Six Rookies In Line for Their First Game
Australia’s bringing in some new blood for two big World Cup qualifying games. Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has switched up the squad a bit as they get ready to play Indonesia and China. A few guys are out with injuries – Joe Gauci, Harry Souttar, Alessandro Circati, and Riley McGree. So, six guys who’ve never played for the national team before are getting a shot, including Alex Grant, Kai Trewin, Nectarios Triantis, and Ryan Teague. Six New Faces Eye Socceroos Debut.
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Also, a couple of experienced defenders, Jason Davidson and Milos Degenek, are back on the team after being away for a while. Plus, young Melbourne City goalie Patrick Beach will be there to learn the ropes with the older guys.
Popovic’s Good Start Faces a Real Test
Popovic hasn’t lost a game since taking over from Graham Arnold, but with only one win and three draws, the Socceroos need to start winning. Right now, Australia is second in Group C, but they’re only one point ahead of the four teams below them. Only the top two teams automatically get into the 2026 World Cup, so any mistakes could send them into another qualifying round.
Even though things are a bit tough, Popovic sounds confident. He said that after taking over, he had a chance to look at everything before these qualifiers. He knows how important these games are and is excited to try to lock in their spot in the group. He’s looking forward to seeing the guys play at the Sydney Football Stadium. Six New Faces Eye Socceroos Debut
Big Games Coming Up
The Socceroos are playing Indonesia in Sydney first on Thursday night, then heading to China for a game the following Tuesday. These two games are super important for Australia’s chances of making it to the World Cup. Six New Faces Eye Socceroos Debut.
Socceroos Squad for March Qualifiers
Goalies: Maty Ryan, Paul Izzo, Tom Glover
Defenders: Alex Grant, Aziz Behich, Cameron Burgess, Jason Geria, Lewis Miller, Jason Davidson, Milos Degenek, Fran Karacic, Kye Rowles, Kai Trewin
Midfielders: Jackson Irvine, Anthony Caceres, Aiden O’Neill, Ryan Teague, Nectarios Triantis
Forwards: Craig Goodwin, Martin Boyle, Kusini Yengi, Daniel Arzani, Brandon Borrello, Adam Taggart, Marco Tilio, Nishan Velupillay
With some new faces and some familiar ones, Australia’s ready for these two big games as they try to make it to the World Cup. Six New Faces Eye Socceroos Debut
