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Tag: Tim Cahill

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

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

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

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

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

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

    OMINOUS SIGN BEFORE A BALL WAS KICKED

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

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

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

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

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

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

    A TALE OF TWO PENALTIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “From that moment we changed something in our minds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    POPPA PULLS THE RIGHT SELECTION CALLS

    This was not an easy squad to pick.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    top form domestically must be applauded.

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

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

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

    IRVINE GOAL A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT

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

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

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

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

    THE RETURN OF DANIEL ARZANI

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

    against Bangladesh in June last year.

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

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

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

    training.”

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

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

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

    Socceroos calm ahead of crucial clashes | 01:56

    STATE OF THE PITCH

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

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

    “Tough pitch for the players,” Popovic said.

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

    MAT RYAN BACK TO HIS BEST ON AN HISTORIC NIGHT

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

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

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

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

    in the 84th minute.

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

    “Just a different demeanour and that comes from playing.

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

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

    has been a masterstroke.

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

    ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT AT THE BACK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “That will happen with more games together.

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

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

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

    That goal could be a maximum of three games away.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Here are the biggest talking points from the two-goal win in Sydney.

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

    NO CLEAR ANSWER TO BIG NO.9 ISSUE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    That was on full display tonight.

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

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

    Tonight none of them put their name up in lights.

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

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

    DEFENCE DOES THE JOB AGAIN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The defence was excellent once again.Source: Getty Images

    INJURIES WILL FORCE MORE SHUFFLING … AND MORE CHANCES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  • Teen’s dream debut, Ange seals vital return and Tillies wait finally ends: 24 bold predictions for 2024

    Teen’s dream debut, Ange seals vital return and Tillies wait finally ends: 24 bold predictions for 2024

    Well, we’ve reached the end of 2023 and what a year it’s been in football.

    The Matildas made it all the way to the semi finals of a home World Cup, Ange Postecoglou took the Premier League by storm and Lionel Messi swerved Saudi Arabia to take up a lucrative deal with Inter Miami.

    That’s just a snippet of what’s transpired, but what can we look forward to in 2024?

    So glad you asked, because there’s a fair bit that we think is going to happen.

    In our 23 predictions for 2023, we (rather miraculously) correctly predicted eight events to happen, which isn’t a terrible strike rate.

    So, Foxsports.com.au has once again pulled out the crystal ball and gazed into the future for what is about to transpire in 2024.

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    1. Manchester City win the 23/24 Premier League

    When Thanos snapped his fingers in Avengers: Endgame and said, “I am inevitable”, he wasn’t talking about himself.

    No, he was in fact talking about Manchester City.

    Although Pep Guardiola’s side are in fourth and five points off league leaders Liverpool albeit with a game in hand, they have an uncanny ability to step up the pace just as their rivals take their foot off the pedal.

    So don’t act shocked when it’s City who raise the Premier League trophy at the end of the season for a fourth consecutive season.

    2. Luton Town survive

    If only for Kenilworth Road to remain in the rotation of Premier League stadiums.

    But also because Luton are a beacon of hope in an increasingly commercialised sport.

    Come on you Hatters!

    3. England win EURO 2024

    This will be Gareth Southgate’s fourth major tournament as England boss and we believe it will be his most successful.

    If not for a masterful performance from Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the penalty shootout at EURO 2020, England would have won it.

    But Southgate finally ends the trophy drought and England has a true summer to remember.

    Gareth Southgate’s going to end England’s wait for an international trophy. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    4. San Marino wins its first international match since 2004

    Every year that passes without a San Marino win means we are predicting La Serenissima to end the wait.

    In fact, 2024 could be San Marino’s best chance to win a game for the first time in 20 years as they face the irresistible force that is St Kitts and Nevis across two friendlies early next year.

    Book in that sick leave for the 20th and 24th of March to watch San Marino win a game, it’ll be worth it.

    5. The Matildas make it to the final of the Olympics

    The Matildas made the semi final stage of the Tokyo Olympics and then the semi finals at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

    But the Paris Olympics are going to be the tournament where it all finally comes together as the current group enjoy one last dance to take home some silverware before the youngsters take over.

    6. Harry Kane wins the Champions League with Bayern Munich

    Although Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga hopes aren’t exactly signed, sealed and delivered just yet, Harry Kane should look towards the Champions League.

    No team has really put their hand up as serious contenders in Europe’s premier club competition and Bayern could be primed to take full advantage.

    Surely the football gods will finally smile down on Kane and help him finally secure a respectable club trophy.

    7. Ange Postecoglou guides Tottenham back to Europe

    We didn’t say if it was the Champions League, the Europa League or the Europa Conference League.

    All we know is that Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham will be back competing on the continent next season.

    Ange Postecoglou is going to bring European nights back to Tottenham, but in which competition? (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    8. The Socceroos make it to the final of the Asian Cup

    After impressive performances against Mexico, England and New Zealand, the Socceroos are primed for a deep run at the Asian Cup.

    Whether they win it all for the second time remains a mystery, but we’re anticipating Graham Arnold’s side will at the very least be one of the final two teams left standing.

    9. Italy get knocked out in the group stage of EURO 2024

    What would a major international tournament be without one of the big guns being bundled out at the first hurdle?

    Unfortunately for Italy, it’s going to happen again.

    The defending European champs are in Group B alongside Spain and Croatia, who we think will take up the top two spots.

    Albania rounds out the group and although third spot has a chance to make the knockouts based on their overall ranking, Italy simply won’t have enough in the bank as they crash out with two defeats and a draw.

    10. Alex Robertson makes his Premier League debut

    What a year 2023 was for Alex Robertson.

    He made his Socceroos debut against Ecuador in front of his friends and family in Sydney and is now proving himself a vital player for Portsmouth in their bid for promotion to the Championship.

    After helping Pompey return to the second tier of English football for the first time since the 2011/12 season, Robertson will return to his parent club Manchester City.

    And at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, expect to see the talented midfielder stroll on to the field in the famous sky blue of City.

    11. The record for most expensive transfer is broken … by Chelsea

    As it stands, Neymar’s £198 million switch from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain is the most expensive transfer in history.

    But wait … here comes Chelsea owner Todd Boehly with a briefcase full of cash and he’s about to hand it over to Napoli!

    And who’s that about to hold up a Chelsea shirt at Stamford Bridge … is that … Victor Osimhen?!

    The prospect of a £200 million deal for the Nigerian superstar feels almost too real.

    Todd Boehly’s going to break the bank for Chelsea once again. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)Source: AFP

    12. Jude Bellingham wins the Ballon d’Or

    We knew Jude Bellingham was something special before his move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid.

    But the 20-year-old has not been fazed by the bright lights of the Santiago Bernabeu one bit and, if anything, has thrived under them.

    It’s why the English midfielder will prove himself to be the best player in the world when awards season rolls around next year after he single-handedly drags the Three Lions to EURO 2024 glory.

    13. Massimo Luongo becomes a Premier League player as Ipswich Town get promoted

    Massimo Luongo was once on the books of a Premier League club at Tottenham Hotspur but now, he’s going to become a Premier League player.

    Luongo is enjoying a starring role at Ipswich Town and the Tractor Boys are looking extremely likely to achieve the rare feat of two consecutive promotions.

    It would be a remarkable feat for Kieran McKenna’s side but it’s nothing less than they deserve having taken the Championship by storm this season.

    14. Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League

    Unai Emery is cooking something special at Aston Villa this season.

    Unbeaten at home and in third place, Villa look poised to take advantage of a number of rivals (cough – Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle – cough) stumbling over their own two feet.

    All they need is to finish fourth and at this stage, it’s a very realistic prospect.

    15. Kylian Mbappe stays in France

    Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid are like the two friends who refuse to date despite being the perfect match for each other and everyone in their group knows it.

    Unfortunately for those romantics, they won’t get the relationship they want to see as Mbappe gains Stockholm syndrome and decides life at PSG isn’t so bad after all.

    A time will come when the French superstar will form a happy union with Real Madrid, but that won’t happen just yet.

    Kylian Mbappe won’t be moving to Spain just yet. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Source: AFP

    16. Nestory Irankunda makes his debut for Bayern Munich … in a friendly

    Every pre-season, Bayern Munich decide to absolutely decimate a local German team in a friendly.

    You know, the ones when you see a score of something like 18-0 on social media and think ‘holy cow, how good do Bayern look’, only to search the team they played are entirely comprised of part-timers?

    Well, this is where Irankunda makes his mark and gets in on the act when he runs his opposition number — Klaus, a 27-year-old local milkman — ragged before unleashing an unstoppable strike past the helpless goalkeeper to put the result beyond doubt.

    Cue the iconic Irankunda backflip.

    17. Girona qualify for the Champions League

    Much like Aston Villa in the Premier League, Girona have surprisingly found themselves in the top spots of La Liga.

    In fact, Girona are behind league leaders Real Madrid only on goal difference and are seven points ahead of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, who are third and fourth respectively.

    However, dreams of playing in the Champions League aren’t exactly a forgone conclusion given Girona are part of the City Football Group, the owners of Manchester City.

    UEFA rules prevent two clubs owned by the same entity playing in European competitions so this could become a sticky situation but for now, let the good times roll for Girona.

    18. Cristian Volpato pledges his international allegiance to the Socceroos

    It’s the big fish Arnie wants and his relentless persistence finally pays off.

    With the Socceroos essentially guaranteed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup thanks to an expanded 48-team competition, Volpato won’t need to worry about the Aussies missing out altogether.

    19. Xabi Alonso gets poached by a European heavyweight

    Xabi Alonso is already making waves as Bayer Leverkusen manager and has the team sitting top of the Bundesliga.

    No doubt all of Europe’s big boys are keeping a keen eye on what the Spaniard is doing in Germany and if the time comes, don’t be surprised to see Alonso move on to pastures new.

    It’s just a question of who’s willing to take the plunge.

    Xabi Alonso is quickly emerging as one of the top managers in football. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    20. Kusini Yengi emerges as the Socceroos’ starting striker

    Ever since Tim Cahill’s retirement, the Socceroos haven’t quite had a figure to turn to when they desperately need a goal.

    Mitch Duke is the man largely entrusted with leading the line for the Socceroos, but it’s his remarkable fitness levels and pressing ability that makes him stand out more than his goal threat.

    Throw in the fact that Duke is 32 and the need for a fresh presence up top grows even larger.

    That’s where Yengi, a 24-year-old at Portsmouth comes in.

    Yengi has had to improve his physicality playing in the rough-and-tumble League One but has shown a solid turn of pace and can also hold the ball up well.

    It’s why Yengi will be the answer to the Socceroos’ goalscoring woes for years to come.

    21. Pep Guardiola announces he will leave Manchester City at the end of the 2024/25 season

    Nothing in life can last forever and unfortunately for Manchester City fans, the same goes for Pep Guardiola’s time at the club.

    The Spaniard has overseen a remarkable amount of success and has won every trophy there is to win at club level for City.

    Who knows what the future will hold for Guardiola, or City for that matter.

    22. Wrexham make it to the League Two play-off final … but lose a penalty shootout

    There’s nothing quite like a play-off match at Wembley and for Wrexham, they’ll have the chance to achieve back-to-back promotions.

    A play-off win would be yet another perfect Hollywood script for Wrexham but football is a cruel, cruel game.

    It’ll at least make for must-watch viewing in the next season of Welcome to Wrexham though.

    23. A Saudi Arabian club launch an ambitious offer for Erling Haaland

    If you don’t buy a ticket to the show, you’ll never know.

    Yes, the bid will be knocked back by Manchester City as quickly as it arrived in their inbox.

    But you can’t fault a Saudi club for trying.

    24. A team wears a full body paint kit in a wild publicity stunt

    Any publicity is good publicity, right?

    We’re not sure which team will be bold enough/sell out to pull off such a stunt, but it’s going to happen sooner rather than later.

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  • Key rule change could revive exiled Roo’s career; ‘crucial’ reason for shock calls: Talking Pts

    Key rule change could revive exiled Roo’s career; ‘crucial’ reason for shock calls: Talking Pts

    Graham Arnold on Friday announced a 26-man Socceroos squad to take on the Asian Cup next month – and there was no shortage of intriguing calls.

    The Australian squad features a 36-year-old in Bruno Fornaroli as well as three uncapped players, one of whom was eligible to play for another nation but was poached by the Aussies.

    There are a number of key absences, including injured veterans and some surprising omissions, while the team represents a bold mix of youth and experience as Arnold looks to the future and the road to the 2026 World Cup.

    And there’s one young gun who is the big winner from a late rule change.

    Here are all the major talking points ahead of the tournament opener on January 13.

    36yo and THREE debutants: Socceroos shocks as Arnie names squad for Asian Cup

    Fresh off two wins in World Cup qualifying last month, the Socceroos are preparing to chase just a second-ever Asian Cup crown.Source: Getty Images

    Drastic squad overhaul as Arnold eyes 2026 World Cup

    Graham Arnold has repeatedly made clear that his major focus is the 2026 World Cup – and rightly so.

    Arnold said Friday: “I’ve got one eye on the Asian Cup but I’ve got two eyes on the World Cup (2026) and qualifying directly.”

    Though the World Cup is the top priority, the Asian Cup stands behind that tournament as the biggest trophy available for the Socceroos.

    It’s also the last tournament that Arnold has not experienced success in, having enjoyed a record-breaking 2022 World Cup with the Socceroos and guiding the Olyroos (under 23s) to an impressive showing at the Tokyo Olympics. Only the Asian Cup, where the defending champion Socceroos were dumped out in the quarterfinals in 2019, remains as a mark on his record.

    The need to forge a team capable both of immediate success and long-term development on the road to 2026 presents a difficult balancing act for Graham Arnold.

    The result is a squad where veterans, like recalled 36-year-old Bruno Fornaroli, have been mixed with young players – almost on a one-to-one basis.

    “The blend, for me, is so crucial,” Arnold said.

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    12 of the 26-man squad were part of the World Cup last year – 13 if you count Martin Boyle, who was ruled out of Qatar through injury but remained in the camp for the tournament as ‘Chief Vibes Officer’.

    That’s a significant turnover in a 12-month period, which reflects just how aggressively Arnold is approaching the redevelopment of his squad for the long term. 14 of the 26 players in this squad have fewer than ten caps, including three potential debutants – midfielder Patrick Yazbek, right-back Gethin Jones, and striker John Iredale.

    It’s not the first time that Arnold has overseen a dramatic rebuild, having done the same thing when he took over the role following the 2018 World Cup. Arnold inherited a very thin squad in terms of depth after losing players like Tim Cahill and Mile Jedinak to retirement.

    “It was about really starting again” he says of those early days.

    Five years later, and he’s got depth in spades – with the coach revealing he considered “70-75” players for selection.

    While Arnold will be desperate to erase the failure of 2019 and win just a second-ever Asian Cup for the Socceroos, the squad shows a refusal to sacrifice long-term development.

    It’s not an easy task – but the rewards should come on the long road 2026.

    How Arnold pulled off yet another poaching raid

    Of the three potential debutants in the 26-man squad, Gethin Jones is perhaps the most intriguing. Jones was born in Perth before moving to England, where he was part of Everton’s Academy before churning through a series of clubs on loan and in permanent transfers. Now 28, the right-back has established himself as a consistent performer at third-tier English League One side Bolton. Having played for Wales up to the under-21 level, Jones is just the latest in a long line of players that were eligible to represent multiple nations but were convinced by Arnold to pledge allegiance to Australia.

    The list of recent recruits includes Martin Boyle and Harry Souttar, who have become two key members of the Socceroos unit, as well as Alex Robertson, Alessandro Circati and Jason Cummings (all omitted from this squad). Arnold is also confident that he will eventually win the back-and-forth over the international future of 20-year-old Cristian Volpato, who currently plays for Italy’s under-age teams.

    Harry Souttar headlines the list of Socceroos stars that were eligible for multiple nations – but chose Australia.Source: Getty Images

    Arnold said of Gethin Jones: “He’s one we’ve had our eye on for the last couple of years. He wasn’t hard to convince but it takes time to get through the FIFA regulations to change his registration.”

    “I went and watched him when I was in the UK. Very impressive. Obviously with the Ryan Strain injury it gave us our opportunity.”

    He added: “He’s always wanted to play for Australia, he has played for Wales at a junior level.”

    Bringing in players at the peak of their careers – like 28-year-old Jones – means they can adapt quicker to the unique pressures of international football compared to a promising teen talent.

    Arnold’s ability to convince so many players to don the green and gold is quickly becoming a trademark of the Socceroos coach, and if Jones has half the impact of Souttar or Boyle in the years to come, his recruitment could prove another Arnold masterstroke.

    The striker conundrum amid ‘concern’ over veterans

    No position sums up the squad overhaul with an eye on 2026 quite as much as the striker role, which Arnold labelled “a concern.”

    36-year-old Bruno Fornaroli earned a recall on the back of undeniable form in the A-League Mens competition – 12 goals and an assist in just eight games. Even though the two-cap forward is ageing like a fine wine, the 2026 World Cup looks a step too far. Mitch Duke, the other veteran striker selected, is 32 years old and is a risk for 2026. Jamie Maclaren, who missed out this time, is also 30 years old. Other forwards Mat Leckie, Martin Boyle, and Craig Goodwin are also all 30 or older.

    Arnold said: “That’s why I’m searching, that’s why I’m looking. It’s no secret when you look at that squad that we’ve got some older players up front that might not make 2026.”

    There are the two youngsters selected this time around – 24-year-old Kusini Yengi who debuted last month and uncapped 24-year-old John Iredale. Iredale plays for Wehen Wiesbaden in Germany’s second tier, and is a strong physical presence coming into his own at the newly-promoted Bundesliga 2 club.

    Arnold said that Iredale had been on his radar for many years, and offers versatility since he can play across the frontline and also in a playmaking No. 10 role.

    “He’s one I’ve admired for a long time because he’s got that strength and skill and he’s starting to do well in the Bundesliga 2,” Arnold explained.

    Kusini Yengi has been excellent for Portsmouth this season.Source: Getty Images

    But when it comes to the veterans – including those who missed out this time around – Arnold says that he’s not running a line through their World Cup hopes.

    “That’s not my choice, that’s theirs. At the end of the day, the older boys – the (Craig) Goodwins, the Dukes, the Boyles and all these – they’ve got to be performing at their club and fit.

    “This is the whole reason, in a way, for Leckie that I’ve left him out. I just want him to get fit and get his body right. He does that, he’ll have a chance – I do believe he’s got a chance of getting to the next World Cup.

    “You don’t rule any of those senior players out. It gets down to the club form, it gets down to injuries, match minutes, how much passion they’ve got to get there and how hard they want to work to get there. That’s the biggest thing.”

    But he said: “I do plan for the bad scenario or the bad side and make sure we’ve got players ready just in case.”

    Leckie has hardly played in the last six months, but Arnold says he’s still a chance of playing in the 2026 World Cup.Source: Getty Images

    Olympics balancing act over young guns

    When Arnold announced his squad, two players in red-hot form were surprise omissions: Alex Robertson and Alessandro Circati. 20-year-old Robertson is a technically gifted midfielder who plays for third-tier Portsmouth on loan from Manchester City, and made his Socceroos debut in March against Ecuador.

    Circati is a 20-year-old centre-back who plays for Italian second-division team Parma, and debuted for the Socceroos in October against New Zealand.

    While both were deserving of a call-up based on form, other factors are at play. Both are in teams top of their respective leagues and chasing promotion. Robertson, for example, could miss as many as eight games for Portsmouth if he was selected for the Asian Cup. And the Under-23 Asian Cup is also a key factor in Arnold’s thinking. That tournament takes place in April-May and doubles as qualification for the Olympics in Paris later in the year. Clubs are not required by FIFA to release players for the U23 Asian Cup, so Arnold not selecting those youngsters now increases the chances that their clubs will release them for the Olyroos team in the coming months.

    Circati was outstanding on debut in October.Source: Getty Images

    Arnold acknowledged there were no guarantees from the clubs around the two players being released for U23 tournaments, but said: “It gives us a better chance. I’ve had great conversations with them and I’ve got to be honest, we’ve got depth in those positions.

    “What’s better for the kids at the age of 20? Coming away in a tournament situation and maybe getting a couple of minutes here and there, or staying at their clubs at this age and playing eight competition games and enhancing their future?

    “We’ll get rewarded in six months’ time (in Paris).”

    But on the other hand, Arnold called up uncapped midfielder Patrick Yazbek, a 21-year-old who has been in incredible form for Viking FK in Norway.

    Yazbek racked up two goals and five assists from 28 appearances (all competitions) – but crucially, the Norwegian season just concluded, so Arnold is actually helping the club by giving the youngster high-level training and match minutes.

    And when it came to Jordy Bos, Australia’s long-term left back, Arnold simply couldn’t leave the 21-year-old out of the squad.

    Bos has been excellent for the Socceroos since debuting in March.Source: News Corp Australia

    New Asian Cup rules could revive exiled gun’s career

    This week, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) decided to expand squad sizes from the traditional 23 players to 26 for the first time ever. It wasn’t even announced in an official press release (unlike, for example, revealing the official match ball). But it’s an important change – and one Socceroo is the biggest winner.

    Versatile 21-year-old forward Marco Tilio moved to Scottish giants Celtic in June for a reported A-Leagues record £1.5 million (A$2.8m), but struggled to adjust to the intensity of the Scottish League and also battled injuries. He has played just twice since the move for a total of 28 minutes. The extra three places available in the Socceroos side means Tilio can train in an environment he is familiar with, having made seven international appearances already, and also hopefully get much-needed match minutes.

    “I can be honest here and say that if it stayed at 23 there was probably a good chance that Marco wouldn’t come,” Arnold said.

    “But the fact that it got extended to 26, it enables us to have someone completely different that can play at left wing, right wing, number 10.

    “He’s got that experience of being at major tournaments with me at the Olympics in 2021 and also the World Cup (last year). Also, I do believe this can help his Celtic career.”

    Tilio in action for the Socceroos in March.Source: Getty Images

    That could mean Tilio gets his chance to show club coach Brendan Rodgers what he is capable of – or potentially earn him a loan move for the second half of the season. But as Arnold says, it’s also about getting him back in form with the Olympics looming.

    Arnold said: “Tilio, I’ve looked at how we can also help that Olympic campaign. Conversations with Brendan Rodgers, at the end of the day Tilio hasn’t played much at Celtic but we know what he can do.

    “He can bring that bit of difference as an impact player as well and be with us to get that smile back on his face and get him ready for Celtic, but also available and fresh and fit for the Olympic campaign as well.”

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  • Surprise twist in Josh Giddey’s $40m deal as one of the faces of Weet-Bix

    Surprise twist in Josh Giddey’s $40m deal as one of the faces of Weet-Bix

    Josh Giddey’s standing as one of the faces of breakfast cereal Weet-Bix appears to have vanished, at least momentarily, following the allegations made against him in the United States.

    On top of his NBA contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 21-year-old Giddey also has a number of sponsorship arrangements, including an ambassador deal with Weet-Bix reportedly worth $40 million.

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    The Victorian has been tied to the Sanitarium product for two years, but as Code Sports first reported, Giddey appears to be no longer found on the cereal’s social media accounts.

    Alongside fellow athletes such as Alex de Minaur, Ellyse Perry, Marnus Labuschagne and Tim Cahill (who are not facing any allegations or probes), Giddey can be found on Weet-Bix cereal boxes and has appeared in marketing material for the brand.

    It appears that he is no longer being featured on the company’s social media account, although a spokesperson for Sanitarium would not confirm and only said to Code Sports the company was monitoring the situation.

    A Weet-Bix promotion featuring Josh Giddey.Source: Supplied

    “We are obviously aware of news surrounding Josh Giddey and are waiting for facts to be confirmed,” the spokesperson told Code Sports.

    “We are in contact with Josh’s management team and waiting on further detail at this point.” 

    There is no suggestion police have been involved in the allegations.

    The NBA has confirmed it is investigating the matter, which revolve around an allegation Giddey has been involved in an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

    The allegations first arose via an anonymous social media post last Thursday, which has since been deleted, and Giddey said he was unable to comment on the allegations against him during a team media event on Saturday.

    “I understand the question obviously, but there’s no further comment right now,” he said.

    The Boomers star is currently in the third year of a four-year $41m rookie contract with the Thunder, but could command significantly more in his next contract given his performances to date in the NBA.

    Josh Giddey is a key member of the Thunder. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    The allegations against Giddey emerged when pictures and videos were posted to social media featuring the Australian with a young woman.

    One of the images is of a shirtless Giddey standing behind the woman.

    There are videos which feature Giddey supposedly talking to the girl’s brother, in which he says: “I’m here with your beautiful sister.

    “Good luck for your season. I hear you’re going to Sacramento soon for a game so best of luck. We’re going to come up and watch you take care of business.”

    In another video, where she appears to be standing in the background outside a nightclub, Giddey says: “What’s up my man? We’re at the front of the club, me and my girl, about to head back to mine.”

    The legal age to attend a nightclub in the United States is 21.

    One of the posts circulated on social media.Source: News Corp Australia

    Along with his NBA achievements, Giddey represented Australia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and looms as a key figure for the Boomers at next year’s Paris Olympics.

    Boomers coach Brian Goorjian was asked about the situation on Monday and stated Giddey has his “full support”.

    The veteran coach is travelling to the United States next month to meet with Giddey and other Boomers playing in the NBA and expected to be made more aware of the situation.

    “It’s really out of my wheelhouse,” Goorjian said on the Gold Coast on Monday.

    “All I’ve done is messaged him and let him know the support is there.

    “I am going to go over in early December and see him face-to-face.

    “I just want to let him know right now he’s got our full support.”

    Oklahoma City has not stood Giddey down after the emergence of the images and video, with the guard playing in last Sunday’s home loss to the Sixers.

    The Thunder’s next match is on the road against Minnesota on Wednesday Australian time.

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  • Socceroos dreaming of Asian Cup redemption, but tricky WC reality hangs over them: State of play

    Socceroos dreaming of Asian Cup redemption, but tricky WC reality hangs over them: State of play

    The Socceroos’ journey to the 2026 World Cup began this month with two wins over Bangladesh and Palestine.

    While the outcome was the same in both games – a valuable three points secured in the lengthy qualification journey – the matches themselves were starkly different. It began about as well as Socceroos’ fans could have hoped with a 7-0 thumping on home soil, but was followed by a tense 1-0 win where Australia performed well below their best.

    Now the road to 2026 is put on hold for Graham Arnold and his Socceroos as attention turns to a more pressing concern: January’s Asian Cup in Qatar.

    It is a rare chance for major silverware for the Socceroos, who have won the competition just once before (in 2015 in Australia).

    And on the back of a best-ever World Cup performance in 2022 – also in Qatar – expectations are understandably high for Australia.

    But much has changed for the Socceroos in the 12 months since that World Cup began, and Arnold now faces a tricky balancing act between short-term trophy-hunting and the long-term development of his squad with 2026 on the horizon.

    With a host of young talents on the rise, there will be plenty of difficult selection decisions to make – but the tournament provides a key opportunity for Arnold’s Socceroos to take a major step forward.

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    WHY THE TIMING IS ALL WRONG

    The tournament itself comes at an awkward and inopportune time for Australia. It was scheduled to be held in June of this year, only for China to withdraw from hosting in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Qatar picked up the tournament but, like the World Cup, weather conditions forced a shift from mid-year to the cooler months.

    Had it been held in the middle of 2023 as initially planned, Arnold’s approach would probably have been more straightforward: the ageing core of the squad used throughout the previous World Cup cycle could push through for one last title tilt.

    After the Asian Cup, Arnold could have focused fully on the next generation and his plans to rebuild with ’26 in mind.

    Instead, Arnold has been forced to delay the full-scale overhaul of the roster until after this cup – given the established core of stalwarts provide the best chance of winning the tournament. They are, particularly in the wake of Qatar 2022, battle-hardened and tournament ready.

    The next generation are not. Not quite yet, anyway.

    But on the road to 2026 and the big dance, the Asian Cup is the single biggest opportunity for the next generation to experience elite tournament football – to gel as a unit and experience the unique pressure of playing repeated games on short turnarounds on the other side of the world.

    It is just another factor in the difficult decisions that face Arnold in the months ahead.

    The core question is simple: should he prioritise winning the cup or blooding the next generation?

    The answer will be anything but simple.

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    So far, Arnold has unleashed plenty of young guns this year, thanks to a rare bevy of friendlies including tough tests against top opposition like world champions Argentina, England, and Mexico.

    Mixing youth with experience has not been such a problem in this environment – the youngsters are allowed to learn the standards from the older generation and develop in that environment, rather than battle against the likes of Lionel Messi without the guidance of those stalwarts who have been there, done that.

    But in prioritising the stability (and win-now readiness) of the current team rather than immediately committing to a long-term rebuild has meant that – including in the two recent World Cup qualifiers – some rookies have been kept on the outer rather than handed valuable match minutes.

    Think of Jordan Bos playing against Bangladesh before being benched against Palestine in favour of the veteran Aziz Behich.

    But balancing youth and experience while rebuilding the team is never an easy proposition – and the mix hasn’t always been right. It’s something that Graham Arnold acknowledged after the clash with Mexico in September where the Socceroos gave up a two-goal lead with some poor errors.

    In that match, a series of second-half substitutes tilted the balance too much towards inexperienced youngsters, who struggled under the pressure of a high-octane opponent roared on by partisan Mexican fans.

    Arnold recently told the Herald Sun: “It’s crucial you have the blend right – It’s OK to have a lot of young players, but you need senior players and good leaders around them.

    “Against Mexico, you look at the players I had on the field in the last 10 minutes when we folded a bit, they were all kids … they didn’t deal with the pressure of 75,000 Mexicans in the stands going crazy.”

    Call it a warning on the risks of youth, or call it a valuable learning experience – for both Arnold and the young players involved in that draw.

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    WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME?

    The last edition of the Asian Cup was also a brutal learning curve for the manager and the team.

    In 2019 in the UAE, Australia were the defending champions and the second-highest ranked team in the competition.

    But it came just months after Arnold took over the Socceroos job, and he inherited a team very much experiencing a generational change. Tim Cahill and Mile Jedinak had retired after the 2018 World Cup, leaving Arnold with a new-look team where 11 of 23 players had fewer than ten caps entering the tournament. Arnold’s much-changed team laboured from the start.

    They squeaked out of the group thanks to a 93rd minute goal to Tom Rogic, before overcoming Uzbekistan on penalties in the Round of 16 following a goalless draw. A difficult tournament came to an end at the quarterfinal stage in a 1-0 defeat to hosts UAE.

    This time around, the likes of Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic have retired. Mat Leckie hasn’t featured in the A-League Men’s campaign yet after a September injury, while Riley McGree has been injured since early October and won’t return to club action for some weeks yet. Milos Degenek and Trent Sainsbury have also fallen out of favour as new defenders rise through the ranks.

    These are just a handful of the difficult choices that confronting Arnold. Should he opt for experience and solidity, or youthful exuberance and potential, in other words Aziz Behich or Jordy Bos?

    In some cases (particularly Connor Metcalfe) the performances from young guns have been so impressive that they simply demand selection.

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    WHY THINGS ARE EASIER FOR THE YOUNG GUNS NOW

    But there is one key reason why backing the youth is not so risky as it was in 2019. Arnold has now managed more (A-International) games than any other Socceroos manager. He has been in charge for five years and has successfully embedded his tactical system not just at the senior international level but also at the Under-23’s or Olyroos, who he took charge of in both qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics and in that tournament proper.

    It meant that many youngsters entered the Socceroos set-up already understanding the system and their individual role, making it easier to slot into the squad successfully. Combine that with the difficulty of opponents that the youngsters faced in friendlies this calendar year, and there’s no doubt that the rookies have been forged in fire – and are more capable of stepping up to the difficulties of tournament football.

    Perhaps that gives Arnold a better opportunity than ever to roll the dice on youth, even if that comes with the risk of repeating the sort of collapse that occurred against Mexico.

    But after all, on the road to 2026 there will be no better teacher in the demands of tournament football on the road than this Asian Cup, where Australia’s path to glory includes likely knockout matches with Saudi Arabia then Japan.

    Arnold has enough credit in the bank from the 2022 World Cup – and a long-term contract to boot – that his future is secure even if things go sour at this tournament.

    That won’t mean he won’t go for gold. But perhaps that means he can trust the next generation to do the job – and bet all his chips on building for 2026.

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  • FIFA World Cup 2026, Asian Cup 2024, Socceroos, football news, Australia vs Bangladesh, qualifying, fixtures, schedule,

    FIFA World Cup 2026, Asian Cup 2024, Socceroos, football news, Australia vs Bangladesh, qualifying, fixtures, schedule,

    Fifty years ago today, the Socceroos booked their place in the FIFA World Cup for the very first time, with Jimmy Mackay scoring a wonder-goal against the Korea Republic to punch Australia’s ticket to the 1974 tournament.

    Australia wouldn’t appear at another men’s World Cup until 2006, but have qualified for every tournament since.

    On Thursday night against Bangladesh, the Socceroos take the first step in the road to the next World Cup – in 2026, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

    It will be a long journey for the Socceroos to reach a sixth-straight World Cup, though major changes to the qualification format should make things easier for Australia.

    But the Socceroos still have plenty of challenges to address – and the next 12 months could prove crucial.

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    HOW DOES QUALIFICATION WORK?

    The 2026 tournament will be expanded from 32 teams to a whopping 48 for the first time ever, something which provides a major boost for Asian Football Confederation (AFC) nations including Australia.

    The number of automatic qualification spots for the AFC will rise from four to eight – plus one more spot for the winner of a playoff against teams from other confederations – resulting in a shake-up in the qualifying format.

    In this round, 36 teams were divided into nine groups of four teams. Australia’s group features Palestine, Lebanon, and Bangladesh, with the Socceroos to play each of them home and away.

    Australia will play two matches this month, two in March 2024, and the final two in June.

    The Socceroos must finish in the top two teams of this four-nation group to progress to the next stage, while a top-two finish also ensures qualification to the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia in 2027.

    In the next round, 18 teams (winners and runners up from the nine groups in this round) will be split into three groups of six.

    The Socceroos would then play the other five teams in home-and-away games, beginning in September 2024. Finishing in the top two of the group after those ten matches ensures direct qualification to the World Cup.

    But if the Socceroos finish in third or fourth in that next stage, they would then be put into a group of three teams. Australia would play the other two teams once each, with the group winner qualifying for the Cup.

    Finish runner-up of the three teams and Australia would then be forced into a do-or-die series of playoffs, first against another AFC team then against nations from other confederations.

    Effectively, the Socceroos will be aiming to qualify in 16 games – six at this stage, and 10 at the next.

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    It’s not quite as long as the 1,008 day, 20-match road to qualifying for Qatar 2022, or the 22-game road to Russia 2018 – where they clocked up over 240,000 kilometres in travel and played more games than any other qualifying nation.

    But even with the changes to the qualifying format, crisscrossing Asia for 16 games is still one of the longest qualification journeys for a World Cup.

    However, there is another major difference from last time around: the Socceroos will now get to play far more matches on home soil now Covid-19 border restrictions have eased.

    As Arnold said: “It’s been a really, really long time since we played here in Australia. You know, I was looking just the other day, in my reign of 44 matches, we’ve only played nine games here in Australia. So we’ve been away a long time and played a lot of football away from home.”

    Irvine similarly stated: “I think for us, one of the most important things is having the chance to play in Australia, in front of our home fans again.

    “I think over the last five years this is maybe the ninth or 10th game we’ve played at home, which in the context of a qualifying campaign is barely anything.

    “So we don’t take these experiences for granted to play in front of our home fans.”

    The greater number of qualifying spots on offer for Asia, and the new-look format, should make qualifying for 2026 significantly easier for the Socceroos.

    There are more chances for redemption if they slip up and can’t finish right at the top of their group at each stage, while the larger number of groups should spread the higher-ranked teams around – meaning more matches against lower-ranked opposition.

    But there is no doubt that despite the new format and the benefit of more home matches, the road to a place in the 2026 World Cup will not be an easy one.

    Captain Maty Ryan said: “It’s a long journey and a gruelling one, but the fruits at the end of it are so sweet that you have no worries in confronting them and doing all you can to reach the end goal of playing in the World Cup.”

    Mathew Leckie celebrates the winner against Denmark at the 2022 World Cup.Source: AFP

    WHAT HAPPENED AT THE LAST WORLD CUP – AND SINCE?

    The Socceroos enjoyed a historic performance in Qatar last year.

    They led reigning champions and eventual runners-up France in their first group game before losing 4-1, but rebounded to beat Tunisia 1-0. Then they overcame Euro 2020 semi-finalists Denmark 1-0 to make it out of the group stage.

    They then fell 2-1 to eventual champions Argentina in the Round of 16 despite a stellar performance where they even came close to equalising in injury time through teen sensation Garang Kuol.

    Nevertheless, securing two group-stage wins was a first in Australian men’s history, and the clean sheets in both wins were also impressive and rare – not since 1974 had the Socceroos kept a World Cup clean sheet.

    The win over world number 10 Denmark was also the first time the Socceroos had beaten a top-ten nation at the WC.

    Mitchell Duke shakes hands with Lionel Messi after the Round of 16 defeat.Source: Getty Images

    The Socceroos played with tenacity – that oft-spoken-about Australian fighting spirit – but were also tactically excellent, with renowned French publication L’Equipe naming coach Graham Arnold the best of any manager at the tournament.

    “L’Equipe is one of the most respected and one of the harshest markers of games, coaches, players you name it,” former Socceroo Robbie Slater said at the time. “They’re the most respected in all of Europe.”

    It also saw the Socceroos surge up the rankings by 11 places into 27th, their best spot since September 2012 (25th).

    Arnold, having been on the brink of being sacked just six months before the World Cup after the struggling Socceroos missed out on direct qualification and were forced into the intercontinental playoffs, was handed a new deal to remain in charge through to the 2026 tournament.

    Since then, he has set the Socceroos on a brutal path – facing off against some of the world’s toughest teams in a series of testing friendlies.

    They faced Ecuador (#41) in a pair of fixtures in March, battled Lionel Messi’s Argentina (#1) in June, clashed with Mexico (#12) in September, before last month facing England (#4) at Wembley Stadium and New Zealand (#104).

    Socceroos claim Ashes after NZ victory | 02:03

    If the 2022 World Cup proved the Socceroos deserved to be on the world stage, that run of fixtures was deliberately designed to take the team to the next level, to be able to compete against the elite.

    It was a rare opportunity for the Socceroos, who have struggled to squeeze friendly matches into their packed schedule in the past.

    And while the results were mixed – there were wins over Ecuador and New Zealand, a sloppy draw with Mexico and three losses – far more important was the opportunity to experiment with new tactics and line-ups, with Arnold handing out a host of debuts to young talents.

    “We’ve had the opportunity to test ourselves against some of world football’s best in the last six months, and our performances have shown just how effective we can be, learning a lot along the way,” Arnold said last week.

    “It was a chance to grow as a group, providing opportunities to younger players in preparation for the start of the 2026 World Cup qualification cycle.

    “Those performances have not only shown what we’re capable of, but reinforced a strong belief within this group as we begin an extremely important period.”

    Now, the trialling phase is over. The Socceroos must turn their minds to victory – because the next few months aren’t just about World Cup qualification.

    As Arnold said: “Now? It’s a World Cup qualifier. I think that experimenting is over, now it’s all about getting the tactics right, getting the players on the pitch, getting their performances right, and winning those games at all costs.”

    Souttar hilariously tries to claim goal | 00:37

    THE ASIAN CUP

    The Asian Cup will take place from 12 January to 10 February next year, and the Socceroos will rightly believe they are contenders for just a second title after their 2015 win on home soil.

    The tournament was meant to be held in China in July of this year, but that nation relinquished hosting rights last year due to Covid-19. Qatar eventually won the rights but – just like last year’s World Cup – scorching mid-year temperatures forced the rescheduling of the tournament to the cooler months.

    That is arguably a blessing for the Socceroos, who have now used the additional time to squeeze in the aforementioned run of high-quality friendly matches.

    But it also means that the Socceroos cannot simply focus on the longer term goal of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and reshaping the squad to be ready for that tournament.

    They must focus on the here and now – something that is also true of the Olyroos, Australia’s Under-23 team which will compete in the U23 Asian Cup in April next year. That tournament doubles as qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics, with the Olyroos needing to finish in the top three to directly qualify, while fourth place plays off against an African team for another berth.

    The Olyroos finished third at the 2020 U-23 Asian Cup to book their place at the Tokyo Olympics, the first time the men’s team had competed at the Olympics since 2008.

    While they failed to make it out of their group, their development was crucial – especially given Socceroos coach Graham Arnold took on the Olyroos coaching role in a deliberate attempt to guide a new generation into Socceroos.

    That approach was remarkably successful: nine of the Olyroos that featured at the 2020 Olympics went on to play at the 2022 World Cup with the senior side (10 if you count Mitchell Duke, who competed at the Olympics as a designated overage player).

    As the Socceroos progress towards the 2026 World Cup, the squad will naturally need to bring in fresh faces, just as they did before the last World Cup. The development of the Olyroos, who play a similar style as the senior team – could prove crucial in that regard.

    That’s why the next 12 months looms as a crucial period for both the Olyroos and the Socceroos – and not just because both teams will be contending for major silverware.

    As Jackson Irvine said: “Of course this is the beginning of a long journey, but it can also be viewed as a short preparation for what’s coming in January.”

    While the road to the 2026 World Cup is just beginning, Graham Arnold needs to balance competitiveness now with the long-term future of the squad. It’s hardly an enviable task.

    The Socceroos are chasing a second Asian Cup title after their 2015 success.Source: News Corp Australia

    THE SQUAD

    Arnold’s squad for Thursday’s clash with Bangladesh and next week’s meeting with Palestine is largely unchanged from last month’s fixtures, with just four changes to the 23-player unit.

    Veteran defender Milos Degenek was dropped after struggling for game-time at Red Star Belgrade, as is goalkeeper Tom Glover at Middlesbrough. Winger Awer Mabil was dropped, as was another gloveman in Andrew Redmayne.

    The squad is a mix of youth and experience – which very much sums up the current state of play for Graham Arnold’s side.

    Arnold said last month before the matches against England and New Zealand: “We are going through a bit more of a rebuild situation at the moment. When you look at the squad overall, there are 11 players who’ve had less than 10 caps, there’s five or six players that have had between 11 and 20.”

    There’s been significant turnover in the last 12 months, with just nine members of the squad having competed at the World Cup in Qatar.

    Midfield stalwart Aaron Mooy retired, while Nathaniel Atkinson and Riley McGree are both injured.

    Australia’s midfield general Aaron Mooy has retired.Source: AFP

    But a number of other players from Qatar are struggling for form or match minutes at club level, including Degenek and Bailey Wright, or Ajdin Hrustic who was arguably Australia’s best player in the qualification road to Qatar but now can’t get a game at Hellas Verona in Italy.

    It’s clear from the number of debuts handed out in recent months that Arnold is looking towards the future and attempting to increase the depth of the squad – something he also prioritised when he took over after the 2018 World Cup, when a host of retirements including the likes of Tim Cahill and Mile Jedinak forced a generational shift in the squad.

    Arnold used 68 different players in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup – and it would hardly be surprising if he exceeds that number this time around.

    Seven players have already debuted in 2023, while 37 have been used in total. In the current squad, there are two uncapped players – Portsmouth striker Kusini Yengi and goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer of Charlton Athletic.

    Maynard-Brewer is one of two young goalkeepers called up in place of more experienced heads like 34-year-old Andrew Redmayne. Maynard-Brewer was included in the September squad for the Mexico match but has not yet debuted for the Socceroos. Joe Gauci also returns to the set-up, having debuted against Ecuador in March before being left out of the past couple of squads while his Adelaide United waited for the new A-League season to begin.

    Ashley Maynard-Brewer in action against Manchester United in January.Source: Getty Images

    The pair of young talents (at 24 and 23 years old respectively) are viewed as the likely long-term successors to captain Maty Ryan. The 31-year-old remains in fine form with AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands and has a monopoly on the number one jersey at present, but ensuring the next generation of keepers are ready to step up is crucial, especially given the ever-present threat of injuries.

    At the opposite end of the park is an equally pressing need to find long-term solutions. Yengi is one of four strikers included, alongside veterans Mitch Duke (30 caps), Jamie Maclaren (30) and Brandon Borrello (9). But with Duke 32 years old and McLaren 30, the need to plan for the future in the number nine role – arguably the position where the Socceroos have struggled for depth the most in recent years – is clear.

    It’s a similar story with the rest of the attacking unit. Craig Goodwin is turning 32 next month, Martin Boyle is 30, while absent veteran Mathew Leckie is 32. While they are key contributors now – and could prove vital to a good run at the Asian Cup in January – how many will still be part of the team should Australia qualify for the World Cup in 2026?

    Samuel Silvera (23) and Brandon Borrello (28) are in this squad, while Awer Mabil (28) is missing – but there’s no shortage of younger attacking talent waiting in the wings for their chance. Garang Kuol already has five caps at age 19, while Marco Tilio (22) also featured at the World Cup last year. Yengi (24) can also be deployed on the wing.

    Garang Kuol scored his first Socceroos goal against Ecuador earlier this year, but hasn’t made the current squad.Source: Getty Images

    Mohamed Toure (19) earned his debut against England last month, while fellow teen sensation Nestory Irankunda (17) is set for a move to German giants Bayern Munich and has also trained with the Socceroos squad in the past.

    Socceroos veteran and Toure’s former Adelaide United captain Craig Goodwin told Foxsports.com.au after that debut last month: “He’s someone with massive potential.

    “He’s someone that in my opinion could be the Socceroos’ striker for the next 10 years.”

    While they may not be in the team this time around – and might not become regular fixtures until later in the World Cup qualification journey – there’s no doubt that the kids are coming.

    And with three years and at least 16 games on the road to the next World Cup, the young guns will get their chance.

    For now, though, the Socceroos must start winning.

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  • Australian icon Tim Cahill called out after bizarre Matildas Instagram post

    Australian icon Tim Cahill called out after bizarre Matildas Instagram post

    Australian football icon Tim Cahill has been called out on social media after a rather peculiar Matildas post.

    Ahead of the Matildas semi-final World Cup clash against England on Wednesday night, the Socceroos star attempted to throw his support behind the squad.

    FIFA’s official World Cup Instagram account uploaded a split video of Cahill’s heroics, showing off two goals he scored for Australia.

    “Cahill shone brightest in green and gold. Will one of the Matildas fire her way into the history books in their semi-final?” the caption read.

    The 43-year-old commented on the video with three flame emojis, but he took things a step further by reposting the video to his own personal account.

    Cahill posted the video of his goal scoring antics along with the caption “Happy Matildas Day”.

    Social media users were quick to call out Cahill for attempting to make the historic day all about himself.

    Josh Wye wrote: “Tim Cahill posting his own highlights in support of the Matildas was on my Semi Final Bingo Board.”

    One user commented on Cahill’s post: “It’s not about you today champ.”

    Another added: “It’s about the Matildas not you mate.”

    A third wrote: “Go Tillies, here’s two of my goals.”

    A final user commented: “This is as self indulgent as it gets”

    Australia and England will face off from Sydney’s Stadium Australia at 8pm (AEST) with the winner advancing into the World Cup final to meet Spain.

    The Matildas have not lost so far in Sydney, defeating Ireland 1-0 in the group stage and Denmark 2-0 in the Round of 16.

    England have played two matches in Sydney thus far, but only the one at Stadium Australia, a 2-1 defeat of Colombia.

    Their other fixture in Sydney was a clinical 1-0 defeat of Denmark in the group stage at Sydney Football Stadium.

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  • ‘Top class’ Ange ‘not just an Australian Ted Lasso’ but ‘shark-infested waters’ loom: UK View

    ‘Top class’ Ange ‘not just an Australian Ted Lasso’ but ‘shark-infested waters’ loom: UK View

    The news of Ange Postecoglou’s imminent arrival at Tottenham Hotspur has sparked widespread reactions from all ends of the excitement spectrum.

    Postecoglou had verbally agreed to take over at Tottenham on an initial two-year deal, but reports from several outlets confirmed the Premier League club had now agreed compensation for his services with Celtic.

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    The Scottish giants will reportedly be paid $AUD9.4 million in compensation, with an announcement expected in the next 24 hours.

    It represents a whirlwind few weeks from when the news of Tottenham’s strong interest in Postecoglou was initially revealed to now where it is all but official.

    The Spurs job cast a large shadow over Celtic’s preparations for the Scottish Cup final against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, which the Hoops would win 3-1 to complete the treble.

    But now that the job is his, a raft of ex-players and football pundits in the United Kingdom have shared their thoughts on how Postecoglou’s Spurs tenure will play out.

    Liverpool legend Michael Owen tweeted: “If @SpursOfficial secure Postecoglou it will be the first time they’ve secured a manager that fits their famed style of play in years. I think he’s top class and it’ll be a bitter blow for @CelticFC to lose him.”

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    Former Spurs defender Ramon Vega issued a rallying cry to the Tottenham faithful to get behind their new man in charge.

    “Well, Spurs fans there is no question about it, if he comes we have to back him fully,” Vega wrote on Twitter.

    “You back him as a fan he will sort it out but I hope the board will help him and learn from their past mistakes.

    “Great man, great coach! It’s a shame if he leaves Celtic his (sic) done a brilliant job there.”

    BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer Tom English drew a parallel between Postecoglou and a certain fictional football coach due to their remarkable ability to inspire their troops.

    “He understands what makes players tick, he commands respect, he has a presence, he’s a motivator and he’s got a good record in the transfer market,” English said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

    “His manta is ‘we never stop’. He likes to play his fast, dynamic and energetic football. I think he deserves a crack at [the Premier League].

    “He’s a tough cookie, he’s not some kind of Australian Ted Lasso here, but he has an inspirational quality — he gets people and I think it will be fascinating to see how he does at Spurs.”

    Ange on verge of coaching Tottenham | 02:01

    Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is also a big fan of the 58-year-old’s work and revealed it was an encounter with Tim Cahill when the former was manager of Jordan that woke him up to Postecoglou’s brilliance.

    “I’ve said before I met him out in Australia, when I went out and managed the Jordan national team, he managed the Australian team,” Redknapp said on talkSPORT.

    “Tim Cahill played for the Australian team and I was just chatting to him before the game and he said, ‘Our manager’s fantastic.’

    “I said, ‘Really,’ he said, ‘Harry, he is top drawer,’ and that was it. I’d never heard of him at that time … Timmy Cahill said he was brilliant and that’s stuck with me.

    “Then I’ve watched how he’s done at Celtic and he’s been brilliant, I love him.

    “There’s no fannying [around] with him, he says it as it is, I like him. He don’t care, if a player misses a goal he’s not afraid to say, ‘My old woman could’ve scored that.’”

    Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan believes Postecoglou could have a galvanising impact on Spurs’ squad and indeed the club as a whole in a similar fashion to a certain German in Liverpool.

    “He might win a cup like (Antonio) Conte should have done,” Jordan said on talkSPORT.

    Postecoglou earned plenty of admirers during his two-year stint at Celtic. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    “I think it’s great for him. He’s got the character to galvanise and bring the fan base with him. It’s somewhat similar to the way Klopp did with Liverpool.

    “He’s an inclusive manager, he doesn’t seek to alienate or make little islands people sit on.

    “He will need to have the intrinsic value of everyone being together and get them going.”

    Although there may be some similarities Postecoglou shares with his predecessor Conte, namely their habit for picking up trophies wherever they go with the exception of Spurs for the latter, The Guardian’s David Hytner points out there are some stark differences.

    “Postecoglou is the counterpoint to Conte in several areas,” Hytner wrote.

    “He has a reputation to make and is willing to be patient, to rebuild with the staff and budgets he is given.

    “It is inescapable that Levy’s appointments of Conte and Mourinho, win-at-all-cost A-listers, with the emphasis on cost, blew up before they worked out.”

    However, it’s not all smiles and positivity from some surrounding Postecoglou’s looming appointment.

    The Telegraph’s Thom Gibbs pointed out success in Scotland “has rarely translated to glory in England” for those who make the immediate jump from the Scottish top flight to the Premier League since 2000.

    Former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was one relative exception as he guided Leicester to back-to-back fifth-place finishes and an FA Cup in 2021 but had the Foxes on a one-way ticket to the Championship this year.

    Steven Gerrard, who moved from Rangers to Aston Villa in 2021, failed spectacularly and was sacked less than a year into his tenure at Villa Park.

    Postecoglou helped Celtic complete the treble on Sunday. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    It’s why Gibbs holds fears for Postecoglou as he begins “adjusting from a small pond to shark-infested waters.”

    Despite Postecoglou arriving in London with a reputation for winning silverware — something Tottenham famously does not — Arsenal legend Martin Keown feels the Australian won’t be able to fill Spurs’ empty trophy cabinet.

    “I want to have respect for all managers, but I thought Conte was an outstanding manager,” Keown told talkSPORT.

    “That was my biggest fear actually [that Spurs would win trophies], because he was capable of doing special things.

    “Daniel Levy in 2021 was talking about a brand of football that he was looking for, whether or not this appointment is about that, whether or not he wants to see attractive football.

    “Of course he wants to see a trophy being won, but it [Postecoglou’s appointment] doesn’t really strike any fear into me no, not as Conte did.”

    Time will tell whether certain pundits are forced to eat their words in a similar vein to when Postecoglou silenced the doubters in his first season at Celtic.

    But the former Socceroos boss is going to become the name hot on everyone’s lips as he gears up for his first crack at a Premier League job.



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  • ‘Out of line’: Warner and Slater clash on-air over as icon defends controversial Kerr take

    ‘Out of line’: Warner and Slater clash on-air over as icon defends controversial Kerr take

    Socceroos legend Robbie Slater does not regret his controversial column surrounding Sam Kerr and admitted he was “surprised” by the reaction to it.

    Slater penned a piece for The Daily Telegraph in January 2022 just after Kerr broke Tim Cahill’s record for most goals scored by an Australian player both male and female.

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    However, the former Premier League winner attracted criticism for stating Kerr shouldn’t be proclaimed as such and that Kerr and Cahill’s records should be separated.

    In the Matildas documentary, a snippet shows Kerr branding the “not equal” headline of Slater’s column “literally the most sexist thing you could say.”

    Speaking on The Back Page, Slater doubled down on his column and felt it was “balanced” but Candice Warner did not share that same stance.

    “Robbie, I don’t really agree with you,” Warner said.

    “I thought it was out of line. You’ve got two young daughters. I thought it was incredibly sexist.

    “What are you saying to young girls who might be aspiring [to be professional footballers]?”

    Warner then followed up by asking if Slater regretted his column.

    Robbie Slater doubled down on his controversial column surrounding Sam Kerr. Picture: SuppliedSource: Supplied

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    Slater replied: “I don’t regret the column because I stand by that I separated Tim Cahill from Sam Kerr and said Tim’s our greatest ever Socceroo goalscorer and Sam is our greatest ever women’s goalscorer.

    “I don’t think that was out of line.

    “But if I listened to my 9 year old daughter, maybe I did do wrong. She came up to me and said, ‘Dad, what have you done to Sam Kerr, she’s so much better than you?’ She’s got a poster of Sam Kerr on the wall.

    “I’ve had to answer some questions. But I think the column was balanced.”

    Slater, who remains a “big fan” of Kerr, further explained his decision to pen the column before he was cheekily interrupted by a text from his young daughter.

    “The whole conversation started when Sam scored a goal more, now she’s got much more, than Tim Cahill had scored for the Socceroos,” Slater said.

    “I just wrote a column separating the two. There’s A-League women’s, you’ve got A-League men’s, I don’t know, I just thought it was confusing everything. They’re all great, they’re both great.

    “Hang on. Indigo: you’re still a loser, dad.”

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