World Cup Qualification Thread for 2026 - Socceroos/Asia

[Mr Cleansheets]

Popa anointed Behich as his best field player. I agree. He was solid and made good decisions. His positioning was good offensively and defensively. Not sure why Behich is a current scapegoat on this forum? He has good technique on the ball, with first touch, handling speed, pass and move sequences - plus he tackles well, delays, jockeys and shows well too. He can be a bit short in heading duels. Works well in the team unit.

Funny with Miller. Offline I was telling another G and G poster he was pretty poor watching live. But looking at the replay, his bullocking ( as you suggest) was really good against a talented, physical team, Indo, who really bullied Boyle. It always happens, with second looks in compiling stats, but Miller played a lot better than I thought. What he doesn't like, are fast nimble teams, like Japan.

Also, Miller's heading is another real asset. He has scored 2 goals, courtesy of Goodwin's quality corners.

AS a RWB, Miller is okay. I think Metcalfe is worth a go there. Bennie looks promising in a few years too.

Indo specifically put bodies around O'Neill in their BPO to stop him playing out as effectively as he had been - as Indo identified his threat in the early part of the second half. They executed it well. They tried to get Aus to play wide in midfield, which Aus did.

Behich was decent the other night but got the fans offside after a disastrous game about three(?) years ago against Japan where he was responsible for us conceding twice. Since then the fans have wanted Bos (or Farrell) who always seems to be injured. I doubt Behich would still be in the squad if those two were both available.

Miller is great in attack but loses concentration in defence (as he did against South Korea at the Asian Cup). His defensive lapses are not so potentially catastrophic in Popa's 3 at the back system but he's too risky in a four. Ask the Hibs fans.

 

[LFC]

Behich was decent the other night but got the fans offside after a disastrous game about three(?) years ago against Japan where he was responsible for us conceding twice. Since then the fans have wanted Bos (or Farrell) who always seems to be injured. I doubt Behich would still be in the squad if those two were both available.

Miller is great in attack but loses concentration in defence (as he did against South Korea at the Asian Cup). His defensive lapses are not so potentially catastrophic in Popa's 3 at the back system but he's too risky in a four. Ask the Hibs fans.

its not only the Jap game back then, the amount of times when he attacks down the line and we're in good position having the defense turned he stalls turns back the ball for the reset.
He has done this so many times he's in dial, when he could have looked ahead or across and provided/distributed a good ball into the mixer/or into a running supporters line of attack.

I agree your comments of Miller, don't trust his defensive mind set, he may have done ok against the dutch indos but generally he's not a smart thinker for a defensive player.
Its like he's a jekyll and hyde, get him into attack he's all gun ho and at times very damaging, I recall some rippa killa cross's in the mixer a few games back and hey he throws his body on the line like scoring that header good stuff, don't trust his choices defensively.

 

[RIMB]

In a lot of cases the manager can see all the faults and weaknesses on the field, and is sometimes caused by the players not doing what they are being told to do.

I agree - but I have to add that they are seeing it in the restrictive terms of their system being the answer in the first place.

They think in terms of what will maintain their system - watchers think in terms of what will produce better results based on what they see unfold. It is a factor of the 'robotisation' of football in some way. Managers who cannot see beyond their system or who do not think they have the capability to expand it on the fly (when free and creative play is trained out of players) are always going to be of limited effect - especially against another manager who has a system that either allows free thinking and creative play, or who is capable and willing to try Plan B, C and so on within a single game or across a series of games.

If you can counter their system you can negate or beat them every time. We saw it with Arnie's downturn and I have seen it at the Roar when all it took was someone (anyone!) to run in front of an attacking player and they knew we would turn back to safety.

It is easier to have a complex system taught up front than it is to impart random thought and action on a group you have trained to play a specific way.

To misquote Strictly Ballroom - if you allow new dance steps you can't teach competitive dancing. There are no new steps!

Replacing a creative striker for a chaser in Popa's system changes the system significantly. Becoming fearful (like it seems Arnie did) prevents the constant threat of attacking raids that force opponents to maintain a defensive structure and frees them to attack with all outfield players.

I like what Popa is doing with our squad and see it as a huge improvement on where we were heading. I do not put myself in the Popa adulation group (if it exists) because I find his system too defensive regardless of it producing results and I want more balance in my national team even if it costs us results. It comes down to what I want over what actually might be best for the country - balanced play over results.

The thing is, I think we have the players now available to successfully play a more balanced style of football - but it takes risk, vision by a manager, and backing by all and sundry while it matures (can't see that happening).

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

There are two aspects to this in my eyes.

First, is the assumption that someone who is not professionally trained has no value. An elitist principle that is as one-sided as the views of 'ignorant' supporters who do not understand the range and depth of issues impacting on a manager's tactics, strategies, formations and selections.

On this forum there are a lot of former players who have a true understanding of the game; who can see faults, flaws and weaknesses in a manager's thinking and application through the school of Bin Daren Dunnit. We have others who have observed football at all levels through supporting, playing and officiating who also have unprofessional views that have a foundation in experience and understanding of the game.

The absence of a piece of paper and professional training does not render opinions invalid or less worthy - and opinions that suggest a level of inequality could almost see someone being targeted by harassment and unfair negative attention for the expression of that opinion.

The greatest failing I find in myself these days is the focus on the minutia during games. I tirelessly run the ball with every play, personally compete in every challenge we make and have the vision of an eagle in every moment watching the screen - seeing danger and screaming in my head for someone to shut it down. It is hard to simply watch a game and let it flow over me which is a little bit of an entertainment loss - but worse it creates an unfair system in my head for rating individual players in games and an unrealistic expectation of perfection in every moment. Combine that with a system that limits the attacking chances and the players who limit those chances (Behich for example) or fail to capitalise on them in front of goals (Duke for example) are thrust into the spotlight of my perspective.

The greatest positive about a forum like this is it allows me to have the benefit of many brains and eyes which do not see things the same way as I do. I have learned plenty participating in this forum - and perhaps the most important side product is observing that the merits of an argument have everything to do with the 'facts' and views presented and nothing to do with the occupation and qualifications of the person giving them.

That is not aimed at you specifically - it is a genuine confirmation for me that every genuine (not trolled) opinion is worth considering.

The second aspect is about Popa.

When you play a system of 7 defensive players and 3 attacking players you have to get the right players in the 3 to make your system produce. You are also relying on the 7 not to make mistakes because it only takes one poor defender to allow one great attacker to beat you. Popa wins games by having a resilient defence and trusting in the 3 to score - he did a similar thing to win the Asian Champions League.

It is very easy, and I would argue relevant, for an untrained and paperless supporter to be hypercritical of a manager whose selections only seem to support the back end of the field and the defensive side of his methods at the expense of the vital 3 attacking players. Duke is exactly that case - selected for his hounding abilities and limiting our creative attacking play to 2 players only. It is a weakness in Popa that deserves discussion and fair criticism to me.

TLDR:
A London taxi driver without training professional football qualifications who has followed football for years has the right to be correct and to be hypercritical of a manager when they can see weaknesses in the manager's methods.

Popa requires 3 good attacking players to be truly successful and often sacrifices one or more of them to be more effective without possession. This is a flaw deserving heavy criticism in our national team setup.

Well made points.

If people aren't allowed to have opinions in this most democratic of places without being criticised for not having coaching credentials then what is the point of the internet?

There are plenty of people who do have the creds who are also utterly clueless when it comes to understanding football or motivating players. I've never met Harry Kewell but I know several people who have and the consensus is that he is far from the sharpest tool in the shed and loses the dressing room very quickly wherever he goes.

As for myself, I've played forever - often captained teams - and still play. I've coached children, Premier League men and AA Women. I have a simple philosophy regarding the football basics and that was always foundational to my coaching.

On top of that I've been a football philosopher forever and literally wrote the book on goalkeeping (Mr Cleansheets). I also was invited to write Lawrie McKinna's biography (Political Football). I've written hundreds of analysis pieces for FTBL since 2012 and now write for The Roar when I could be arsed. I reckon I know football (the game) as well as anyone although there would be any number of aspects of professional coaching of which I am totally ignorant.

And yet, despite being an absolute god of football insight and wisdom, I would always be interested to hear anyone else's opinion regardless of how new, how callow or even how bandwagon jumpy they were.

The game is all about opinions and everyone has a right to one.

Even Popa.

 

[Pasquali]

I agree - but I have to add that they are seeing it in the restrictive terms of their system being the answer in the first place.

They think in terms of what will maintain their system - watchers think in terms of what will produce better results based on what they see unfold. It is a factor of the 'robotisation' of football in some way. Managers who cannot see beyond their system or who do not think they have the capability to expand it on the fly (when free and creative play is trained out of players) are always going to be of limited effect - especially against another manager who has a system that either allows free thinking and creative play, or who is capable and willing to try Plan B, C and so on within a single game or across a series of games.

If you can counter their system you can negate or beat them every time. We saw it with Arnie's downturn and I have seen it at the Roar when all it took was someone (anyone!) to run in front of an attacking player and they knew we would turn back to safety.

It is easier to have a complex system taught up front than it is to impart random thought and action on a group you have trained to play a specific way.

To misquote Strictly Ballroom - if you allow new dance steps you can't teach competitive dancing. There are no new steps!

Replacing a creative striker for a chaser in Popa's system changes the system significantly. Becoming fearful (like it seems Arnie did) prevents the constant threat of attacking raids that force opponents to maintain a defensive structure and frees them to attack with all outfield players.

I like what Popa is doing with our squad and see it as a huge improvement on where we were heading. I do not put myself in the Popa adulation group (if it exists) because I find his system too defensive regardless of it producing results and I want more balance in my national team even if it costs us results. It comes down to what I want over what actually might be best for the country - balanced play over results.

The thing is, I think we have the players now available to successfully play a more balanced style of football - but it takes risk, vision by a manager, and backing by all and sundry while it matures (can't see that happening).

I do agree with you. However, putting myself into the shoes of a top manager, I would also be reluctant to abandon the methods and principles that initially brought me success. World-class managers often adjust their strategies incrementally, refining their systems without throwing away the core principles that led to their achievements. For example, Amorin's refusal to compromise on his system at United showcases the confidence that elite managers often have in their own vision. As a manager you need that to succeed otherwise you will go from game to game without a true tactical identity.

Here is a recent Amorin interview where he was questioned about his tactics

The 40-year-old has been insistent that he won't abandon his 3-4-2-1 system despite the difficulties he has experienced in getting those methods across to a squad that look ill-suited to his demands. United flirted with a relegation battle over the festive period and have endured some wretched Old Trafford defeats under Amorim.

By refusing to compromise those principles Amorim is aware he is taking a risk by relying on the patience of his bosses, with the Portuguese the sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013, but he claimed that the biggest fear in his job wasn't getting the sack, but failing to win games.

"I accept that [risk]," he said. "It’s a choice you make when you’re a coach but I truly believe in the way I do things. I know in this kind of club with this kind of pressure you are always at risk.
"I am aware of that but it is not my biggest concern. I will say it again – losing games is the hardest part of my job, not being sacked. I just want to win games."

Amorim has often had to put square pegs into round holes during his first few months at United, with the squad not built to fill either his positional requirements or the physical demands of his system.

But there was criticism when he fielded left-footer Patrick Dorgu on the right against Leicester City last weekend, when it was envisaged he had been signed to play as a left wing-back.

Amorim again defended that decision and said playing inverted wing-backs was key when teams were man marking against United, and having played this system throughout his coaching career in Portugal, he insists he knows exactly what is required to make it work.

"I have the experience of playing that way against a 4-3-3 or a 5-4-1 and I know what kind of characteristics I need for it," he said.

"But we also need time to work on everything if I have an idea, and if the connection is not yet there, I have to find that connection. So I am trying everything to win the games and that’s why at times I am changing so many things – I just want to win games."

Amorim has stuck by his 3-4-2-1 system for all 20 games so far and hasn't deviated from that shape during matches either, and while he admits sticking so doggedly to your principles can be a weakness, he is sure he is on the right track at Old Trafford.

"I think it can be a weakness in the moment but then you believe one thing, or another and you have to stick with that," he said.

"Again, I feel we focus a lot on the system but the way we want to play this system is completely different that we are doing at the moment but we are trying to improve so, to be direct with your question, is that yes sometimes it is a strength, sometimes it is a weakness. I think everybody knows that."

Why getting the sack isn't Ruben Amorim's biggest concern at Man United

Ruben Amorim has been in charge for just 20 games at Man Utd but results haven't been great and he has been under pressure at Old Trafford.

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

 

[Quicky]

Behich was decent the other night but got the fans offside after a disastrous game about three(?) years ago against Japan where he was responsible for us conceding twice. Since then the fans have wanted Bos (or Farrell) who always seems to be injured. I doubt Behich would still be in the squad if those two were both available.

Miller is great in attack but loses concentration in defence (as he did against South Korea at the Asian Cup). His defensive lapses are not so potentially catastrophic in Popa's 3 at the back system but he's too risky in a four. Ask the Hibs fans.

I reckon great in attack oversells it a bit. I think Miller is very dangerous from set pieces but he's not great at dribbling, crossing or shooting.

 

[Quicky]

I have a simple philosophy regarding the football basics and that was always foundational to my coaching.

This may be a question for another thread but what is your philosophy on footballing basics? That's really interesting.

 

[grazorblade]

It's my first post here but I have been lurking on this forum from 442 for many years and as a supporter of the game who doesn't have too much experience or technical knowledge I find it a great source of information and appreciate all the posts from those more knowledgeable than myself.
I just wanted to weigh in on this whole coach discussion. While I can't analyse a game or understand the intricate details like someone like Decentric can I don't think that is what is important at the moment. At the end of the day I think we need to take a step back and realise that football doesn't really matter and the only reason it does have relevance is that people like us enjoy it and find it entertaining. That being said, throughout the Arnie era (and certain other previous coaches) during our time in the AFC I have struggled to be excited about games. Many of the last games under Arnold I was struggling to stay awake as the football being played was so dreary and when Popovic was announced as the replacement I knew it would be more of the same. To his credit Popovic has been getting results and the team is slightly more watchable but he is still very conservative.
My critique of Popovic and Arnie has nothing to do with a technical analysis of his coaching, selection or gameplan but that they don't give us anything to get excited about.
Most Australian, non football fan's critique of the sport is that it is too boring and FA seems intent to validate their criticism with their selections. The sport will never grow in this country if things stay this way.

Welcome to the forum!

It's a fair point we need to play the game beautifully. We got ourselves in a bit of a whole tho, first dropping so many points in the first two games, but also this generation of players 25-30 are too young to benefit from academies and the ntc and too old to benefit from the nyl (which shortened to almost nothing 2015ish) and the ais (which had severe funding cuts after the failed rio campaign). So it is the weakest 6 year age group in 30 years

So with that in mind I just want to win at all costs haha

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

This may be a question for another thread but what is your philosophy on footballing basics? That's really interesting.

Cheers.

In my Premier League coaching days I used to put the boys through - what I referred to - as Football University. If I can find the notes (quite short) I'll start a thread somewhere - to which people can add their own ideas.

 

[grazorblade]

Behich was decent the other night but got the fans offside after a disastrous game about three(?) years ago against Japan where he was responsible for us conceding twice. Since then the fans have wanted Bos (or Farrell) who always seems to be injured. I doubt Behich would still be in the squad if those two were both available.

Miller is great in attack but loses concentration in defence (as he did against South Korea at the Asian Cup). His defensive lapses are not so potentially catastrophic in Popa's 3 at the back system but he's too risky in a four. Ask the Hibs fans.

if its the game im thinking of i actually blamed sainsbury for those goals

 

[grazorblade]

its not only the Jap game back then, the amount of times when he attacks down the line and we're in good position having the defense turned he stalls turns back the ball for the reset.
He has done this so many times he's in dial, when he could have looked ahead or across and provided/distributed a good ball into the mixer/or into a running supporters line of attack.

I agree your comments of Miller, don't trust his defensive mind set, he may have done ok against the dutch indos but generally he's not a smart thinker for a defensive player.
Its like he's a jekyll and hyde, get him into attack he's all gun ho and at times very damaging, I recall some rippa killa cross's in the mixer a few games back and hey he throws his body on the line like scoring that header good stuff, don't trust his choices defensively.

Interestingly I thought that before behich moved abroad behich was attack attack attack. He does seem to have become more conservative while abroad

 

[RIMB]

I do agree with you. However, putting myself into the shoes of a top manager, I would also be reluctant to abandon the methods and principles that initially brought me success. World-class managers often adjust their strategies incrementally, refining their systems without throwing away the core principles that led to their achievements. For example, Amorin's refusal to compromise on his system at United showcases the confidence that elite managers often have in their own vision. As a manager you need that to succeed otherwise you will go from game to game without a true tactical identity.

Here is a recent Amorin interview where he was questioned about his tactics

Why getting the sack isn't Ruben Amorim's biggest concern at Man United

Ruben Amorim has been in charge for just 20 games at Man Utd but results haven't been great and he has been under pressure at Old Trafford.

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

I am not talking about Popa changing his identity, or even changing much from where he is now. He is a product of his experience to be where he is doing what he is. If he tried implementing a half arsed vision over the top of his own system chances are it would be disastrous.

I am suggesting that Popa is an improvement and hopefully we can get a manager at some point who has a system including creative free flowing attacks. We all see glimpses of that form of football even in our current squad and it makes for something special even when it is only 3 or 4 passes to create or escape something in a series of moments.

The best version of Popa I can imagine sees him locking our front 3 into an attack specific force. If that comes with a creative forward who can also press that is great - but setting 7 players up to deny opponents while also building to present the front 3 with opportunities rather than jagging chances and turnovers is the direction I think he could easily head next. It then follows that a creative defensive midfielder has a role made for them as the link between defence and attack becomes a planned part of the system rather than a bonus - which is how I see the DMs role should be rather than just a disruptor of opposition attacks.

Simple in principle to then have 5 attacking options available for the DM to pass out to when the wide players also offer something forward facing. Teams we have struggled against in recent years often have multiple passing options available all the time and it builds chances, exhausts energy defending against and creates moments of decision all game. Mental and physical bombardment.

Ange's system is a fine example of sticking to what you believe in until it gets there. His record illustrates how a good system is worth waiting for when it is allowed to develop.

 

[grazorblade]

Mike tuckerman joins team "stop your whining" haha

https://www.theroar.com.au/2025/03/24/will-socceroos-fans-ever-be-happy-in-this-era-of-online-complaining/

I suppose my thoughts are
1) football is for the fans, lets celebrate all non troll opinions
2) I do wish there was more celebration including credit to the coach. We don't get many opportunities to celebrate and there is only 4 days to celebrate before we might get a bad result against China and need to get the pitchforks back out. We need to make the most of the celebrations to stay sane

 

[Pasquali]

It's my first post here but I have been lurking on this forum from 442 for many years and as a supporter of the game who doesn't have too much experience or technical knowledge I find it a great source of information and appreciate all the posts from those more knowledgeable than myself.
I just wanted to weigh in on this whole coach discussion. While I can't analyse a game or understand the intricate details like someone like Decentric can I don't think that is what is important at the moment. At the end of the day I think we need to take a step back and realise that football doesn't really matter and the only reason it does have relevance is that people like us enjoy it and find it entertaining. That being said, throughout the Arnie era (and certain other previous coaches) during our time in the AFC I have struggled to be excited about games. Many of the last games under Arnold I was struggling to stay awake as the football being played was so dreary and when Popovic was announced as the replacement I knew it would be more of the same. To his credit Popovic has been getting results and the team is slightly more watchable but he is still very conservative.
My critique of Popovic and Arnie has nothing to do with a technical analysis of his coaching, selection or gameplan but that they don't give us anything to get excited about.
Most Australian, non football fan's critique of the sport is that it is too boring and FA seems intent to validate their criticism with their selections. The sport will never grow in this country if things stay this way.

Welcome aboard.

I found Arnie's style far more boring than Popa's. Admittedly, I haven't watched much of Popa in the A-League, but from what I've seen with the Socceroos, he's got the team playing with much greater urgency and directness. Under Arnie, too many matches felt like the ball was endlessly stuck in midfield. At least with Popa, there's clear intent to move forward quickly.

 

[JS96]

its not only the Jap game back then, the amount of times when he attacks down the line and we're in good position having the defense turned he stalls turns back the ball for the reset.
He has done this so many times he's in dial, when he could have looked ahead or across and provided/distributed a good ball into the mixer/or into a running supporters line of attack.

I agree your comments of Miller, don't trust his defensive mind set, he may have done ok against the dutch indos but generally he's not a smart thinker for a defensive player.
Its like he's a jekyll and hyde, get him into attack he's all gun ho and at times very damaging, I recall some rippa killa cross's in the mixer a few games back and hey he throws his body on the line like scoring that header good stuff, don't trust his choices defensively.

Behich has 3 assists in 71 caps. It's a terrible return for some who supposedly gets forward. His crosses never his the target let alone get an assist. The moment Bos and Farrell are fit, he has to go.

 

[grazorblade]

Predictions for the next line up? He usually swaps 6 players, so I'm guessing

----------------ryan------------
----geria--burgess-degenek-----
-karacic-irvine-triantis--davidson
-vellupilay----duke---Goodwin----

 

[JS96]

if its the game im thinking of i actually blamed sainsbury for those goals

First was a deflection off Irvine and Behich missed the interception. Sainsbury had to head the second. The ball surprised Behich off the lost with two opponents smothering. Little he could do but his kick movement was awkward.

 

[JS96]

Predictions for the next line up? He usually swaps 6 players, so I'm guessing

----------------ryan------------
----geria--burgess-degenek-----
-karacic-irvine-triantis--davidson
-vellupilay----duke---Goodwin----

I'd be fine with this. A lot of experience and probably balanced enough to create chances but also be fresh.

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

Cheers.

In my Premier League coaching days I used to put the boys through - what I referred to - as Football University. If I can find the notes (quite short) I'll start a thread somewhere - to which people can add their own ideas.

It's now up in the General Football section.

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

if its the game im thinking of i actually blamed sainsbury for those goals

Then it's definitely not the game you're thinking of. Behich copped hell for those - dreadful defending.