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

[Bbouy]

Tony Popovic has replaced both Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe in his starting XI for the clash with the United States.

Mat Leckie and Nishan Velupillay come into the XI as both goalscorers from the win over Turkey go to the bench.

Taking off Metcalfe makes zero sense. He isn't an impact player, he should just start, he will do a better defensive and offensive output than Leckie and Velupillay but he shouldn't be coming on instead of Volpato at the end.

That makes me think we will end up with a front three of Metcalfe, Irankunda and Volpato to end the game. Irankunda as the 9 replacement for Toure. I don't like this.

 

[highkick05]

Fuck we're screwed Burgers is a traggic cone
And a traffic cone too

 

[Bbouy]

I am no longer optimistic about this game. Both our opening and closing lineups will be handicapped. It's just so random putting Leckie and Velupillay on.

 

[JS96]

No midfield worked but I'm worried we're going to overrely on them and exhaust them. Irvine can come right in but Devlin has a full tank we need to use.

 

[rebelliousfeminist974]

Front three of leckie vellupilay and toure! Lol why not

Mathew Leckie and Nishan Velupillay bring some much needed pace to the Socceroos playing list which will be crucial for us to be able to match their intensity and shut their midfield down early.

 

[JS96]

Fuck we're screwed Burgers is a traggic cone
And a traffic cone too

No he isn't. Even against fast teams he shields his zone and others help close the space. Today might be his off day so here's hoping.

 

[highkick05]

Poppa has got this one wrong. Jordy Bos will be too busy, probably get injured covering for Burgess

 

[JS96]

Mathew Leckie and Nishan Velupillay bring some much needed pace to the Socceroos playing list which will be crucial for us to be able to match their intensity and shut their midfield down early.

Leckie doesn't have pace and is overweight.

 

[highkick05]

Leckie doesn't have pace and is overweight.

runs with his hips not his legs

 

[socceroosmad]

Yeah OK this isn't so bad as Leckie can also go midfield work and allow Italiano to go forward. In the Velupillay can roam across the front 3.

A bit unexpected but there's clearly a plan. Velupillay has clippable legs.

We should know by now that nothing Popovic does is random. He will have good reasons for the Leckie and Velupillay inclusions.

 

[rebelliousfeminist974]

The Socceroos' starting XI for our second World Cup group D match against the United States has been named. Two changes have been made to the playing list from opening day of our campaign, with Mathew Leckie and Nishan Velupillay coming into the side for Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe. Harry Souttar again leads the line as captain, with Patrick Beach starting between the sticks.

 

[JS96]

Look at that photo and tell me he isn't overweight.

 

[$200]

I am no longer optimistic about this game. Both our opening and closing lineups will be handicapped. It's just so random putting Leckie and Velupillay on.

We thought the same with Okon and Beach last game too. Let them cook.

 

[highkick05]

No he isn't. Even against fast teams he shields his zone and others help close the space. Today might be his off day so here's hoping.

fingers crossed

 

[rebelliousfeminist974]

The United States have named their starting XI ahead of their second World Cup group stage match against the Socceroos. Tim Ream leads the line for them as captain, with Matt Freese starting between the sticks as Ricardo Pepi comes into the side to replace the injured Christian Pulisic.

 

[JS96]

Taking off Metcalfe makes zero sense. He isn't an impact player, he should just start, he will do a better defensive and offensive output than Leckie and Velupillay but he shouldn't be coming on instead of Volpato at the end.

That makes me think we will end up with a front three of Metcalfe, Irankunda and Volpato to end the game. Irankunda as the 9 replacement for Toure. I don't like this.

Metcalfe has been the reason Irankunda and Toure function well. He feeds them the ball and creates enough space for everyone to work.

Maybe Popovic wants to do today in reverse. Hold out and jab a bit for an hour then use the 'proven' system when they tire. It'll be about the subs as well.

I'm less worried about our mids in battle now.

We'll be quick in transition and that's where Velupillay will run forward.

Velupillay and Bos didn't combine well last time so that's concerning.

 

[JS96]

I am no longer optimistic about this game. Both our opening and closing lineups will be handicapped. It's just so random putting Leckie and Velupillay on.

It's not bad having some fresh players it's probably the wrong players in the wrong areas.

 

[highkick05]

its pretty clear Poppa is going to hold out for a draw to go through to the next game in the group . 3 bigs in the back, Not risking some of his preferred starters.
But I dunno, they are quick, so I'm not sure this is pragmatic at all.

 

[highkick05]

This is pops philosophy anyway. Play like you're going to lose

 

[JS96]

2 A leaguers coming in nonetheless. Velupillay is so Bundesliga 2! He'd do well there.