Welcome!

By registering with us, you'll be able to discuss, share and private message with other members of our community.

Sign Up Now!

Socceroos vs Canada/USA Oct 25

grazorblade said:
incredibly you can only have 4 inside forwards out of
Mcree, Metcalf, Volpato, goodwin, vellupilay, segacic, irankunda, boyle

I think irankunda, mcgree, metcalf and volpato make the final 4 if all available

If souttar back you have 4 spots for 2 cbs and 2 rcbs out of

Souttar, Degenek, Matthews, Circati, Geria

will choose the player with the most game time closer to the event out of Geria and Matthews?
Click to expand...
How could you pick volpato over Nish?

Nish performed incredible before injured.

volpato has done nothing and doesn’t even want to play for us
 
tsf said:
How could you pick volpato over Nish?

Nish performed incredible before injured.

volpato has done nothing and doesn’t even want to play for us
Click to expand...
I've watched Volpato play pretty regularly at club level. He is well above nish in my opinion and a similar level to mcgree, metcalf and irankunda. Since he is young he, like irankunda, probably improves to be better than mcgree and metcalf

True he might not play with us. I suspect he will though since he doesn't seem good enough for italy
 
patjennings said:
It might have helped (debateable) - but it cheapened the brand as far as I was concerned. It is still the equal worst (along with 2018) that Australia has had when we have qualified. simply tasking defenders to defend as their primary role could well have given us a much better result.
Click to expand...
2014 was probably the toughest draw we have ever had. We had the two finalists from the previous world cup and the reigning South American Champions (Spain were also Euro Champions). I wasn't unhappy with how we played as even if we parked the bus we were likely to have 3 losses. The signs were obvious towards the latter stages of qualifying in 2013 that a lot of players were getting to their use by dates but Osieck preferred to stick with them, even after we qualified. I think Ange attacked it the right way at the time mainly because he didn't have too many other options. I also think Popovic is approaching it the right way for these times. He is trying to build a squad the way he wants it for the WC but also has an eye on the Asian Cup as well. The best teams tend to have a blend of experience and youth. I feel better about our future than I have for a long time (and believe me I've been around for long time).
 
All I've got to say is what a joy it is to have had these friendlies to play and fine tune the side going into what could be the very best World Cup we have ever had. When I looked at the players that have participated in camps besides the 25/6 selected for this one and found another 40 players that number speaks volumes for the task that is at hand, but also the methodological way that Poppa (and staff) seem to be going about their job.
 
Alex M said:
2014 was probably the toughest draw we have ever had. We had the two finalists from the previous world cup and the reigning South American Champions (Spain were also Euro Champions). I wasn't unhappy with how we played as even if we parked the bus we were likely to have 3 losses. The signs were obvious towards the latter stages of qualifying in 2013 that a lot of players were getting to their use by dates but Osieck preferred to stick with them, even after we qualified. I think Ange attacked it the right way at the time mainly because he didn't have too many other options. I also think Popovic is approaching it the right way for these times. He is trying to build a squad the way he wants it for the WC but also has an eye on the Asian Cup as well. The best teams tend to have a blend of experience and youth. I feel better about our future than I have for a long time (and believe me I've been around for long time).
Click to expand...

He used the same full backs at the Asian Cup and asked them to defend first - that's all he needed to do. 1974 we played the reigning Euro champions West Germany and East Germany with their State sponsored team that beat West Germany in the group stage. We would have to have beaten one of them at least to make the last 8 with a bunch of part-timers in Germany. Always a much tougher ask.
 
patjennings said:
Ange had recently taken over the Socceroos after the Holger debacle. While I can no longer find the interviews there was plenty of interviews with SBS and the Guardian where he basically said the squad needed a refresh (true) and that the Asian Cup was what he was building for. This was after the World Cup

After the Asian cup win he said to FourFourTwo Australia

"The Asian Cup was always the goal. The World Cup was a stage to experiment, to push the boys and see what they’re made of. Winning at home in 2015, that was the obsession driving every call we made."

My problem with that stance is that by 'experimenting' and trying to play with lesser players using tactics similar to teams that had better players and similar tactics it was basically sacrificing some players chance to excel at the highest level they would ever reach to pursue a different agenda.

The other bugbear from 2014 was the complete sacrifice of the defence in favour of the attack. The number of goals that came because of the fact that the fullbacks couldn't keep a straight line was unforgiveable. McGowan, Franjic and Davidson were all at fault and it was a wonder we didn't concede more. Come 2015 and for the most part that problem had been eliminated though the fullbacks were the same. Defenders first job should be to defend - not feed Timmy Cahill.
Click to expand...
I do agree broadly with the sentiment that the world cup isn't something to be sacrificed.

I don't think you will have a 2014 situation with 2026. Popa is stylistically similar to Arnold and there isn't the level of player turnover. Could easily get similar results, but it won't be an experiment in the same way.

We lose the 2014 matches no matter the style or players. We copped 4 against France sitting back with a better squad. There weren't a lot of alternatives because of a weak generation/s, poor vision from the FA allowing Holger to continue down the path he did. Once you appoint Ange, he is going to do what he does.

I wonder if we win the Asian Cup with another manager taking over at the same time? I don't know about that.
 
patjennings said:
I've been looking at the various odds and simulation scenarios assuming a pot 2 qualification and an easy draw. e.g. Canada, New Zealand and South Africa. it basically says there is about 8-9% chance of reaching the semis. This compares to around a .5% chance of being ranked 11th or higher in 2022. That probably means the expansion gives non-traditional heavyweights potential (with a favourable draw) to go deep into the tournament.
Click to expand...
Just to re-iterate - in pot 2 with an easy draw. Pot 3 and a hard draw this drops to .5 to 1%
 
grazorblade said:
Mo Toure ok apparently
Click to expand...

Great interview.

Key takeaways.

Selection less rigid around club form with friendlies as trying to cast a wide net.

Playing time will figure more come World Cup selection.

Seeking a balance of experience and youth. Past international performances count. This means some whipping boys may get picked, but also means young players are a chance.

-----

I'd like to see him take a look at Sapsford, Stama, Luongo, Elder, Farrell and Bennie - see what they can offer. Also needs to get Segecic back in.
 


Maty with a full half hour interview.
 
Boonjeh said:
Did he make any comments about the inclusion of Robertson? I haven’t had time to watch the presser.
Click to expand...
Yeah he talked about the fact he made himself available about a month ago.

I really odd course of events but if he's reached out then there's intent from the player's side. I still find it incorrect for players to not want to be part of the national team when they are desired for key qualifiers and then to come when it suits them. A lot was going on and we need to avoid such cases in the future.
 
Interesting to note Tyler Adams requested the window off. Josh Sargent hasn't been selected now has Pepe.

Canada have some defensive withdrawals but have some top notch players elsewhere.
 
JS96 said:
Interesting to note Tyler Adams requested the window off. Josh Sargent hasn't been selected now has Pepe.

Canada have some defensive withdrawals but have some top notch players elsewhere.
Click to expand...
I feel like asking for a window off would be unthinkable for a roo
 
grazorblade said:
I feel like asking for a window off would be unthinkable for a roo
Click to expand...
A bunch of their players asked for the summer off (and a few were at the Club World Cup) and it was a huge talking point in the US soccer media. Particularly since captain Pulisic was one of them and they had been knocked out in the group stage at the Copa America at home and lost to Panama and Canada in the Nations League finals at home. Pulisic's father publicly criticized some former top American internationals who had criticized his son. It was all pretty embarrassing.

A bunch of the players that did turn up in the summer retained their place in September, but this October squad has more of the old guard and looks much more like a full-strength side. Adams' wife is expecting any day now, which is why he's not there (and he did play this summer with the US and has built up goodwill and familiarity with Poch). I don't think Sargent is good enough for the U.S. squad. He's had his opportunities and hasn't taken them.
 
juneof86 said:
A bunch of their players asked for the summer off (and a few were at the Club World Cup) and it was a huge talking point in the US soccer media. Particularly since captain Pulisic was one of them and they had been knocked out in the group stage at the Copa America at home and lost to Panama and Canada in the Nations League finals at home. Pulisic's father publicly criticized some former top American internationals who had criticized his son. It was all pretty embarrassing.

A bunch of the players that did turn up in the summer retained their place in September, but this October squad has more of the old guard and looks much more like a full-strength side. Adams' wife is expecting any day now, which is why he's not there (and he did play this summer with the US and has built up goodwill and familiarity with Poch). I don't think Sargent is good enough for the U.S. squad. He's had his opportunities and hasn't taken them.
Click to expand...
The USA have a lot of good striker options. Sargent is a plucky scorer in the Championship. He'd immediately be in the Australian squad given his scoring qualities.
 
Preferred 11 for each game

Canada

Ryan
Italiano Circati Degenek Rowles Bos
Devlin
Metcalfe Hrustic
Irankunda
Toure


60min: Bos off and Rowles to LWB and then slot Geria or Matthews in the back 3.

USA

Ryan
Miller Geria Circati Burgess Bos
O'Neill Balard
Irankunda Metcalfe
Duke


Robertson can hopefully come on but he's not currently fit and Arzani is certainly not a starter given his impact aspects. Denver game is at altitude so Devlin's tank should be useful. This back 3 is killing me as it prevents better players higher up starting. Bos, Metcalfe and Irankunda will cover a lot of pitch so they're not exactly positioned.
 
juneof86 said:
A bunch of their players asked for the summer off (and a few were at the Club World Cup) and it was a huge talking point in the US soccer media. Particularly since captain Pulisic was one of them and they had been knocked out in the group stage at the Copa America at home and lost to Panama and Canada in the Nations League finals at home. Pulisic's father publicly criticized some former top American internationals who had criticized his son. It was all pretty embarrassing.

A bunch of the players that did turn up in the summer retained their place in September, but this October squad has more of the old guard and looks much more like a full-strength side. Adams' wife is expecting any day now, which is why he's not there (and he did play this summer with the US and has built up goodwill and familiarity with Poch). I don't think Sargent is good enough for the U.S. squad. He's had his opportunities and hasn't taken them.
Click to expand...
I mean it might be pretty legitimate to want a rest, i guess since travel from europe to asia is even harder than the usa id rather be glass half full and be grateful for what the roos will do for the shirt than criticizing usa for not. I dont think we have had someone say no for 20 years (apart from uncommited dual nationals that are dithering). So we have been pretty blessed when it comes to commitment
 
grazorblade said:
Only before they commit to the roos right?
Click to expand...
Generally yes and I think Irankunda's absence was less about a break but rather development. We survived without him and others but we had some dodgy times.

Popovic sounds a lot better now in his press conference. He spoke highly of Devlin and didn't really rule anyone out. His comment on A League players was 'hopefully' they can return. You'd think he's definitely crossed some names off.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top