Socceroos vs USA 2026 World Cup match thread 🇦🇺 🇺🇸

[Regista]

It's more frustrating because when you actually look at the game, the US did not really create that many chances or test Beach that much. Their goals were from our own mistakes. We could easily have won this game, but Poppa is too scared. Relying on a 35 year old to match the pace of the US was poor. Not leaving Toure on was poor.

Yep, as per fotmob we had more xG from open play (0.44 to 0.34). Set play xG USA 0.96 to 0.

 

[mkxx]

It's more frustrating because when you actually look at the game, the US did not really create that many chances or test Beach that much. Their goals were from our own mistakes. We could easily have won this game, but Poppa is too scared. Relying on a 35 year old to match the pace of the US was poor. Not leaving Toure on was poor.

That's one of the worst decision ever for the tactic. His pace couldn't match the intensity and the game speed at this level anymore and he hardly plays for his club. I just couldn't understand the logic behind it.

 

[HonestSpursFan]

Hello everyone, for those wondering where I was, the only way I could have anything to do with the match today was listening on the radio in the car. Unfortunately, I had to take my partner to hospital today so I drove the car. Thankfully she’s okay and I’m back now with an analysis.

Looks like we returned to being a second half team. We were terrible in the first half but held on in the second, though were put down by a really shit ref. Great to see Cristian Volpato finally making his début. This permanently cap-ties him to the Socceroos, forever cementing him as an Aussie player. We need to start Nestory Irankunda and (when fit) Mo Touré. The front three we all want and need is Nestor, Mo and Cris, or ITV (Irankunda, Touré, Volpato) if you will. Midfield is definitely a weak position other than Cammy Devlin and in the future Paul Okon Jr. It would’ve been amazing to have a player like Adrian Segečić or Nektarios Triantis.

 

[RIMB]

Not to toot my own horn but....pretty bang on

You were pretty spot on - but with Popa I think it is also like the Nostradamus commentators who say "I think we might see some changes around the hour mark".

 

[NicCarBel]

One bright note. Volpato is now officially locked in for us having played his first competitive match.
Actually, that was probably the only reason he got game time.

He was locked in at the friendly v Switzerland

 

[Jtaussie79]

As it stands after the US game, but a win is a must for final group match

 

[ClockworkOrange]

He was locked in at the friendly v Switzerland

I don’t think friendlies actually lock you in. Only competitive matches.

 

[patjennings]

Hello everyone, for those wondering where I was, the only way I could have anything to do with the match today was listening on the radio in the car. Unfortunately, I had to take my partner to hospital today so I drove the car. Thankfully she’s okay and I’m back now with an analysis.

Looks like we returned to being a second half team. We were terrible in the first half but held on in the second, though were put down by a really shit ref. Great to see Cristian Volpato finally making his début. This permanently cap-ties him to the Socceroos, forever cementing him as an Aussie player. We need to start Nestory Irankunda and (when fit) Mo Touré. The front three we all want and need is Nestor, Mo and Cris, or ITV (Irankunda, Touré, Volpato) if you will. Midfield is definitely a weak position other than Cammy Devlin and in the future Paul Okon Jr. It would’ve been amazing to have a player like Adrian Segečić or Nektarios Triantis.

That second goal was just stupid. (1) What was Paul Okon Jr doing with the rugby like defending (much like he does with Sydney without sanction), and (2) how on earth was noone blocking the shot

 

[NicCarBel]

I don’t think friendlies actually lock you in. Only competitive matches.

As Volpato was a registered Italian and made the switch to Australia, at that point ANY match at ANY level (official or not) closes the opportunity to switch back:

5. A player that was:

a) granted a change of association; and

b) was not fielded in a match in any (official or unofficial) competition in

any kind of football by the new association,

may request a change of association back to his former association provided

he continues to hold the nationality of such association

 

[Dan_The_Red]

Haven't seen it mentioned but clear handball late in the second half by an american player contested by Irankunda. Ball dropped out the air onto both his outstretched arms.

 

[ClockworkOrange]

Haven't seen it mentioned but clear handball late in the second half by an american player contested by Irankunda. Ball dropped out the air onto both his outstretched arms.

Also Metcalfe bowled over in the box, irankunda fouled in the box …

 

[Villa Dan]

Haven't seen it mentioned but clear handball late in the second half by an american player contested by Irankunda. Ball dropped out the air onto both his outstretched arms.

He gave us nothing the referee included that offside call which was utterly bs

 

[Dan_The_Red]

Appeared even VAR didn't look at it, really strange

 

[kiro kompiro]

Haven't seen it mentioned but clear handball late in the second half by an american player contested by Irankunda. Ball dropped out the air onto both his outstretched arms.

Yep and the replay was shown from multiple angles. The ref could not have had a clearer view of it too.

Unfortunately the host nation will always get those calls go their way. Followed by media silence.

 

[JS96]

It's because we invite so much pressure, it's not sustainable just hoping to defend the whole half.

Attacking is the best form of defense. If we have the ball more and control the game more we limit their opportunities and limit how much they can grow into the game. Don't feel the desperation to win duals or to go forward because everyone is behind the ball and the outlets besides Toure aren't strong.

Our midfield did nothing to hold the ball. They were pathetic. If anything we need a diamond midfield.

 

[NicCarBel]

Also Metcalfe bowled over in the box, irankunda fouled in the box …

Can’t remember if I said it earlier here, or at the other place - while it doesn’t excuse our performance and I think overall we still lose the game - the refereeing was atrocious today.

I still stand that VAR shouldn’t have overturned the offside decision - if a offside player is running at the ball and brings a defender with him, and literally is right underneath the ball, that’s enough involvement in the play to warrant an offside offence.

Not to mention the countless 50-50s that went their way, while we got probably 1.

 

[derider]

As Volpato was a registered Italian and made the switch to Australia, at that point ANY match at ANY level (official or not) closes the opportunity to switch back:

That’s still unclear. Friendlies aren’t a part of any competition. I don’t believe he was locked in until today.

 

[HonestSpursFan]

Against Paraguay we NEED to start Nestor. We need a highly attacking lineup to get past a highly defensive but exhausted Paraguay side.

 

[Bbouy]

Our midfield did nothing to hold the ball. They were pathetic. If anything we need a diamond midfield.

Oh I agree, we need completely change the formation and system. Bring in a Robertson to pair with Okon

 

[JS96]

Oh I agree, we need completely change the formation and system. Bring in a Robertson to pair with Okon

Fucking Leckie starting and serving up that. Velupillay was worth a shot but we really learned that hard way.

Who bloody knows if we start Herrington and Ryan just another butterfly effect.