Game creators Tom Rogic and Aaron Mooy have timely returned to the Socceroos squad for the Australian World Cup playoffs next month, but there are a number of surprising omissions.
After losing the last two games of the Socceroos’ group campaign in March against Japan and Saudi Arabia, Rogic and Mooy have been named in Australia’s latest 29-man squad for the playoffs, starting with a June 8 (AEST) clash against the UAE in neutral Qatar.
If the Socceroos win this match, they will advance to an intercontinental playoff against the South American nation Peru on June 14 (AEST), also in Qatar, with the winner to qualify for the November-December World Cup.
“Our qualifying trip for this year’s FIFA World Cup has been a challenge, but the bigger the challenge, the bigger the reward,” said Socceroos coach Graham Arnold.
“Like in 2017 and 2005, I am fully convinced that our boys will be in the playoffs
system and seal Australia a place in the World Cup.
“The players, coaches, staff, their families and our fans have invested a lot of time, passion and commitment in this qualifying campaign, so we will give it 100% over the next few weeks to ensure that the effort and sacrifices so many people have done for the last three years rewarded in the best way possible.
“We have selected a great squad for this window for some reason, but especially because many of our players have been in great shape for their clubs in recent months.
“Also, with several players ready to enter the UAE game with yellow cards, we had to make sure we had coverage in all areas to make sure we didn’t fall short at any point.”
Aaron Mooy returns to the Socceroos team. Image: Adil Al Naimi / Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Aside from the return of Rogic, who recently split from the Scottish giants Celtic, and China-based Mooy, the Socceroos also welcome Middlesbrough midfielder Riley McGree Japanese striker Adam Taggart, St Pauli Jackson midfielder Irvine, Sunderland defender Bailey Wright, Adelaide. United striker Craig Goodwin and Melbourne Victory left-back Jason Davidson, who recently represented Australia in 2015.
A notable absentee from the team is Sydney FC right-back Rhyan Grant, while others in the March squad who are missing this time are veteran Perth Glory striker Bruno Fornaroli, Melbourne City midfielder Connor Metcalfe. Melbourne Victory striker Ben Folami and Belgian Jimmy Jeggo. .
But some players who had excellent seasons in the men’s A League have been overlooked. Jason Cummings scored ten goals in his first season with the Central Coast Mariners, leading them to an impressive fifth-place finish. The striker started against Barcelona for the A-League All-Stars, but before the match he revealed that Arnold had not even told him about a possible call-up. Central Coast goalkeeper Mark Birighitti was awarded the goalkeeper of the competition season with nine goals in the net, but surprisingly was left out in favor of Sydney FC’s Andrew Redmayne.
And Garang Kuol, the 17-year-old who stole the spotlight against Barcelona, was a potential driver but also lost. He scored four goals in nine substitute appearances with the Mariners.
Barcelona coach Xavi said: “Dwight Yorke told me he was 16 or 17 … it was a big surprise.
“He was very fast and we conceded two or three chances thanks to him.
“He’s a great player and he has a great future, he’s a talent that’s obvious.”
The Socceroos will be warmed up for their clash with the United Arab Emirates with a friendly against Jordan on Thursday morning (AEDT).
“I’ve heard Rale Rasic comment recently that the ‘Socceroos’ story is always a super story,’ so on the centenary of our national team there would be no better way for this group of players and staff to honor those who “By writing another proud chapter in the history books through qualifying for the FIFA World Cup,” Arnold said.
Soccer team: Nathaniel Atkinson, Aziz Behich, Martin Boyle, Nick D’Agostino, Jason Davidson, Milos Degenek, Kenny Dougall, Mitchell Duke, Denis Genreau, Craig Goodwin, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Fran Karacic, Joel King, Mathew Leckie, Awer Mabil. Jamie Maclaren, Riley McGree, Aaron Mooy, Andrew Redmayne, Tom Rogic, Kye Rowles, Mathew Ryan, Trent Sainsbury, Gianni Stensness, Adam Taggart. Marco Tilio, Danny Vukovic, Bailey Wright.