World Cup Qualification Thread for 2026 - Socceroos/Asia

[JS96]

We don't know our alternative viable combinations because so much time was wasted always starting Irvine, unnecessarily starting Baccus and O'Neill and then stupid experiments with Brattan and Caceres. To think we had some moments late against Argentina in China with Hustic, McGree, Metcalfe and Robertson on the pitch where they had a couple of very good passing combinations.

 

[onedaywinners...]

Metcalfe has been playing RM/RF for St Pauli. Luongo and Robertson are shouts at 8.

Agree that match fitness may be an issue but fuck it would be good for Mass to be heavily involved in this next window and beyond.

 

[DandyCasey]

Max Balard called up zero minutes, dropped from the next squad.

Triantis called up for zero minutes, maybe Popa rates neither of them.

 

[Quicky]

Thinking on this more, and considering Popovic's system, I think my favourite CM combos are the following:

1. Triantis - Robertson
2. Balard - Nisbet
3. Teague - Luongo
4. O'Neill - Caceres

You can chop and change that a lot too. Looking at the options I don't there is a lot to worry about. We'll find something competitive.

 

[Quicky]

Max Balard called up zero minutes, dropped from the next squad.

Triantis called up for zero minutes, maybe Popa rates neither of them.

I worry about that.

 

[Ozirekt]

Midfield 3 of Triantis/Balard, Teague, Robertson would be ideal. Nisbet if Robertson is still playing hard to get and doesn't accept the call-up