World Cup Qualification Thread for 2026 - Socceroos/Asia

[Quicky]

The formation and system Popa uses actually aligns with those who think our playing skill and quality is not up to open, competitive football - as discussed in depth many times over the years.

Those who say we have to play defensively and score on the counter because we do not have the cattle to play any other way might be seeing something akin to the perfect Australian national football model under Popa. 7 defensively focussed and selected out field players and 3 dynamic attacking players.

Each part of the system can operate in isolation of the other - so we can throw everything our 3 forwards have into attacking knowing that the 7 defenders are safely guarding our behinds.

I don't like playing overly defensive, countering football (zzzzzzz) but Popa is generating and, so far, maintaining that 3 player attacking threat and I am finding it quite entertaining and satisfying to watch so far.

It's good if we go quickly when we counter. That I think we must do and be brave about it.

I think we also have some other avenues to goal through Irvine and also set pieces so we aren't only reliant on the front three.

I think it puts our 2 CMs under a lot of pressure and against stronger teams we can get shut down easily when pressed, which is why Popovic had us bypassing the press with long balls. We'd be better at this with Souttar, Circati and Triantis imo, good long balls.

It also relies on our wing backs providing width. I think Behich is too conservative and Miller lacks technique and is a brain fart risk defensively. Though Miller adds a set piece threat. It'd be better with Bos and there is no good RWB atm.

I don't like that our inverted wingers shuts out talent like Irankunda and is less suitable for Goodwin, our best attacking players.

I think offensively against good teams this system is just too hard for us to score. But I'd like to see it with our best XI.

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

https://www.theroar.com.au/2025/03/29/popas-led-socceroos-to-verge-of-wc-qualification-but-could-big-selection-calls-come-back-to-bite-australia/

 

[huddo]

You do come across as angry, even bitter about it.

The other thing is no one really disagrees with you that much. Almost everyone would be happy with his selection for all the reasons you continue to point out. The disagreement is just about his level, most people probably don't think he is so good that he would make the team noticeably better than the people who were selected. Popa has this view, and so does most of the football world given Ross County were the only side who came in for him on a free transfer.

I'd say I am a little bitter about it.

Truth is I cant see him being effective in Popa's style anyway. Even as a DM he liked to transition the ball forward, would really fuck with Popa's low block in all situation mentality.

My gripe with Popa not selecting him is not whether he makes the team better, but does he deserve a chance to demonstrate he can. The bloke literally was at the centre of one of the most successful teams in the Aleague of the last 20 years. You just have to look at the Mariners this year to see his impact.

As for the lack of scouting interest, I can't say I was ever surprised. Rogic had trouble getting picked up when he came through, his issue was he had an unconventional style because of his futsal background, the Australian academy scouts didn't like the fact he didn't come through the national curriculum so the academies didn't look at him, that is until he won the Nikes "the chance" . So if Rogic had trouble can you imagine a scout making a recommendation on a 5'3" footballer with a history of medical conditions from a developmental league.

 

[patjennings]

I'd say I am a little bitter about it.

Truth is I cant see him being effective in Popa's style anyway. Even as a DM he liked to transition the ball forward, would really fuck with Popa's low block in all situation mentality.

My gripe with Popa not selecting him is not whether he makes the team better, but does he deserve a chance to demonstrate he can. The bloke literally was at the centre of one of the most successful teams in the Aleague of the last 20 years. You just have to look at the Mariners this year to see his impact.

As for the lack of scouting interest, I can't say I was ever surprised. Rogic had trouble getting picked up when he came through, his issue was he had an unconventional style because of his futsal background, the Australian academy scouts didn't like the fact he didn't come through the national curriculum so the academies didn't look at him, that is until he won the Nikes "the chance" . So if Rogic had trouble can you imagine a scout making a recommendation on a 5'3" footballer with a history of medical conditions from a developmental league.

This is the often repeated fallacy. He was already being watched by Ron Smith in Canberra on behalf of Lawrie McKinna at the Mariners and was likely to start with the Mariners when he did, with or without the Nike competition.

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

This is the often repeated fallacy. He was already being watched by Ron Smith in Canberra on behalf of Lawrie McKinna at the Mariners and was likely to start with the Mariners when he did, with or without the Nike competition.

How interesting.

I wrote Lawrie's biography and he never mentioned that in the many sessions we had together.

I'm not doubting you though because he had a massive scouting network and took a lot of pride in the success of boys on whose career he'd had an impact.

 

[LFC]

No matter Poppas selections people don’t agree with his conservatism not picking Nisbet not picking other newbies with not much experience is making sure on getting the points to qualify first and foremost obviously.
Huddos bitter for his boy and the he can play going forward hello Poppa I feels Caceras does similar in ways.
He finds space finds holes and can give killer balls And mature and experienced.
That’s my take for that kind of position even though he didn’t use Caceras yet.

 

[Cunningstunt]

How interesting.

I wrote Lawrie's biography and he never mentioned that in the many sessions we had together.

I'm not doubting you though because he had a massive scouting network and took a lot of pride in the success of boys on whose career he'd had an impact.

Pathways have improved significantly since Rogic, which had to happen but is a massive positive none the less. I believe all Aliga teams run juniors right through, and the 21s all play Npl. There was literally nothing for years after the start of the A league.

Nisbet's size hurts him. Being Australian hurts him. I have no doubt if he was a foot taller he would have moved to a bigger club. But that ccm team also had teams come in for Rowles, Triantis, Balard, Silvero, Tulio, Alou and Garang, probably others I'm forgetting. All of those sides would have seen plenty of Nisbet and passed on him. There are many arguments for Nisbet, but there are also reasonable arguments for why he wasn't selected as well.

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

Pathways have improved significantly since Rogic, which had to happen but is a massive positive none the less. I believe all Aliga teams run juniors right through, and the 21s all play Npl. There was literally nothing for years after the start of the A league.

Nisbet's size hurts him. Being Australian hurts him. I have no doubt if he was a foot taller he would have moved to a bigger club. But that ccm team also had teams come in for Rowles, Triantis, Balard, Silvero, Tulio, Alou and Garang, probably others I'm forgetting. All of those sides would have seen plenty of Nisbet and passed on him. There are many arguments for Nisbet, but there are also reasonable arguments for why he wasn't selected as well.

I reckon there's only one. Popa can't see past his size even though he dismantled Popa's team in the second half of the last GF and was voted the best player in the league for the Mariners treble winning season.

John Hutcho is a personal friend of mine and when Nizz was training by himself and desperate for offers after last season Hutch bet me $50 that Nizz would never play 50 games in Europe. His words were to the effect of: 'I feel for Nizz, I really do ... he's a fabulous player but coaches overseas take one look at his height and pass. The only leagues that wouldn't be put off by his height are Japan and Spain but they've already got a million players who do what he does. They don't need him. When Euro clubs come in for an Australian player they're not looking for brilliant technique and outstanding vision ... they've already got those players ... if they get an Australian they're looking for strength, power, the Aussie will to win. That's why Lewis Miller walks into Hibs while a player with ten times his talent can't get a gig with anyone.'

Nizz has spent his whole career proving the doubters wrong and that's exactly what he's doing once again as he helps drag RC away from relegation. He's put himself in a bigger shop window and eventually he'll be noticed by someone who matters.

 

[jas88]

I don't like that our inverted wingers shuts out talent like Irankunda and is less suitable for Goodwin, our best attacking players.

I think offensively against good teams this system is just too hard for us to score. But I'd like to see it with our best XI.

This is part of my reasoning to go to a 3-4-2-1. So we can play them as inside forwards instead with someone like Toure leading the line.

I would even be interested to see McGree play one of those roles so he can drift inside and find those pockets.

 

[Cunningstunt]

Yeah even going to the J league would be impressive. I can't think of a midfielder we have had who has managed this? Probably as you say, the amount of talent already there is a bit ridiculous.

The other unfortunate thing about his non selection is it would have been another chance to demonstrate what he can do at a higher level. Yes Ross country is in Europe, but how often are they developing players? It would be fair to say he could have put in the same type of performance as Teague given that opportunity.

 

[Cunningstunt]

This is part of my reasoning to go to a 3-4-2-1. So we can play them as inside forwards instead with someone like Toure leading the line.

I would even be interested to see McGree play one of those roles so he can drift inside and find those pockets.

McGree might be the biggest what if for us at the moment. I think he is perfectly suited to play that inverted position. And he was playing at a level above any of the other options we have.

It actually feels like the injury list hasn't been discussed post window. Prior to the matches we were all stressing about it, bad news after bad news.

McGree
Souttar
Cicati
Bos

All automatic selections when fit. Plus all the fringe guys. There were never any excuses, just an opportunity for someone else.

 

[patjennings]

I reckon there's only one. Popa can't see past his size even though he dismantled Popa's team in the second half of the last GF and was voted the best player in the league for the Mariners treble winning season.

John Hutcho is a personal friend of mine and when Nizz was training by himself and desperate for offers after last season Hutch bet me $50 that Nizz would never play 50 games in Europe. His words were to the effect of: 'I feel for Nizz, I really do ... he's a fabulous player but coaches overseas take one look at his height and pass. The only leagues that wouldn't be put off by his height are Japan and Spain but they've already got a million players who do what he does. They don't need him. When Euro clubs come in for an Australian player they're not looking for brilliant technique and outstanding vision ... they've already got those players ... if they get an Australian they're looking for strength, power, the Aussie will to win. That's why Lewis Miller walks into Hibs while a player with ten times his talent can't get a gig with anyone.'

Nizz has spent his whole career proving the doubters wrong and that's exactly what he's doing once again as he helps drag RC away from relegation. He's put himself in a bigger shop window and eventually he'll be noticed by someone who matters.

Ben Cahn was the guy who originally encouraged him. Souttar and Irvine both advised if that they played at Ross County and that it was good place to prove his physicality.

From what I heard Nizz had one other offer (I forget where but also a place that I feel is less than what he will end up with). He said he chose Ross County to show he could also perform in a rough league. My take is he will play at a higher level than Teague eventually - maybe not in England though.

 

[huddo]

This is the often repeated fallacy. He was already being watched by Ron Smith in Canberra on behalf of Lawrie McKinna at the Mariners and was likely to start with the Mariners when he did, with or without the Nike competition.

Tom Rogic's journey to the World Cup has been 25 years in the making

Rogic was left devastated when a groin injury ruled him out of the 2014 World Cup on the eve of the Socceroos' campaign.

www.smh.com.au

It does mention Ron being instrumental in getting him trials, but the Australian setup and AIS refused to look at him. Smith believed his birthdate was a factor.

 

[huddo]

No matter Poppas selections people don’t agree with his conservatism not picking Nisbet not picking other newbies with not much experience is making sure on getting the points to qualify first and foremost obviously.
Huddos bitter for his boy and the he can play going forward hello Poppa I feels Caceras does similar in ways.
He finds space finds holes and can give killer balls And mature and experienced.
That’s my take for that kind of position even though he didn’t use Caceras yet.

I think caceras is a good AM, my issue with him is his age. At 32/33 how can you build long term stability in the attacking areas of the park. I also think there is a level of inconsistency in his game he never ironed out.

 

[patjennings]

I think caceras is a good AM, my issue with him is his age. At 32/33 how can you build long term stability in the attacking areas of the park. I also think there is a level of inconsistency in his game he never ironed out.

Yes - another CCM Academy product. He has been around for ages and had very poor output for someone so talented, especially at CCM and City. He has come into his own at SFC though.

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

I think caceras is a good AM, my issue with him is his age. At 32/33 how can you build long term stability in the attacking areas of the park. I also think there is a level of inconsistency in his game he never ironed out.

That is exactly my view. All through his career he's been alternately brilliant and MIA. Not Socceroo quality for me.

 

[Mr Cleansheets]

Speaking of RWBs... Atkinson has been doing pretty well in recent times for City.

I'd prefer Strain, but I'd defintely prefer Atkinson (at anywhere near his best) over Miller or Karacic.

 

[JS96]

Surely Popovic and the coaching team of mostly ex national team players can see the skill and tactical lack of our wing backs. Miller has applied himself the best he can but if Popovic is to persist in this role, Metcalfe is at home there. He can also wander central and even in a 10 space and link up more with a defensive mix keeping an eye on the vacant space.

It's decent how the wingers venture wide and hang narrow. I'm not sure if Bos and Goodwin can work together. We wont and shouldn't try to create an 11 of our best but rather 16 for 90mins.

Irankunda being on the right with Metcalfe behind complements well and would probably see less smothering.

 

[JS96]

Watch Nisbet come on against Indonesia. His passing, movement and vision was just so superior. He basically has a tactical roadmap thinking steps ahead. It'd be a massive shame not to use this.

For me Popovic still needs a 10. I guess Irvine and the narrow wingers do fill the space but reverting to a back 4 should be the long term goal.

 

[JS96]

Velupillay is delivering at international level. Riddle me that Riley. McGree has been so frustrating in his way to not get involved in games. My favourite player but invariably a lot of good players at club level just can't click for a national team. Look at McGinn for Scotland. Absolutely nowhere.