentiate.”
It was only a handful of months ago Cam Peupion checked off the likes of Bristol Rovers’ Memorial Stadium and Exeter City’s St James Park from his career away days list.
Combined, the two grounds have a collective capacity of just over 20,500.
It’s why Peupion could be forgiven if he smiled like a child while enjoying a police escort through the rowdy streets of Rome en route to the 70,634 capacity Stadio Olimpico.
For a 21-year-old from Sydney’s northern beaches, these are the footballing adventures he could only dream about as a young boy.
But, as a player finding his feet at Brighton, Peupion has quickly learned this is now his new reality.
So too are those tricky loan spells in the unforgiving lower tiers of English football, an experience that is part-and-parcel for talented youngsters at Premier League clubs.
Rarely do European nights against the likes of Roma mesh with a difficult five months at League One strugglers Cheltenham Town, but that has been the story of Peupion’s season.
Crucially, he’s earned the respect of seasoned Premier League veterans at both stops and has had a Champions League winner take him under his wing.
HOW PL VETERAN HELPED AUSSIE SURVIVE LOAN DISASTER
As deadline day in the summer window neared, Peupion knew he needed game time at a senior level and the only way to get that was by going out on loan.
A host of clubs interested in the right winger’s services, but Brighton decided to send Peupion on loan to Cheltenham Town, a club that had returned to English football’s third tier for the first time in 12 years just two seasons ago.
Peupion himself was excited to join the Robins after a positive phone call with the manager Wade Elliott.
“The manager was calling me before and telling me he really wanted me in and that I was going to be a big part of his team, so I thought it was an exciting place to go and play football,” Peupion told foxsports.com.au.
By the time Peupion joined on August 29, Cheltenham had lost four of its first five games and pressure had rapidly mounted on Elliott.
Peupion made two substitute appearances for a total of 17 minutes in his first two league game after moving, both of which were defeats.
The losses to Barnsley and Exeter City also spelt the end for Elliott’s time in charge, a fate that Peupion understands is “part of football”.
In came Darrell Clarke, who had previously spent time with the likes of Walsall, Port Vale and Bristol Rovers.
Unfortunately for Peupion, Clarke’s arrival heralded major changes that cruelled his hopes for game time.
“He completely changed the formation, changed the way we wanted to play,” Peupion said.
“We went completely for long balls, try to play for corners and throw ins.
Cheltenham boss Darrell Clarke couldn’t find a way to fit Peupion into his team. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“For a technical player like me, there just wasn’t a spot for me in the team, no matter what I did in training. It was just wing backs.”
Clarke even made the startling admission to Peupion that he’d rather use the Aussie “as an impact sub if we were losing, just because I didn’t fit into his team and his style of play”.
Even though Peupion knew he could do little to force his way into Clarke’s plans, he never downed tools in training and, if anything, earned the respect of Cheltenham’s veterans for his attitude.
One of which was Curtis Davies, a centre back with 173 Premier League and 314 Championship appearances to his name.
“He (Davies) was really good to me, he gave me a lot of advice,” Peupion said.
“He could see that I was struggling because I wasn’t playing and he’d been through similar things in his career.
“He pulled me to the side many times and just said, ‘Look, keep training really hard, your attitude is spot on, if you keep doing this you’ll get a shot here or it’s going to help you in the future.’”
With Peupion battling for game time and Brighton dealing with an injury crisis and the looming departures of Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra to the Asian Cup and African Cup of Nations respectively, it made perfect sense for the Seagulls to cut his loan short on December 20.
It took less than a month for the Aussie youngster to make a major impression upon his return.
Cheltenham’s Curtis Davies was a fan of Peupion during his time with the League One outfit. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
THE MID-SEASON MOMENT THAT PROVED OLYROOS GUN IS UP FOR BRIGHTON FIGHT
During the Premier League’s winter break, several clubs will jet off to warmer climates for a mid-season training camp.
Like they did when the Premier League stopped for the 2022 World Cup, Brighton’s squad returned to Dubai, with Peupion among the travelling party.
According to a source close to Brighton’s first team, who spoke to this publication on the condition of anonymity, the players were granted a team bonding evening during the trip, with staff making training the following morning optional.
The next day, only three players attended training: James Milner, Evan Ferguson and Peupion.
It is this attitude from Peupion that caught the eye of Brighton’s seasoned professionals like Milner, Danny Welbeck, Adam Lallana and Lewis Dunk in training.
Lallana is the one who has grown closest to Peupion and has taken the Olyroos star under his wing.
“Ads has been a super big help for me,” Peupion said.
“He’s doing his coaching licenses at the moment, so he’s constantly in training pushing me as hard as he can.
“Then off the pitch, he’ll pull me aside and show me things on his laptop about where I could press better.”
Although Lallana spends time with Peupion talking about areas for improvement or sharing experiences from his professional career that began in 2006, he and Brighton’s other senior stars are as ruthless as it gets during training.
Lallana has taken Peupion under his wing. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“When you’re in an environment like that, whether it comes from the manager or the players, if you’re a young player you’re going to get pushed,” Peupion said.
“But I think you realise quite early that it’s not personal, they just do it to try and make you a better player.
“For sure, there will be moments where they’ll push you and if you do something that’s not quite right, because you’re learning and you’re young, they’ll tell you.
“It’s competitive, it’s fiery, but I love being part of it. Off the pitch, they put their arm around you and they’re just trying to make you the best player you can be.”
As Peupion mentioned, Brighton gaffer De Zerbi is driving the sky-high standards as much as the Seagulls’ biggest names are.
The Italian took over after Graham Potter’s departure to Chelsea in 2022 and his stock has continued to rise after guiding the Seagulls to the Europa League last season.
So, what makes the enigmatic Italian such a gifted coach?
“I’ve never seen anyone so passionate about football and so passionate in general,” Peupion said.
He wants the best out of every single player that he works with and he pushes them to the highest level.
“It’s the finer details that you wouldn’t even think about and think highly of that makes you a better player.”
Peupion revealed those “finer details” are all to do with where players are positioned on the pitch and how they follow the pressure.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is one of Europe’s most highly-rated managers. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
De Zerbi is also “relentless” with players only using two touches during passing drills.
“Everything has to be perfect, because when it comes to a game, if you can pass with precision and be perfect and be in the right position that he wants you to be in, then he believes that you can beat and play out from the back and score easily,” Peupion said.
“It’s that detail that comes into it that makes him brilliant to work under.”
Although the Brighton boss has proven himself to possess one of the shrewdest tactical minds in football, he makes his points in rather unique ways.
Peupion provided the example of when De Zerbi informed him he’d be coming off the bench away to Newcastle last season to make his Premier League debut.
“He pulled his pants down and just said, ‘I want you to play like you’ve got your pants down, no stresses in the world, no problems,’” Peupion laughed.
Such is De Zerbi’s faith in Peupion, he handed the Aussie his first start for the Seagulls in the club’s fifth round FA Cup clash against Wolves in late February.
Sadly, the moment the Italian informed Peupion wasn’t quite as vivid as when he found out he’d be making his Premier League debut.
“I remember he pulled me into his office the day before and sat me down and told me, ‘Do you think you’re ready to play with the first team and start a game?’” Peupion said.
“I told him, ‘Yeah, that’s the dream I want to do, that’s what I’ve been working towards.’
“So he said, ‘Yeah, you’re starting tomorrow.’
“He told me the day before, put his arm around me and said, ‘Whatever happens, it’s on me. Just go out there and do what you’d normally do. There’s no consequences.’
Peupion’s teammates were ecstatic for the youngster.
“All of the senior players were coming up to me saying, ‘Look, you’ve got nothing to lose, just play your normal game, you’ve been training really well, you deserve a start,’” Peupion said.
Peupion (right) made his first senior start for Brighton in the FA Cup against Wolves. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Peupion only played the first half in a 1-0 defeat to Wolves, but he received plenty of positive feedback from his teammates and manager.
“The gaffer came up to me afterwards and said I played really well and was really impressed with me,” Peupion said.
“All of the boys were buzzing and said I did really well.
“It just means that when I’m in and around the group and training with them every day, you get a bit more respect and trust from the boys because if you get put out there, they can trust that you can deliver a performance and be a player that they can play with.”
De Zerbi’s trust in Peupion was also evident when he named the young Aussie on the bench in both legs of Brighton’s Round of 16 Europa League clash against Italian giants Roma.
Unfortunately for the Seagulls they were beaten 4-1 on aggregate, but the experience of being in the Italian capital made Peupion realise he’s finally doing what he’s “always dreamed of doing”.
“Even leading up to the game and getting the police escort through Rome towards the game, the whole city stops to shout abuse at you,” Peupion said.
“It’s an experience I hadn’t really had before, but it was something special.
“I was just smiling on the bus thinking this was one of the moments where I realised how far I’d come, from being a kid on the northern beaches dreaming about being a professional footballer to being on a bus for the Europa League and going through Rome and everyone’s stopping, staring and shouting at you.”
Roma got the better of Brighton in a hotly-contested Europa League Round of 16 clash. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
WHY BRUTAL BRIGHTON SNUB LEFT AUSSIE ‘GUTTED’
With eight games remaining in Brighton’s season, Peupion is hoping for more appearances off the bench or, in a dream scenario, a potential Premier League start.
He also might’ve enjoyed regular time had he been released by Brighton for Olyroos duty as they seek to qualify for the Paris Olympics, an event Peupion has been “dreaming about” for some time.
However, the club refused to let Peupion link up with the Olyroos for the AFC under-23 Asian Cup, a decision that left Peupion “gutted”.
“I was (desperate to join), to be fair,” Peupion revealed.
“I sat down with Brighton and they explained their reasons for not wanting me to go to the Asian Cup.
“I understand it’s a business at the end of the day. They see me as someone that could potentially help them in the last part of the Premier League season. So from that point of view, I do understand.
“I was gutted though, because it was something I was looking forward to, being part of the Asian Cup squad and trying to qualify for the Olympics.”
Should the Olyroos qualify for Paris and Peupion earn a call-up, who knows what it could lead to in the summer.
But, with the faith of De Zerbi and his senior Brighton teammates, it feels like Peupion’s European dream is truly starting to begin.
Alexis Mac Allister fired Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League as the Argentine’s superb strike inspired a tense 3-1 win against lowly Sheffield United on Friday (AEDT).
Jurgen Klopp’s side were growing anxious after Darwin Nunez’s early opener was cancelled out by Conor Bradley’s own goal in the second half.
But Mac Allister eased the nerves around Anfield with a brilliant finish from the edge of the area and Cody Gakpo sealed the points in the closing moments.
On a potentially pivotal evening in the title race, Liverpool moved two points clear of second placed Arsenal with eight games left for each of the three teams involved in a gripping battle for supremacy.
Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Luton had knocked Liverpool out of pole position on Wednesday, with third-placed Manchester City’s 4-1 rout of Aston Villa keeping them in the hunt.
But Liverpool, unbeaten in their last 28 home league matches, are now a step closer to being crowned English champions for a record-equalling 20th time and first since 2020.
The Reds had to come from behind to beat Brighton last weekend, but Klopp insisted he was feeling “calm” as the title race approaches a dramatic climax.
Even so, his heart must have been beating a little faster than usual when United almost snatched a shock lead.
Jack Robinson’s long throw reached the unmarked James McAtee in the area and on-loan Manchester City youngster’s volley forced a reflex save from Caoimhin Kelleher.
From the resulting corner, Ben Brereton Diaz almost tapped in at the far post as the Liverpool defence stood statuesque.
United keeper Ivo Grbic handed Liverpool the lead in farcical fashion after 17 minutes.
Needlessly taking far too long to clear on the edge of his area, Grbic was charged down by Nunez, the ball hitting the Uruguay striker on the backside as it rolled into the empty net.
Grbic sheepishly plucked the ball from the back of the net as Nunez celebrated his 19th goal in all competitions this season.
Joe Gomez, Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Diaz all went close from long-range as Liverpool threatened to deliver the knockout blow.
But as torrential rain lashed down on Anfield, the floodgates refused to open as Liverpool’s territorial dominance failed to yield a second goal before half-time.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp roars in delight after a win over Sheffield United. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Bottom of the table United have won just three times during a dismal league campaign that looks certain to end with relegation.
Yet they rocked Anfield to its foundations in the 58th minute. Gustavo Hamer’s superb pass picked out McAtee on the right flank and he cleverly cut back inside before whipping a cross into the area.
Hamer had carried on his burst forward and his close-range header beat Kelleher via a decisive deflection off Bradley’s foot.
With the gesticulating Klopp growing frustrated with Liverpool’s impotence, Andrew Robertson volleyed wide at the far post.
But Klopp’s angst was finally soothed in the 76th minute when Robertson’s cross was only cleared to the edge of the area, where Mac Allister lashed a blistering strike into the top corner.
Gakpo put the seal on Liverpool’s hard-fought victory in the 90th minute as he stooped to head in Robertson’s cross.
