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Socceroos vs Turkey 2026 World Cup match thread 🇦🇺🇹🇷

Yeah I was having a look - I can’t find anything specifically other than “the most recently published edition of the FIFA Rankings.”

Depends if they consider the updates on the website as “published” or not
Looking at the website - they may indeed re-publish after each match day. Disclaimer at the website reads:

The ranking is considered unofficial until all matches are approved as international 'A' matches. Last official ranking from June 11.

Ranking window explained
Window status
Open
Ranking window period
12 June - 20 July

So yes, I believe they will be using the rankings as of June 11, which would see us in third, not second in the group in the event of an absolute 4 way tie
 
I love looking at international reactions. Here's The Athletic (in NY Times):
"One could argue Qatar nicking a point from Switzerland in today’s first match was the biggest shock of the World Cup so far, at that point — but that tag probably belongs to Australia’s victory against Turkey in Vancouver now.

The standard of the nations faced in qualifying by the Socceroos is significantly lower than Turkey’s European opponents.

And Turkey were considered dark horses here, as Phil Hay mentioned.

Maybe Australia are the dark horses now?"
Link here - sections on Irankunda, strategy etc
 
They did - but both teams have been changed
I think you have specialist keeper skills, PJ, like Keeper 66.

How do you rate Beach’s shot-stopping compared to Ryan’s?

Ditto Keeper if you are reading this?

I can evaluate keeper’s sweeping skills and ability to command the box, bur despite a fair bit of goalkeeper accreditation, I’ve always had specialist keepers train goalies I’ve coached.

I thought Beach’s save where he palmed the ball onto the post, Ryan might not have reached.
 


Beach post save not shown. Video makes it look like we were livelier.

A lot could've gone wrong from those deflections and the Beach free kick save may have gone right into their follow up path.

Yengi loved being out there.
 
I love looking at international reactions. Here's The Athletic (in NY Times):
"One could argue Qatar nicking a point from Switzerland in today’s first match was the biggest shock of the World Cup so far, at that point — but that tag probably belongs to Australia’s victory against Turkey in Vancouver now.

The standard of the nations faced in qualifying by the Socceroos is significantly lower than Turkey’s European opponents.

And Turkey were considered dark horses here, as Phil Hay mentioned.

Maybe Australia are the dark horses now?"
Link here - sections on Irankunda, strategy etc
Yeah I was worried the other results meant our fairy tale wouldn't happen as enough has happened for a day.
 
Given Turkey’s talent, how come they haven’t qualified for 5 WCs since 2002?

To me they look far better than Scotland and Czech Rep who I’ve seen play at this WC.
 
Given Turkey’s talent, how come they haven’t qualified for 5 WCs since 2002?

To me they look far better than Scotland and Czech Rep who I’ve seen play at this WC.
They've not been that good between those periods. Tough UEFA groups and politics. Also they're like Indian cricket, if you strike them a bit they go quiet and give up. Like their thrashing by Spain they threw in the towel pretty quickly.

06 they lost a Playoff to Switzerland and chased and attacked the players in the tunnel.
 
Another interesting thing is Irankunda played on the left side which allowed him to cut in of course but it probably hindered Bos a little bit. I think this was a tactical decision as Turkey's right side is bad in transition and Irankunda could really hurt them. I think next game, I expect to see Irankunda on the right, freeing Bos on the left.
 
Random thoughts after the match.
  • This was probably the best we have executed Popa ball ever. Defensively was probably a good as the Japan match, but going forward felt much more dangerous.
  • This type of win is what captures the normies. But making a run would do it even more.
  • Even with a week off I would expect some squad rotation for next match.
  • Fan favourite whipping boys O'Neill, Okon and Metcalfe were pretty huge.
  • Irankunda played well inverting on the left. Big improvement in his game. Also opens up more options to play Volpato.
  • Very young starting side. I want to spend a bit of time latter with ai to compare average ages of other sides in the comp and previous aus sides.
  • A lot of talent still to come through that was close this time around.
  • One win is just a good start, still need to progress. But fuck it I'm calling 2034, when these guys are in their prime, we're winning the whole fucking thing.
 
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