Nice training run, including a good mix of goal scorers. Video highlights in the link: https://www.socceroos.com.au/match/australia-v-oman-friendlies-30-12-2018/1039505
First Friendly of this cycle tonight. Lots of new faces with a number of our main players having the season break off from international duties. I don't really care about the result at this stage, but am interested in seeing how they go.
I hope we don't get totally destroyed, but am not at all confident and still think Arnold is not up to the job.
Korea Republic vs. Caltex Socceroos (International Friendly) Date: Friday, 7 June 2019 Venue: Busan Asiad Stadium, Busan, Korea Republic Kick-off: 8.00pm (local); 9.00pm (AEST) Broadcast: Live in Australia on FOX SPORTS and Network 10 (10 Bold)
Name Club, Country A-International Caps (Goals) Mustafa Amini Aarhus Gymnastikforening, Denmark 5 (0) Terry Antonis Melbourne Victory, Australia 3 (0) Aziz Behich PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands 35 (2) Brandon Borrello SC Freiberg, Germany 0 (0) Joshua Brillante Sydney FC, Australia 5 (0) Thomas Deng Melbourne Victory, Australia 1 (0) Mitchell Duke Western Sydney Wanderers 4 (2) Craig Goodwin Adelaide United, Australia 3 (0) Rhyan Grant Sydney FC, Australia 7 (0) James Jeggo Austria Wien, Austria 1 (0) Matthew Jurman Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia 7 (0) Awer Mabil FC Midtjylland, Denmark 9 (4) Brandon O’Neill Sydney FC, Australia 0 (0) Dimitri Petratos Newcastle Jets, Australia 2 (0) Andrew Redmayne Sydney FC, Australia 0 (0) Brad Smith Seattle Sounders FC, USA 19 (0) Harry Souttar Stoke City FC, England 0 (0) Matthew Spiranovic Perth Glory, Australia 35 (0) Adam Taggart Suwon Bluewings, Korea Republic 8 (4) Lawrence Thomas Melbourne Victory, Australia 0 (0) Rhys Williams Al-Qadsiah FC, Saudi Arabia 14 (0) Ryan Williams Rotherham United, England 0 (0) Bailey Wright Bristol City FC, England 23 (1) Chris Ikonomidis was named in the original squad, but withdrew to undergo shoulder surgery. He was replaced by Western Sydney Wanderers forward Mitchell Duke. Mitch Langerak withdrew from the squad with illness. https://www.a-league.com.au/news/match-preview-korea-republic-v-caltex-socceroos
I suppose some guys got some experience and will be better for it. I still can't see signs of us finding a solution for our biggest problem.
Arnold is doing a good job with the cattle he has, I thought we played well last night. As Almango referred to above, our main issue is getting the sausage rolls, and that's where we have to improve.
What i noticed in the last friendly was that the team was quite old, it needs some fresh energy. Some youngsters should make the step up: McGree, Blackwood, maybe Brandon Wilson and Atkinson. Also bringing back some players who tried the Socceroos jersey for too short time like Susnjar, Hrustic would improve the quality.
Something like that would be the ideal formation now: ------------------Maclaren--------------- Goodwin---------Rogic--------Leckie -------------McGree-----Irvine------------- Elder-----Susnjar----Spiranovic---Atkinson ---------------------Ryan------------------- It is a mix between experienced and young players, with Leckie to lead the team as captain.
Socceroos secure Jordan friendly ahead of World Cup play-offs https://www.sbs.com.au/sport/articl...Pv4YAMGjfAPC58tbqLCzLSaRH1n66bHrbAI-qhm6PNSPg
I'm happy with this as a warm up. I think UAE will be a tough match for us. I'm hoping that most of our players are available this time
Does a two game series with New Zealand in September mean we have both given up on making the World Cup?
2 friendlies against New Zealand now both confirmed, In Brisbane on Sept 22 and Auckland on Sept 25. Still seems a waste of the final FIFA friendly window to me. With player release on Nov 14 for the world cup and out first game on Nov 22 There isn't much time to do a lot before the tournament itself.
Maybe they will agree to adopt common formations and playing styles of our opponents at different times during the matches to help us out. I'm sure they will give us a couple of competitive games, just not sure they are the best preparation for the World Cup.
Coach Graham Arnold explains why Tom Rogic is a shock omission from Socceroos squad to face NZ after resurfacing with English club - as seven debutants are named in surprising side. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/f...oach-Graham-Arnold-names-seven-debutants.html
Australia's squad: Mathew Ryan (captain), Nathaniel Atkinson, Keanu Baccus, Aziz Behich, Martin Boyle, Jason Cummings, Harrison Delbridge, Milos Degenek, Thomas Deng, Cameron Devlin, Mitch Duke, Tyrese Francois, Denis Genreau, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irivine, Fran Karacic, Joel King, Garang Kuol, Mitch Langerak, Mathew Leckie, Awer Mabil, Jamie Maclaren, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Aaron Mooy, Andrew Redmayne, Trent Sainsbury, Ryan Strain, Adam Taggart, Marco Tilio, Bailey Wright.
I'm not surprised Rogic isn't there. He has just signed with a new club and needs to settle in there and get some regular football. I was surprised Kye Rowles didn't get in. I thought he did well in the playoffs. Don't know why he didn't get a spotr here.