I keep forgetting about deceleration. I forgot to count the number of Spanish players in the Argentinian and French defensive halves. Turkey and USA often had 8-9 players in the Aus defensive half as they Full Pressed and Squeezed intensively! It seemed to me, Spain didn't Squeeze as...

I feel optimistic reading this post! A few players going to new clubs don't go into starting line ups immediately though.

Depressing to read this, JS.

His performances at the WC should supersede Serie A - whose 50% of Italian domestic players cannot even qualify for the last 3 WCs, despite winning a Euro Champs in between. Colombia, USA, Japan, Turkey, Canada, USA, Paraguay and Egypt have been tougher competition than the mid- ranked and...

There are also 30 - 40 big clubs outside the Big Five in UEFA, who play a fair bit of Champ League and Europa League match comp intra-continental football. Bos's Feyenoorde is one of them.

Would he receive as many aerial crosses in Italy? Sounds like a goo dmove. Essentially he was as good as Circati at the WC, who plays Serie A. He also led the Roos. How Souttar's life has changed as a Roo! Overlooked by Scotland, to captain Aus at WCs and Asian Cups. Next a Serie A move...

Just wish the women's WC and Wimbledon weren't on when the men's Football WC was on.

It will be T20 though - I think?

Good cricketer.

I suppose they feel the need to work.

Incredible isn't he?

The Test team is out for Bangladesh. I think we need more young players to be blooded. Conversely, with the Socceroos, the coach, Popovic, has tried heaps of young players. What does Corey Roccicioli have to do to get into a squad? He has taken most Shield wickets for a spinner for the last 2...

I couldn't get over how big - tall and bulky, most English players were in Tuchel's squad. On the pitch sometimes most English players were 1.85 or 1.88m tall, or 6 feet 2. I looked up their heights. Conversely, the Spanish were quite puny, with a greater number of shorter nimble players. Ditto...

Excellent post!

In Football Aus National Conferences distance stats were posted and discussed from World Cups. It was generally found that teams with less possession in a game, ran more than the team with more possession in the same game.

I have Weight Trained for 50 years plus - mainly circuit WTing with no rests in between sets. When I've seen the Roos in WTing sessions, via photos taken, some are a lot stronger than they look. Both Arzani and Nisbet were lifting heavier weights than their physiques looked capable of. Agree...

A point well made. Bielsa had a lot fans on here as a prospective Aus coach.

Yes. Greece may never qualify for a WC. Triantis misses out. Segecic unlikely to be selected for Croatia, who have many good players.

I’ve posted this in general Bookreading thread. I’m happy to send Mr Cleansheets the paperback book to anyone wanting to read it. It seems too valuable to trade in at a secondhand bookshop. It is fiction, but there is a football component in it. The English FA Cup means all clubs...

On another note, still related to the thread England and France have excoriated Tuchel and Deschamps. Have not seen the latter criticism, but plenty on Tuchel. Agree Poms shouldn’t have gone so defensive. Most of them wouldn’t do it much at club level for sustained periods. I think Tuchel...

He is a good all round player, but younger players appear to have higher ceilings.

I just don’t care about players who have committed elsewhere. Nothing we can change. I’ve seen a lot of Segecic with SFC and U23 Socceroos. Triantis in a few u23 Socceroo games. I’d prefer Circati, Robbo and Volpato committing to Aus - by some margin!

Good post, Q. Plenty of good points made. A lot can happen with young players with new clubs, stepping up in standard. Okon Jr, could be stuck on the pine or reserves in Bundi. It can all go pear shaped very quickly. Teague, Arzani, Younis and Farrell all went backwards going to UEFA...

Brazil at 5 doesn’t seem right? I checked their WCQ campaign in South America. They drew and lost plenty of games. They beat Japan in knock our round of 32, but then I think Norway eliminated them in round of 16 in the WC.

After Italy have failed 3 times in a row for WC qualification, how can FIFA rank them 15? Norway beat them in the UEFA group stage. Then made the last 8 in the WC. How can Norway be ranked below Italy?

Current FIFA rankings 1. Spain Argentina France England Brazil Morocco Portugal Belgium Netherlands 10. Mexico Colombia Germany Croatia Swiss 15. Italy USA Japan Senegal Norway 20. Uruguay Denmark Iran Austria Egypt Ecuador 26. Nigeria Turkey Australia Algeria 30. Canada Ivory Coast South...

Loved what Norway brought to the WC.

Okay! He is a stalwart of the Cricket section.

Have just seen Jim McShady’s post. Can change it - but it will take a bit of time.

I see.

I don’t know how to do it IT wise?

Agree with most of your post, Puncha, but not that we are a rabble. When I was involved in FFA for 6 years finishing in 2014, it was a pretty professional org. Baan, Berger and Abrams were globally renowned Tech Dirs in the then FFA Tech Depts. I’m a bit worried about the drop in calibre of...

I like to think I do, but we can’t read everything. Thanks for informing me, Kitwally. I’m delighted Robertson is playing Champ football. Also, for those posters advocating Robbo for a Roo midfield position, his ability on the ball looks to be one of the best I’ve ever seen for a Roo. I’m so...

Too inexperienced at international level for a WC midfield. One has to know one's own game very well, before they can organise other players around them. From viewing Robertson's skill set on the ball, I'm sure he will be playing plenty of Roo football soon - if his game sense, and defensive...

I don't think I said anyone criticising Popa doesn't know football? That is a shocking thing to say. It might have been a cheeky comment to elicit a response from so much Popa criticism, in light of his successful qualifying campaign, which you acknowledge. I'm sorry if it was interpreted as...

Norway have improved out of sight! They were renowned as a hoofball team, who were pretty good at it. It was known as the Telephone Box style. The 2026 Norway manifestation was a slick passing team. Also, well-organised in defence. Fair play to them! To progress to the last 8 after about 7...

I think we have a ranking that flatters us. Although we did beat Canada, and drew with Egypt and Paraguay, who are higher ranked.

I thought you were a genuine new member? I might have welcomed you to the forum! I'm surmising you are formerly Sutherland Bear? SB is one of the great forum characters! I've just read a post where a respected poster has described SB as having vast football knowledge!

Thanks, Dad/Mum! I thought I might have been responding to a genuine question about the Ignore button - and how to use it. Plus, you should feel privileged. It could have been you that MCG and I had designated for Ignore, EZ!

You've definitely made me aware I'm behind the game because I don't pay for UEFA corporate club football. I know I am out of the UEFA loop. Hence, the WC is more interesting for catching up on the many good teams/players I don't see. I'm far more interested in international teams than club...

A costly loss from Netherlands to drop from 6th to 17th after the Moroccan loss. Japan are ranked one above us, after playing us off the park, but drawing and losing in the last two matches against Aus in the Asian WCQs.

Thought I would start this thread. These are world rankings after the 2026 WC at 21st July 2026, for the World Cup tournament. ATM Socceroos are ranked 22nd. Recent Socceroo opponents have been Canada 14th, USA 12th, Egypt 15th, Paraguay 16th, Japan 21st. 1. Spain 2. Argentina 3. England 4...

Thanks, NCB, So it is plausible that having a different ref, Spain could have won 2-0.

A number would like more action in games. They have said they get bored with sustained periods of possession. One phenomenon the Dutch impart is having the ball means the other team can’t score. Possession is also an effective defensive strategy.

English media and fans can be savage on their coaches. I think England coming third is a momentous achievement. Beating France, who overall were the second best team behind Spain, to achieve third is a great achievement. The greatest Pom achievement since 1966 in big comps. Given England...

Hypothetically, if you had been adjudicating, would you have allowed the goal? Love having experienced refs on this forum!

More on this info. Pluses Eli Adam’s to J League (wish Clayton Taylor could have joined him) Okon Jr to Bundi (hope he gets game time) Kasey Bos to Eredivisie Tete Yengi - permanent to JL John Iredale to K1, not K2. Minus Ryan Strain to Scotland 2 I feel like Kesini Yengi and Teague need...

It worked for me! I can’t see his posts! I wish he would reciprocate! When one Ignores someone you can’t see their posts. Except - if others quote their posts, the quoted post says Ignored Member. You also see their Emojis. Ignore is a really useful mechanism, even if used on less than...

On a G and G podcast, European scout, Petar Petrov, considers Scotland, L1 and AL to be similar standard.

I’m not sure Serie B, for Natta, has ever been a league where Euroroos often go to a higher level - apart from Circati and V. I would have preferred another Jets season with 8-12 ACL games augmenting the 26 game AL season.

10 years ago League 1 tactically was a joke. However, after seeing Wrexham play Aus teams a few years ago, who were going up to the Champ, the tactical amelioration was phenomenal! I’m delighted if players go to Champ clubs, which in Global Transfer Market is ranked 7th top league in the...

Respectfully disagree. The first extra time Spanish disallowed goal should have stood, to make it 2-0. Loved watching such astute Spanish movement to support the Spaniard on the ball. Sometimes there was minimal movement, because the superb body shape led to flawless passing technique, hence...

I think they’ve had good guests and analysts. I like the way they are including a few female players, who have been former Matildas too. Even though Tommy Oar isn’t a coach ATM, and has astute insights, agree with the poster who wants more coaches on panels. The likes of Pim RIP, Muscat...

I’m not sure I will be around to see it?

This is a comprehensive list! Thanks for posting it, Q. Concerns: Natta to Serie B Taylor to League 1 Are both sideways moves to leagues no better than Aus, except for more player depth per club. This is detrimental to both players prospective Roo careers. Jake Hollman returns to the AL...

Blown off the park. They were lucky to get to the final.

Having that fascist criminal Trump presenting the World Cup, with Infantino validating his attempt to gain social licence through sport, is a disgrace. FIFA should hang their heads in shame. Trump has done nothing for football.

The World Cup Final is also a triumph for pure football teams succeeding. Both Spain and Argentina deviate from the prevailing norm of huge, bulky UEFA teams. That is, with excessively tall, bulky players. England being the case in point. They left some smaller, more nimble players at home...

Wow! Had no idea. Conceding only 1 goal is incredible!

This is where I differ from a few posters. It is very difficult to maintain possession. Having done so much of it on the training track in coaching teams to do it, I really appreciate the likes of Spain, Portugal and France doing it so well. It requires so much teamwork and cohesion to play...

Congratulations to Spain winning. They have been unequivocally the best team in the WC. Fair play to them!

Oh no! LV executed the very difficult to execute Elastic or Elastico technique beating an opponent in a game. Can’t work out why he wants to play for Indo? He has to travel more to play for them whilst playing AL football. Moreover, with all their new dual citizenship Eredivisie players...

Good point. I think Souttar, Boyle and Neil Kilkenny only became aware of a Socceroo cap by playing with Aussies at their clubs - by chance.

Netherlands - another football nation where their national coaching paradigm has been adopted by Aus. Koeman - could not get over how defensive he went when Netherlands were winning and leading? Netherlands attacked well. Many Dutch goals came from crosses from left or right flanks, but...

Great! We should have more football coverage in mainstream media again. Many old timers off forum, believe there is a conspiracy against Aus domestic football in the media. As usual, the pre-season games played in Aus by UEFA clubs is the biggest event on the football calendar for Aus...

I see Volpato as one of Aus's new poster boys Good to read this from you because I've had stats that confirm O'Neill is the best 1v1 ball winner in front of the defensive line, and equal with McGree at making intercepts and causing turnovers. Moreover, his free kick from a set piece resulted...

Stokes isn’t far from Beefy and Freddy. He has performed well against us.

Welcome to the cricket section of G and G, SF84!

Have a look at the Socceroo stats/analysis thread! I’ll have heaps over the coming weeks! Football is about to disappear from Aus mainstream media for 4 years until the next WC, apart from the next women’s WC if the Matildas qualify.

England have improved immeasurably as an international football team - since the era of Southgate and Holland, and continued by Tuchel. They have consistently placed in the last 8, semis or final of all WCs or Euro Champs since 2018. Despite this the England team and coaches have constantly...

Balard - according to my stats did well in all games played, except against Colombia. I am surprised he wasn’t in WC squad? Triantis - on the training ground in all probability superseded by other young Aussies. Okon Jr, Robertson, Teague, Yazbek, may prove to be better long term...

Popa might recognise greater long term, higher ceiling level with his less experienced players? He would have evaluated them relatively in training.

Actually, I like your referral to stats comparing Cape Verde. I’m keen on proactive football too, but I’d rather be competitive with Popa’s defensive game plan, than unsuccessful playing more proactive football. You’ve raised some good points, MZ. Notwithstanding, given the technical quality...

Well said, FUL.

Any chance of writing an article for Fan View? Which WC games did you attend? A recount of them would be good.

Only saw the Spain game that featured Portugal. As I’m looking at a greater range of countries, Portugal’s technique on the ball is one of the best in the world. They’ve also been Spain’s toughest opponent to date. To be better technically than England, Netherlands, Germany, Brazil, even...

I was very impressed with France - along with Spain and Portugal - as the three top technical teams. I’m elucidating details in the Socceroo stats/analysis thread - and how facets of these teams’ play compares to the Socceroos. France gained the ascendancy too late in the game against Spain.

The next question is how can Spain improve? Compared to France, Spain has only had Yamal at RW who is a consistent dribbler and ball carrier. France have had more players where a second touch, or 3rd touch is a dribbling action. France has a greater number of dribblers in their team than Spain...

For mine Congo were a surprise. Fair play to them!

Fair point, Zimbos. I didn't know about Egypt's value being centralised with 3 players? I might chase up their club backgrounds. You would have to accept the entire US and Turkish teams being worth a lot companed to the Roos though? Even Paraguay?

Actually I don't smirk! I smirk with other things you bring to the table - in a good way! You make me laugh! I've assumed you smirk when joyfully telling me I have little knowledge of UEFA club football. You are correct, I don't, apart from Serie A and Scotland. If I could get if for free...

I am a socialist. In terms of WC football I'm enjoying seeing so many quality players and teams on SBS replays. I'm assuming most on here pay for UEFA club football. I have STAN ATM, but I'm annoyed they want extra cash for EPL and Champ League football. I'm not paying it. Paramount gets me...

Like NI as an abbrevation for his long second name!

Roughly 2500 players spread across: 1. 5 UEFA Big Five league clubs. 2. 30 Big UEFA clubs outside the Big UEFA Five leagues. 3. Brazil and Argentine leagues. It may not be perfect, but a workable definition of elite club football. From what I've read: Turkey $750 million USA $650 million...

From what I' ve read, Zimbos reflects the prevailing view of the vast majority of the forum. For them anyone is a better coach than Popa, and previously Arnie. Both have got Aus out of the group stages at the WC with modest cattle, but most on G and G aren't happy. I've just watched the...

That point stands - about us having 4-6 players playing out of the 2550 at worldwide elite club level, that we did a good job. We only lost one gamefrom onfield play. Every team we played was worth a lot more more than in Transfer Market value. The Cape Verde point you made was the...

I've been able to get a good look at a lot of teams/players from over the world at the 2026 WC. Thanks SBS apart from your ads we can't avoid! Put into an Australian context and the Roos - we developed a NC in 2020-14, adopting the coaching methodology of Spain, France, Netherlands, Berger and...

Against teams playing a Deep Defensive Block ( Partial Press with minimal Squeezing intensity) against us in the Asian Cup, the likes of Arzani, Nisbet, Hrustic and Tilio, should be good players to play within the lines and in tight spaces. Also, Volpato should be, despite the second defender...

I haven't seen Cape Verde yet. Obviously their progress has been amazing! I did get aa good look at Congo playing England though - and was blown out! They lost 1-2 to England, but were right in the game. They also highlighted Tuchel' s mistake of overlooking shorter technical players, like...

I apologise if that is what you perceived, Q? Appreciate reading the passionate comments from you and everybody else in this thread, and others, even if I perceive you are collectively, overly harsh on Popa's tenure. It is simply a question of opinions. We should embrace diversity, but there...

I can only conclude Toure was carrying an injury. For mine, after looking at all players very closely through compilation of stats, over the last year he is the current stand out for central striker. One stat that Aussie Scout posted was that in heading duels at the WC, Irank won a greater...

With due respect, and you post a lot of posts that add a great deal of quality to the forum, PJ, I think you, and the many others discontented with Popa on G and G, are just wrong. Whilst I agree with you, and others, about a lot of other issues football. Since the World Cup it seems to have...

To the best of my knowledge, you don't even watch AL football do you, FL? Why would you worry about promo/releg? If you do, I'd love to read more of your insights into the Roos, AL and Matildas. In the past they've usually been confined to the Portugal national team.

I've been watching heaps of football, for free - watching all the top players/teams guys like you waste a lot of money subscribing to support corporate club football in Europe, LFC! I have a lot to post in Socceroo stats/analysis thread comparing Spain, France, Portugal, the Poms, Brazil, et...

Anyone calling for Popa's head can't have watched a lot of the teams who reached the last 32 and particularly the last 16. I've calculated top leagues in the world number: UEFA V Big Five 100 clubs 15 starting players at each * 1500 players 30ish Big UEFA Clubs not in the EUFA Big Five, who...

Astonished how good the DR of Congo were against England. Congo had a wide player on each flank, who were good ball players and worried England. Congo were organised, skilful and athletic. Losing 1-2 to a quality England team was impressive.

Very disappointed that Brazil have lost their Jogo Bonito and flair. Checked their South American WCQing and they were ordinary, losing quite a few games. Only Vinicius Junior at Left Wing displayed a nice skill set in the WC, more akin to older style Brazilian players. I think Brazil has a...

Even though it was traumatic when the Socceroos were knocked out in the pen shoot out, it has been nice to be a neutral and just admire the quality of some teams at the WC. * The best technical teams I've seen are Spain, Portugal ( when playing Spain) and France. I'll go into more detail in...

It sounds interesting, but I don’t think I can buy it secondhand.

We are clearing out books at home. If anyone is interested in Mr Cleansheets, written by one of the forum members, if cheap enough, I’m willing to post it to someone on the forum. Nobody off forum is interested. I found it very entertaining, and, enjoyed the football elements. Most reading...

It has been really good with all the SBS replays available - Full Game, Mini- match, Extended Highlights and Highlights.

There isn't the money on offer in South A, and, they don't need our players - do they? Aussies might go well in the Uruguayan league? Given how rugged the national team is.

After having a good look at this WC, this far, I see more flair in the AL - at a much lower level. A lot of young players are executing some flashy techniques in the AL. I want them to stay in the AL and watch them weekly, as opposed to trying UEFA.

Now I've had a good look at the WC, I think you and Sutherland B may have a point - to an extent. There is a definite homogeneity of style - within parameters. If one of my favourite players is Daniel Arzani, it does not tend to indicate a penchant for robotic footballers.

Not at all. The GG are overrated. I think it is to do with UEFA adulation in Aus, which UEFA clubs they played their football at, not what they did for the Roos. Also, in the media too many of the GG are too full of themselves, unlike the newer gen of former players/pundits assembled by Ten...

Wish I could see the look on your face when you wrote this! Sometimes No Mates says we - meaning the Roos.

Sorry to say, with due respect, but you are wrong, FS. Popa - WCQ though Asia. - Knock out rounds in WC with easily the lowest team aggregate transfer value for the Roos in the group.

I'll have to credit Grazor some time ago with suggesting Metcalfe has the skill set for WB. Excellent suggestion! Someone else mooted Villupillay. Also, has the skills and engine. Another sage suggestion. I'm perplexed Popa hasn't used either at WB? I'm a Popa supporter too. I think he has...

I'm hearing similar to you off forum.

Arzani has played some minutes under Popa. Whether he is good enough for the Roos or not, I love watching players like Arzani and Tilio in the AL. Arzani plays like an old style Brazilian - lobs, chips, clever one/twos and runs often with a clever teammate, dribbles well ( but needs to work...

The poin't I'm making, is that many coaches in Aus don't know the rationale for why they are doing what they do. Even a former Melb Vic youth coach wasn't sure why we do what we do under the jurisdiction of Football Aus, after appearing on the G and G Podcast. He does now, thanks to Grazor...

Looking at France, they have high technical quality. Not only do French players have fast handling speed all over the pitch, when receiving the ball, they are also quickly able to dribble against a direct opponent, with the second or third touch, even receiving difficult balls to control. The...

Dutch coaches love coaching Aussies. For what we lack in technical qualities compared to the Orange, they love the desperation to win, commitment to the team cause and mental strength of Aussie players/teams.

I was in the system. I was under the tutelage of one of the NC writers. Under Baan it was KNVB based, then Berger and 12 other FFA coaches traversed the world studying what they deemed to be best world practices. I did advanced coach education in both Dutch KNVB, and, the new FFA NC. There is...

It is a good question, G? Outside Spain, from teams I've watched closely, IMO UEFA teams have been too tall. Because they constantly play each other, they haven't been shown up by shorter , technical teams, like Brazil ( of the past) and Argentina. Current Spain also haven't got lots of big...

Aus curriculum is not Dutch per se. It is an amalgam of French, Spanish and Dutch, with some German aspects. I have been in the Football Aus development system. It seems some coaches who missed National Conferences from the parent body, have missed out on what practices have been adopted and...

The younger, more technically adept Aus players are kicking on all the time.

Haven't had a long look at Argentina yet. Mexico and USA are performing well in front of home crowds, but France look the best thus far. Spain have also looked good. England may yet prevail, but it will be interesting to see how they go in front of the big Mexican parochial home crowd? I...

Was very impressed with Spain's first half against Uruguay, then they succumbed to U's niggle in the second half. Spain's 1 and 2 touch passing and moving was exquisite. U backed off in Squeezing intensity, which helped Spain's ball circulation.

Good idea!

I had a good look at Spain’s last group game. Can’t remember the opponent? Their 1 and 2 touch passing and moving is awesome. The other team just gave up possession and territory to Spain. Even on the occasions when they were Squeezed Intensively, they still kept the ball. England were...

Astonishing the reversal. As I understand it at the last WC, Morocco had little possession relative to their opponents in Qatar. When I watched the game in extra time, Holland barely touched the ball. Morocco had the ball most of the time and when they lost it in the Moroccan Defensive...

Agree with the last paragraph. Was surprised Popa did not rotate the front 3, given Irank prefers being wider. It would have kept Para guessing. Arnie and Bert used to do it.

Two decades ago, just before Aus changed the curriculum to the Spanish/Dutch /French amalgam, we did a seminar on size of players at WCs. UEFA players are huge compared to South American players. Brazil have become a bit more obsessed at times, with bigger more powerful players more prevalent...

Looking at Spain it is different. As opposed to the huge English and Norwegian players, who obviously do a lot of weight training, the Spanish look quite puny. I do a lot of weight training too, so I know how to recognise gym honed bodies. Spain relies on exquisite body shape, superb first...

One thing our Aus TV analysts have not paid enough attention to, is how the opposotion has forced Aus to play a certain way. Our opponents, Turkey, USA and Paraguay have dictated how Aus plays. They have focused too much on Aus playing - as though the tactics of the opposition have had no...

If they aren't appreciated overseas, I'd love Tilio and Arzani to stay in the AL. They are entertainers. Watching Arzani in the AL and ACL is like watching the past Brazilians. Thankfully, Venetius (?) Junior at Left Wing for Brazil, uses a fair bit of Brazilian trickery in this WC.

Simon Kuper is the big name in Soccernomics.

Pim got a lot of bad press from an embryonic football media. There was no counterpoint to overly emotive rants from Bozza and Foster after the Germany debacle. Pim didn’t receive enough credit for a 10 man Aus drawing with Ghana. Or beating Serbia.

I haven’t watched the Paraguay v Germany game apart from highlights, but our draw over a really smart, battle hardened, tactically astute Paraguay, is another huge Aus WC achievement. Credit to USA for blowing them off the park! However, Paraguay bounced back brilliantly.

Compared to Bos, who chose the best times to dribble and when to pass, Volpato chose to dribble, and, after the first 15 mins, the canny Paraguayans closed him down quickly, and often dispossessed him. In contrast, with Metcalfe, not as proficient a dribbler, but still a good runner with the...