Balard's rise has been crazy. Having watched him in the A-League for a couple seasons, I thought he was a very good A-League player, but didn't think he would get a direct move to a league such as the Eredivisie, albeit for a smaller team. I haven't seen any of his games this season, but my...

Interesting. Balard over Teague in five years' time? Balard is an interesting one. NAC are hardly world-beaters, and he's a relative late-starter, but it will be interesting to see where he is at in five years. Is he playing at the level or does he have more gears to his game?

Any names that come to mind?

I agree, but felt those around 26-27 y.o were known quantities by now. Who would you select in a 26-man squad? No doubt there will be players in the squad under 22, but in an ideal world those really young players won't have key roles.

Given the recent success of the u20s and the emerging trend of young players getting opportunities in the A-League, I’ve been thinking about what a future Socceroos squad might look like for the 2030 World Cup and beyond. IMO the best national teams are multi-generational and balance talent...

Hall - 10/10 Robinson - 10/10 Hoefsloot - 10/10 Inserra - 10/10 Esposito - 10/10 Kikianis - 11/10 Talladira - 10/10 Herrington - 10/10 Lisolajski - 10/10 Okon-Engstler - 11/10 Bennie - 11/10 Yull - 10/10 Badolato - 10/10 Pearman - 10/10 Randazzo - 10/10 Deli - 10/10 Agosti - 10/10 Bugarija -...

Dylan Tombides was different class. Was quite a few levels above what we were producing at the time.

Tbh I haven’t seen an Australian kid stand out at a major tournament since Dylan Tombides in 2011. There were probably 7-8 kids in this group that stood out just as much.

Just a reminder that with all the investment happening in the emerging markets, the competition is not getting easier. We won this thing while all the other nations are getting better.

And rocking up to the big dance as champions of Asia

Congratulations to everyone here. Being a football fan in this country can be hard, sometimes its nice to win something and justify the mission

Goal basically came out of nowhere. I’m pretty comfortable with the pattern of the game atm. But can’t afford to make another mistake like that.

It would be nice to reflect on the scoreboard, but Saudi being made to look really second rate atm. And they’re not a second rate side at this level and in this confederation.

Saudi always have great shirts

Absolutely agree. From what I’ve seen, definitely good enough for any of those leagues. Very unique player for an Aussie.

I agree. He’s only 20, but in professional sport time is not on your side. There’s no waiting until you’re 30 to finish uni and land your first job. On the other hand, I work in professional sport (boxing) and can tell you there are plenty who love the idea of being a professional athlete more...

the AFC has been broadcasting games on its YouTube channel. Have a look and see if you can view in your location.

For me, Okon has been the biggest revelation. In the past, I think I dismissed him as a mainstay in the national setup because of his name and being based at a big European club. It is also much harder to follow his progress than many of his A-League-based teammates. But his first touch...

Some of the first touches and ball movement by Japanese players, particularly in the second half, were absolutely elite for a group of 18-19 year olds. Nick Schmidt was a standout and only 17 years of age. We also did some very impressive things not often seen from Australian underage teams...

Bennie looks the most ready to play for the Socceroos right now. Kikianis and Jovanovic are the others that appear to be knocking on the door for selection. Toure fits a need, but I think his body needs to be managed. Priority should be going back to Denmark and getting minutes under his belt.