The Socceroos’ Road to the World Cup
The next time we see the Socceroos in action, they will be in the United States, facing co-hosts Mexico at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles. With the World Cup on the horizon, excitement is building across the nation.
After their recent victories over Cameroon (1-0) and Curacao (5-1) during the FIFA Series, the players have returned to their respective clubs. They won’t reunite until their club seasons conclude. It has been 15 months since Tony Popovic took charge of the team, a period when direct World Cup qualification was in serious danger. Since then, he has guided the team back on track, securing Australia’s first win over Japan since 2009 and ensuring our sixth consecutive World Cup appearance.
While the results have been effective, the journey hasn’t always been smooth. Popovic will not reveal his final 26-man squad for the World Cup until June 1, two days after their final warm-up match against Mexico. However, a clear picture of who is likely to make the cut is beginning to emerge, although several factors could still influence the final selection.
Goalkeeper
On the plane:
– Maty Ryan
– Paul Izzo
In the mix:
– Patrick Beach
– Joe Gauci
Maty Ryan, the captain, is a guaranteed starter for the World Cup. His consistent performances with Levante have kept him in top form. Paul Izzo is the clear number two, but the third goalkeeper spot remains competitive between Melbourne City’s Patrick Beach and Port Vale’s Joe Gauci, with Beach currently leading the race.
Central Defenders
On the plane:
– Alessandro Circati
– Cameron Burgess
In the mix:
– Milos Degenek
– Jason Geria
– Lucas Herrington
– Kai Trewin
– Kye Rowles
Outside chance:
– Harry Souttar
Circati and Burgess are set to start, but the right-back position is up for grabs. Lucas Herrington showed promise in his debut but had vulnerabilities in the last match. Milos Degenek and Jason Geria are strong contenders, while Kye Rowles’ left-footedness makes him a valuable addition. Harry Souttar, recovering from an Achilles injury, needs to build form before being considered.
Kai Trewin’s versatility adds to his chances, but someone may miss out.
Right Wing-Back
On the plane:
– Jacob Italiano
In the mix:
– Fran Karacic
Outside chance:
– Sam Silvera
With Lewis Miller injured, Jacob Italiano’s emergence has been crucial. His performances have been impressive, and his goal-scoring ability adds value. Fran Karacic, despite recent injuries, is a natural right-sided defender. Sam Silvera, playing on the left, could fill in but hasn’t shown enough recently.
Left Wing-Back
On the plane:
– Jordan Bos
– Aziz Behich
In the mix:
– Callum Elder
This position is the most settled. Jordan Bos is arguably Australia’s best player, and Aziz Behich provides experience and reliability. Callum Elder is the backup, but only if one of the starters is injured.
Central Midfield
On the plane:
– Jackson Irvine
– Aiden O’Neill
In the mix:
– Patrick Yazbek
– Paul Okon-Engstler
– Max Balard
– Alex Robertson
Outside chance:
– Cammy Devlin
– Dylan Scicluna
Jackson Irvine is expected to start, managing a foot injury effectively. Aiden O’Neill and Patrick Yazbek are strong candidates, while Paul Okon-Engstler’s energy could push others down the pecking order. Max Balard and Alex Robertson have less chance, while Cammy Devlin and Dylan Scicluna remain wildcards.
Attacking Midfield
On the plane:
– Riley McGree
– Connor Metcalfe
– Nestory Irankunda
– Ajdin Hrustic
In the mix:
– Nishan Velupillay
– Martin Boyle
– Awer Mabil
Riley McGree is a sure bet, while Ajdin Hrustic offers versatility. Connor Metcalfe is a dependable option, and Nestory Irankunda could be used as a game-changer. Nishan Velupillay’s consistency could threaten veterans like Martin Boyle and Awer Mabil.
Striker
On the plane:
– Mohamed Toure
In the mix:
– Deni Juric
Outside chance:
– Ante Suto
– Mitch Duke
– Nick D’Agostino
Mohamed Toure is Australia’s best striker, but his injury has delayed his return. Deni Juric is the favorite, though his performance in the FIFA Series was inconsistent. Ante Suto and Nick D’Agostino have not impressed, while Mitch Duke could sneak in with more strong performances. Popovic might surprise everyone by selecting someone unexpected.
