Well said!

I had discovered football well before this. When I was playing football in the mid 60s, what were you doing? I have no doubt SAF regretted offloading Stam prematurely.

Well said!

What has changed is the improved skill set Champ players bring to the Socceroos in current times. In the past it was a hoofball league.

I have to covert to metrics these days - 1.88 metres tall.

I’m sure you are correct and all current EPL coaches are wrong, SB. LOL!

Not always. Jaap Stam.

Wow! Surprised.

With due respect stats are invaluable, SB. In one of G and G Podcast guest columnists, Stefan Syzminski’s Soccernomics, which he co-wrote with globally esteemed football author/journo, Simon Kuper, SAF, Arsene Wenger and Sam Allardyce, used stats well before the rest of EPL coaches. The former...

What often happens to compensate for loss of pace as a player ages is increased speed of thought. It served Kevin Muscat well late in his career. He read where the play would unfold before anybody else. Haven’t watched SFC enough this season, but Grant could be similar. He was only dropped...

Has anybody read these fantasy authors - Cassandra Clare, Sarah J Maas or Rebecca Yaris? We are pet sitting / house sitting and there are a plethora of books written by them available to read.

He Robertson - too inexperienced ATM. Fabulous technique though. Should be a great asset in time.

Well done, HSF - as usual! I’ve compiled a lot of data over the last cycle of Asian WCQs- and - since. I am also surprised Balard missed out. His data was good in most games he played. He had one poor game as a sub against Colombia. Rowles is an even bigger surprise - who in most games...

A CUT-LIKE WOUND : ANITA NAIR Setting : Contemporary India, Bangalore area. Genre :Crime/ murder mystery Length: 361 pages. Why I chose this book? A mate of mine, a Prof of English and specialist in Indian literature gave us a few books. Review: Whereas so many English writers of this...

Over the last few years Rowles has been a far more effective CB, or even Left Wing Back than Hrustic as an attacker for the Roos. Yet Rowles is axed. There is a lot more depth at CB than the last WC. And we probably have less attacking talent than defensive talent ATM if Rowles misses out.

I meant Socceroo game time. To the best of my knowledge, Devlin has not had a run on the pitch for the Socceroos in the Popa tenure.

Welcome to the forum, CP,

I was surprised Rowles has been omitted, having had plenty of recent game time? Conversely. Popa has kept Devlin in the squad, who has had no recent game time! This surprises me?

A bit harsh, but sadly some truth in this post, Mkxx.

I’m sure Popa will argue experience. A lot of our young talented tyros lack big game experience - integral for most players in a WC team.