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World Cup Qualification Thread for 2026 - Socceroos/Asia

JS96 said:
Are there any articles or sources to gauge the discussion from the Japanese perspective?
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Read it before last year someone post about Japan football news in Asean board (couldnt find it now) saying that Japan FA are not interested in this idea of AFC. 99.99% of Japanese fans are against it too in commentsScreenshot_20250510_221322.jpg
 
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I was going to start another thread on Arnie coaching Iraq!

I can't believe it? I thought he was burnt out?

I've lived next door in Kuwait. There will be innumerable hassles on a daily basis for Arnie.
 
Somebloke said:
Okon-Engstler an interesting addition. Also no Botic after a couple of articles seemed to indicate he would be part of this.
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It looks like Popovic is looking at left back with Iredale, Gersbach and Davidson.

Very happy to see Triantis, Balard, Milanovic and Okon-Engstler.

Wish it had Segecic and Botic but they're probably busy sorting Euro moves.
 
Is Okon-Engslter there because of he's dad being the assistant? lol.
In all seriousness its not to say he's not a good player because hes alot of potential especially what he did in the u20 asian cup but it feels like a weird choice given the midfield is the position that is stacked the most.

However its good they can come into camp early as these are big games, assuming the likes of Botic, Arzani, Teague and Velupillay will be added after their finals games are done.
 
Barca4life said:
Is Okon-Engslter there because of he's dad being the assistant? lol.
In all seriousness its not to say he's not a good player because hes alot of potential especially what he did in the u20 asian cup but it feels like a weird choice given the midfield is the position that is stacked the most.

However it’s good they can come into camp early as these are big games, assuming the likes of Botic, Arzani, Teague and Velupillay will be added after their finals games are done.
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He could be a bit of a dark horse for us. Interested to see how he goes in training
 
Barca4life said:
Is Okon-Engslter there because of he's dad being the assistant? lol.
In all seriousness its not to say he's not a good player because hes alot of potential especially what he did in the u20 asian cup but it feels like a weird choice given the midfield is the position that is stacked the most.

However its good they can come into camp early as these are big games, assuming the likes of Botic, Arzani, Teague and Velupillay will be added after their finals games are done.
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I do get leery of favouritism but I don't see that here.

I think Okon-Engstlers underage performances warranted selection in this kind of setting. It's a training camp.

In the formation we're playing a CM that screens, maintains possession and progresses the ball is critical. That's what Okon-Engstler does.

I'm very comfortable with this.
 
Quicky said:
I do get leery of favouritism but I don't see that here.

I think Okon-Engstlers underage performances warranted selection in this kind of setting. It's a training camp.

In the formation we're playing a CM that screens, maintains possession and progresses the ball is critical. That's what Okon-Engstler does.

I'm very comfortable with this.
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We already have Ballard and Triantis for that.
 
Barca4life said:
We already have Ballard and Triantis for that.
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It's a training camp. It lets Popovic see how the options compare.

I think there are some differences in their playing qualities albeit its an apples and oranges argument due to the levels they're playing at.

I see Triantis as more of an aggressive dribbler in his ball movement but I do like his ability to progress the ball with passing too.

Balard to me is more of screener and interceptor, not sure if ball progression is a big feature of his game? Happy to hear from people who follow him more closely.

Okon-Engstler is the best on the ball under pressure and has the best technique and passing range. That said doing it at a much lower level. I think his ceiling is the highest if he can get out of Benfica.

Anyway I like them all and i'm happy all were selected. They offer different things from the same part of the field - and that area is critical to us in Popovic's formation so options are good.
 
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