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

NoMates said:
Anyone think Volpato will get a run in this match? I understand why Yengi was sub on for the Turkey match as he has some pace, I’m not sure what Volpato brings to the table if we play the same as we did last time.
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Cristian Volpato should be getting game time against the United States on Saturday because his pace will be valuable in shutting down their midfield and forward line early before they have a chance to get inside the box, convert chances into meaningful shots at goal and find the back of the net.
 
JM47 said:
Bit worried how the shorter turnaround will affect us.
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The Socceroos still have a six day turnaround between our group stage opener against Turkey and the match against the United States and the USA only have an extra day's preparation so it shouldn't make too much of a difference.
 
Interesting footnote to the Turkiye game as we look ahead to the US game is that there were two separate occasions when Leckie was set to come on, but then something changed that. I wonder if he was set to replace Metcalfe or was to replace Okon Engstler. The first time that was aborted was before the Metcalfe goal and on the second occasion it seems they made a last second change of mind to bring on Irvine (for Okon Engstler) instead. So clearly Leckie is very much in their plans for game time.
 
It will interesting how Popa sets up for this game.The Seppos were very quick in transition from defence to attack against Paraguay and their high pressing was impressive and effective causing numerous turn overs.They swarmed the Paraguayan defenders and midfielders and in the first half had them pinned back into the back third of the pitch.
Whoever plays as our midfielders will be under a lot of pressure so the ability to hold the ball and have outlets will be crucial.Okon and O'Neill were tremendous against Turkiye so I think he will stick with them as the starting pair.
Surely Beach will stay as keeper though Ryan has the experience and for Levante was in top form.
I think he will stick with the three CBs who started against the Turks though the American forwards are quick especially Balogun and Wright who did not play in the first game.Herrington might replace Burgess especially if the pace of the opponents is catching him out.
Italiano will probably be marking Pulisic if the latter is fit and he gave the Paraguayan RB a real bath.TBF the RB got a very early yellow card and Pulisic took full advantage of this by taking him on at every opportunity.Bos should be able to handle the other winger McKennie who was very good also.Metcalfe had a top game and his goal was a cracker.He also did lots of smart pressing when needed.
Irankunda needs to start as his pace will worry the defenders .I wonder whether he might also use Velupillay as a starter and keep Toure and Yengi for the second half.If we need to chase the game the silky skills of Volpato might need to be utilised.
The Seppo CBs definitely are their weak link .The only time that they were tested by Paraguay the South Americans scored.However I am sure Pochettino will have worked on this having now seen the danger we pause in our quick transitional play.
This will be a test of Popa's methods and our boys ability to refocus.
 
JM47 said:
In comparison to the US, who essentially have an extra 2 days on us considering we got back into Oakland at 4am, it could well be a factor.
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You could be 120% right you know.

Key is to be composed and not exhaust ourselves. We have just witnessed a master class in defensive organisation - Popovic strategy will not change.

So the key would be remain organised, and playing players who are completely fit and have absolute abundant energy to burn. They would be 100% focused on recovery right now and recharging their batteries to give the other team hell again.

The same forwards should be right and I think we should be right with the same 11.

But if not, then its just replacing like for likes if not 100% , like some have suggested, Valpato if he is a like for like replacement and if he's got decent enough defensive instincts.

I do not understand what individual fitnes levels Poppa is aiming for, but Valpato I presume has been playing regularly. So what sort of fitness levels Poppa could be reaching for might be indicative of this (?). Huge motors over quality.

This defense requires constant running and getting numbers behind the ball and not getting caught out chasing fairies that dont exist.
But I think that , probably the US an A will push a bit harder than Turkey did sit back a lot. Soutar will be especially busy with their probing crosses. It will take more effort , in turn the players would need to be even more fit for this contest than the last :unsure::coffee:
 
Mo Toure getting an injury would be devastating for our chances against the US. I hope it's just cramp and soreness and not a torn calf. That man really needs to get stronger.

Mo and Jordy have A LOT more to show the world this tournament.
 
I've rewatched the game and we were so wasteful in transition. We could've been much better and this team has more goals and creation in them than what they showed.

We definitely aren't a great counter-attacking team yet, we haven't learntabout making the extra pass or expecting your teammate to be back-post but we are very clinical so far. Over time as we lay down a stronger counter-attacking strategy and the players play together more Bos, Irankunda and Toure will start to figure each other.
 
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People are suggesting a 6 day break shouldn’t be a problem for us. Normally I would agree, but that Turkey game would have knocked the stuffing out of us. If not physically, then definitely mentally.

Popa will 100% make changes to the starting 11 if he senses any weariness. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if we see a change in the midfield (Irvine or Volpato), and at the back (Hetherington and Geria). Yengi too if Toure is under any fitness cloud.
 
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