World Cup 2026 Australia thread

[rebelliousfeminist974]

Ironically I think flogging Paraguay is the least likely given our style of play.

Tony Popovic may well channel his inner Ange and have the Socceroos play aggressively against Paraguay as opposed to parking the bus as we normally do with almost all opposition we face so the rout may still be on.

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

William Lane would be utterly conflicted when we play Paraguay.

 

[Kitwally]

We designed the turf for soccer’s biggest World Cup ever – here’s how we created the same playing experience across 3 countries

The new playing fields are rolling out in stadiums from Mexico to Canada. Creating the perfect pitch in very different climates requires the right grasses and some creative tricks.

theconversation.com

 

[Keeper66]

We designed the turf for soccer’s biggest World Cup ever – here’s how we created the same playing experience across 3 countries

The new playing fields are rolling out in stadiums from Mexico to Canada. Creating the perfect pitch in very different climates requires the right grasses and some creative tricks.

theconversation.com

Faaark!!! I had no idea that FIFA had such stringent regulations regarding the turf and turf tests! I just assumed that as long as it was grass and smooth and green it would be fine!

 

[grazorblade]

 

[Kitwally]

Quite balanced. Agree with his most likely starting eleven.

 

[grazorblade]

Quite balanced. Agree with his most likely starting eleven.

Yeah I'd be surprised if we differ much from

------------------------------------------Ryan------------------------------------------
-----------Circati------------------Souttar------------Burgess-----------------------
--Italiano------------------Irvine---------Oniell-------------------------Bos----------
---------------Metcalf/Irankunda-Toure------------Mcgree----------------------

O'niell could be replaced with a more progressive player, herrington could make the back 3

 

[Quicky]

Yeah I'd be surprised if we differ much from

------------------------------------------Ryan------------------------------------------
-----------Circati------------------Souttar------------Burgess-----------------------
--Italiano------------------Irvine---------Oniell-------------------------Bos----------
---------------Metcalf/Irankunda-Toure------------Mcgree----------------------

O'niell could be replaced with a more progressive player, herrington could make the back 3

Pretty much this. I hope for the progressive version of this XI. The one + Irankunda, Herrington, the progressive mid (Robertson).

 

[Quicky]

Quite balanced. Agree with his most likely starting eleven.

Needs to switch Irankunda and McGree.

 

[Quicky]

I wonder if we go more defensive at RWB v Turkey? That would normally be Geria but his form has really dropped off.

 

[Pub League Champion]

Can someeone please make sure that Maty sees this now we know it's theTurks wee will be playing in our first gameee
\

Can someone show Nestory what’s possible too …

 

[Quicky]

That was an interesting listen. He had a decent understanding of the squad. Did chuckle when he said we change our formation too much. I wish! We have chopped around the players a lot though.

 

[grazorblade]

That was an interesting listen. He had a decent understanding of the squad. Did chuckle when he said we change our formation too much. I wish! We have chopped around the players a lot though.

Im guessing he meants tactics, he does mix it up a bit

 

[patjennings]

A mate from the US was talking to me about our Group. a few of his friends put together a Group D XI. The US had Dest at RB as their only player in the combined team. The two Paraguayan CBs and Bos at LB completed the backline. Two Turkiye cms and a Paraguayan in midfield. Up front Irankunda, touree and a Turkish winger. Our 4 didn't surprise me. the lack of more US players did.

Interesting in that he noted that we are a bit of a sieve through midfield but that happens when you don't pick the midfield that deserves to be there.

Edit:
Left out that Ryan was GK for the 4th

 

[Hillbilly55]

Ryan seems to have made a big statement over the past couple of months. Losing his spot for the NT has been a good thing. Pity some of the others (O'Neill) haven't been made to earn theirs.

 

[Quicky]

With Souttar back, who would you pick at LCB? Burgess or Herrington?

 

[Quicky]

Burgess Pros: Experienced, Good long ball, Solid Defensively. Cons: Has a mistake in him and responsible.

Herrington Pros: Nimble, Great Passing, Solid Defensively Cons: Very inexperienced.

 

[HonestSpursFan]

With Souttar back, who would you pick at LCB? Burgess or Herrington?

Lucas. He’s performing well in a better league.

 

[rebelliousfeminist974]

With Souttar back, who would you pick at LCB? Burgess or Herrington?

I think Lucas Herrington would start as left centre back given his remarkable form in MLS and the fact that he can also theoretically slot into the defensive midfield position, with Cam Burgess as a differential option despite him having more experience at international level.

 

[patjennings]

I wonder if we go more defensive at RWB v Turkey? That would normally be Geria but his form has really dropped off.

I think we will and also on the left

------------------------------------------Ryan------------------------------------------
-----------Circati------------------Souttar------------Burgess-----------------------
--Degenek---------------Robertson---------Balard----------------Rowles-------
------Irankunda--------------------Toure----------------Bos----------------------

Let that front three roam and swap. Bos is great as an offensive LWB but against Turkiye i want his offensive talent but also want to shut down at the back.

Irvine just seems to be getting a lot of injuries (or that could just be my impression.