The Australian National Football Team General Discussion*OFFICIAL*

[verrelli]

A decision that has backfired - at least until 2029/30…….

Won't be that long until Euro 2028, which will be pretty massive if he's involved.

 

[Keeper66]

The Uruguay fax that FA admin still laugh at and the surprising birth of an iconic sledge

For football fans old enough to remember the build-up to the Uruguay play-off series in 2005, one of the first phrases that immediately springs to mind is Divine Right. It was the phrase infamously pinned on Uruguay talisman Alvaro Recoba, who, as it was reported at the time, had declared his...

football360.com.au

I hadn't heard before about the fax from Uruguay asking if they could hitch a ride in the Qantas charter back to Sydney.

 

[verrelli]

The Uruguay fax that FA admin still laugh at and the surprising birth of an iconic sledge

For football fans old enough to remember the build-up to the Uruguay play-off series in 2005, one of the first phrases that immediately springs to mind is Divine Right. It was the phrase infamously pinned on Uruguay talisman Alvaro Recoba, who, as it was reported at the time, had declared his...

football360.com.au

I hadn't heard before about the fax from Uruguay asking if they could hitch a ride in the Qantas charter back to Sydney.

Thanks for sharing. Great read.

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

Most on here have read this before but for those who haven't...

Search Results for “sleeping giant” – The Book Hammer

The hard truth about books and publishing.

adriandeans.wordpress.com

 

[Middle Park]

Absolutely. My nephew still thanks me for taking him to that game. The most electrifying atmosphere: full crowd at Stadium Australia, a huge tifo of Johnny Warren "I Told You So", booing the Uruguayan anthem (for the purists, there were good reasons to do so), nailbiting game, PENALTIES!, Schwarzer, and then mobs of us went to the pub made it green and gold and watched the replay singing "Que sera sera, we're going to Germany, que sera sera". Awesome. I was hoarse for days. Still got my ticket, . GateO, Row 46. Anyone else on here in the stadium that night?

Showing my age but I had gone through every Socceroo WC campaign/disaster since 1977. Just pain and misery. Always somehow finding a way to stuff up. Grew up supporting South Melbourne in the NSL in the sheilas, wogs and poofters era. Soccer was my life. But I was there in '05 vs Uruguay and just exploded when that penalty went in. We finally did it. Ended up in some Kings Cross bar at 5am drinking bourbons then straight to the airport for a 11am flight home. Remember eating half a dozen Krispy Kremes whilst waiting for my flight. Was a brutal 24 hours. Missed Germany and every WC till Qatar as had young children and family commitments. The Denmark win in Qatar was my pinnacle. Had my son with me, 18 y/o and wouldn't have a clue what I had gone through to finally experience such an epic Socceroo win. No hard yards for him. Afterwards when we triumphantly walked into the Red Lion pub in Doha we got applauded and mobbed by all the English, Brazilians, Mexicans etc. A crazy night. Went to the final in Qatar and I kind of think that was my reward from the soccer gods and karma for sticking it out with South and the Socceroos all these decades.

 

[grazorblade]

Showing my age but I had gone through every Socceroo WC campaign/disaster since 1977. Just pain and misery. Always somehow finding a way to stuff up. Grew up supporting South Melbourne in the NSL in the sheilas, wogs and poofters era. Soccer was my life. But I was there in '05 vs Uruguay and just exploded when that penalty went in. We finally did it. Ended up in some Kings Cross bar at 5am drinking bourbons then straight to the airport for a 11am flight home. Remember eating half a dozen Krispy Kremes whilst waiting for my flight. Was a brutal 24 hours. Missed Germany and every WC till Qatar as had young children and family commitments. The Denmark win in Qatar was my pinnacle. Had my son with me, 18 y/o and wouldn't have a clue what I had gone through to finally experience such an epic Socceroo win. No hard yards for him. Afterwards when we triumphantly walked into the Red Lion pub in Doha we got applauded and mobbed by all the English, Brazilians, Mexicans etc. A crazy night. Went to the final in Qatar and I kind of think that was my reward from the soccer gods and karma for sticking it out with South and the Socceroos all these decades.

shame you just joined! Was looking for someone to interview who has been through the entire journey! Perhaps during the world cup buildup if you are eager?

 

[Middle Park]

shame you just joined! Was looking for someone to interview who has been through the entire journey! Perhaps during the world cup buildup if you are eager?

Have been lurking on here for months but decided to reply to the post regarding the Uruguay game. And by coincidence was today talking to a friend overseas regarding next years WC, tickets etc. Hoping to get an Australia tst3 in this current fifa sales phase or via FA+ membership later on. No problem if you want to interview me. My dad took me to my first Hellas match back in the mid 70's in the VSL and have been hooked ever since. Have seen it all.

 

[grazorblade]

Have been lurking on here for months but decided to reply to the post regarding the Uruguay game. And by coincidence was today talking to a friend overseas regarding next years WC, tickets etc. Hoping to get an Australia tst3 in this current fifa sales phase or via FA+ membership later on. No problem if you want to interview me. My dad took me to my first Hellas match back in the mid 70's in the VSL and have been hooked ever since. Have seen it all.

nice! We plan a more regular schedule during the world cup to have a bit of a party. If we make a deep run we will have to slow down, but that would be a good problem to have!

 

[Alex M]

Neither of us knows the full story. I'm speculalting. My reading is Popovic mucked up the people management part of it. Triantis overeacted.

I think it was shitty Triantis didn't make the matchday squad, when my view was he deserved to start based on club form at the time. But yeah it seems it generated a pretty heavy reaction from Triantis, in the scheme of the things given what followed.

Whilst we don't know the fine details I really can't buy the narrative pushed by some that Triantis was committed to Australia and was forced away by the bad treatment he got. I think it's much more likely he was still undecided at the time but likely leaning towards us and made up his mind a bit later. A fully committed player sticks around after one disappointment. He didn't.

 

[grazorblade]

Inside the rise of Metcalfe: St Pauli, Popovic and developing 'thick skin'

Nominally, the FIFA World Cup 26™ cycle isn’t the first that Connor Metcalfe has experienced. In fact,

socceroos.com.au

 

[Quicky]

Whilst we don't know the fine details I really can't buy the narrative pushed by some that Triantis was committed to Australia and was forced away by the bad treatment he got. I think it's much more likely he was still undecided at the time but likely leaning towards us and made up his mind a bit later. A fully committed player sticks around after one disappointment. He didn't.

Probably. Those things aren't exclusive though. It doesn't mean Popovic didn't fuck up.

 

[Toebash]

He's also 22 years old and sometimes you do impulsive and stupid things at that age that you come to regret later.

I suspect that might be the case for Traitarios, but once he pulls on that Greek shirt it's done and dusted and not worth expending any more mental energy over.

 

[JS96]

06 draw

 

[Cunningstunt]

I was wondering what people thought the best/ most likely line up is for the world cup.

At the moment I think this is about where we are at, injuries aside.



RB remains a bit of a problem. Miller is basically playing out of position at this point.
The second midfield spot next to Irvine is probably the most open. There are a bunch of guys all at roughly equivalent level who could force their way.
I think Goodwin is most likely to force into the front three. Irunkunda is probably slightly behind at this point.
I think the drop of with cb below these three is pretty big.
Guys like Geria, Degenek, Duke, Behich, Rowles are just that bit below where we want. As are the second cm options. If injuries mean they come in it is a drop off in level.

 

[JS96]

I was wondering what people thought the best/ most likely line up is for the world cup.

At the moment I think this is about where we are at, injuries aside.

View attachment 4212

RB remains a bit of a problem. Miller is basically playing out of position at this point.
The second midfield spot next to Irvine is probably the most open. There are a bunch of guys all at roughly equivalent level who could force their way.
I think Goodwin is most likely to force into the front three. Irunkunda is probably slightly behind at this point.
I think the drop of with cb below these three is pretty big.
Guys like Geria, Degenek, Duke, Behich, Rowles are just that bit below where we want. As are the second cm options. If injuries mean they come in it is a drop off in level.

It's roughly around this. I still think Bos and Goodwin may smother each other on a flank.

It's too late to go to a back 4 and perhaps if we did that, Burgess has a bad game then we start panicking about not enough coverage.

Miller is the square peg. He's technically horrible. Irvine also showed poor footwork when he came on last night.

For me it should be Metcalfe who goes to RWB and he's allowed to roam and also drift central creating a 3rd midfield passing option. In turn a top fit midfielder like Balard or Devlin keeps and eye on that area and having Circati there is very reassuring.

My idea is that Metcalfe could roam as far as left wing and link up with McGree who's also moving around and then Irvine maybe runs into the box and the RW of Irankunda or possibly Boyle lingers at the back post. Potentially put McGree right and Goodwin left.

Trouble is we don't really have a decent right fullback. They're mostly wing backs. Perhaps a back 4 allowing Bos and Geria or Strain to get up and then that third tank of a midfielder for coverage.

Other ideas up top would be to have Sapsford peeling off Toure and roighing roughing up opponents.

 

[grazorblade]

I was wondering what people thought the best/ most likely line up is for the world cup.

At the moment I think this is about where we are at, injuries aside.

View attachment 4212

RB remains a bit of a problem. Miller is basically playing out of position at this point.
The second midfield spot next to Irvine is probably the most open. There are a bunch of guys all at roughly equivalent level who could force their way.
I think Goodwin is most likely to force into the front three. Irunkunda is probably slightly behind at this point.
I think the drop of with cb below these three is pretty big.
Guys like Geria, Degenek, Duke, Behich, Rowles are just that bit below where we want. As are the second cm options. If injuries mean they come in it is a drop off in level.

I like that team. I guess realistically it won't necessarily be our best players but whoever is best at poppa's system aka, those who are quickest at transitioning from a 5-4-1 to a 3-4-3 and quickest at opening passing lanes as well as knowing where players are going to be. That won't necessarily be picked up in the stats or club form so it could really be anyone at this stage

 

[Quicky]

I was wondering what people thought the best/ most likely line up is for the world cup.

At the moment I think this is about where we are at, injuries aside.

View attachment 4212

RB remains a bit of a problem. Miller is basically playing out of position at this point.
The second midfield spot next to Irvine is probably the most open. There are a bunch of guys all at roughly equivalent level who could force their way.
I think Goodwin is most likely to force into the front three. Irunkunda is probably slightly behind at this point.
I think the drop of with cb below these three is pretty big.
Guys like Geria, Degenek, Duke, Behich, Rowles are just that bit below where we want. As are the second cm options. If injuries mean they come in it is a drop off in level.

What program did you use for the XI?

I think it's pretty close.

I want Balard and expect O'Neill. I think Irankunda will start also, provs over McGree.

It wouldn't surprise if Geria or Rowles were used if we go more nimble in the back 3.

 

[Quicky]

It's roughly around this. I still think Bos and Goodwin may smother each other on a flank.

It's too late to go to a back 4 and perhaps if we did that, Burgess has a bad game then we start panicking about not enough coverage.

Miller is the square peg. He's technically horrible. Irvine also showed poor footwork when he came on last night.

For me it should be Metcalfe who goes to RWB and he's allowed to roam and also drift central creating a 3rd midfield passing option. In turn a top fit midfielder like Balard or Devlin keeps and eye on that area and having Circati there is very reassuring.

My idea is that Metcalfe could roam as far as left wing and link up with McGree who's also moving around and then Irvine maybe runs into the box and the RW of Irankunda or possibly Boyle lingers at the back post. Potentially put McGree right and Goodwin left.

Trouble is we don't really have a decent right fullback. They're mostly wing backs. Perhaps a back 4 allowing Bos and Geria or Strain to get up and then that third tank of a midfielder for coverage.

Other ideas up top would be to have Sapsford peeling off Toure and roighing roughing up opponents.

What about this as an idea:

McGree - Toure - Irankunda
Irvine - Balard
Bos ------------------------------------Metcalfe
Burgess - Souttar - Circati
Ryan
​

Bos and McGree compliment one another. Irankunda and Metcalfe likewise. McGree and Metcalfe can both move centrally into midfield to assist.

It gets all our best players on the field. If you could support it with subs like Goodwin and Segecic we have goals from the bench too.

I reckon we need one of Goodwin or Irankunda on the field always for free kicks.

 

[JS96]

Jason Geria and Kai Trewin are the first pair of Canberrans to start together for the Socceroos since who in 2008?

 

[Cunningstunt]

It's roughly around this. I still think Bos and Goodwin may smother each other on a flank.

It's too late to go to a back 4 and perhaps if we did that, Burgess has a bad game then we start panicking about not enough coverage.

Miller is the square peg. He's technically horrible. Irvine also showed poor footwork when he came on last night.

For me it should be Metcalfe who goes to RWB and he's allowed to roam and also drift central creating a 3rd midfield passing option. In turn a top fit midfielder like Balard or Devlin keeps and eye on that area and having Circati there is very reassuring.

My idea is that Metcalfe could roam as far as left wing and link up with McGree who's also moving around and then Irvine maybe runs into the box and the RW of Irankunda or possibly Boyle lingers at the back post. Potentially put McGree right and Goodwin left.

Trouble is we don't really have a decent right fullback. They're mostly wing backs. Perhaps a back 4 allowing Bos and Geria or Strain to get up and then that third tank of a midfielder for coverage.

Other ideas up top would be to have Sapsford peeling off Toure and roighing roughing up opponents.

People always have Goodwin on the left. In this system he has played on the right, so no issues with Bos. A lot of your other points aren't realistic given where we are, not bad ideas but not happening.

What program did you use for the XI?

I think it's pretty close.

I want Balard and expect O'Neill. I think Irankunda will start also, provs over McGree.

It wouldn't surprise if Geria or Rowles were used if we go more nimble in the back 3.

Football Formation Creator - Make Your Team and Share Tactics

Football squad builder. Save and share lineups. Easily create your own football team. Soccer tactics and formations tool.

www.buildlineup.com

He is in he mix, but McGree seems really highly rated. always brought back in immediately. Also fits nicely inverting on the left.

I like that team. I guess realistically it won't necessarily be our best players but whoever is best at poppa's system aka, those who are quickest at transitioning from a 5-4-1 to a 3-4-3 and quickest at opening passing lanes as well as knowing where players are going to be. That won't necessarily be picked up in the stats or club form so it could really be anyone at this stage

I thought it looked stronger than the 2022 side. Except for cm where Mooy stood out. But one or two injuries and the level drops quite quickly.