Wrong - he was in the squad against Indo & China and Popovic just decided not to pick him in the team list for EITHER GAME!!!! This is entirely on Popovic & his coaching staff
Even with hindsight it made no sense not to have him on the bench and those two games especially would've been perfect for the final 5min. As if playing him would even be that risky. We've got Teague who as alright but he got shown up in the last window.
Teague isn't even getting game time at club level, so his favouritism to play him over Triantis was a massive fuck up. I can't even believe it's happened. He better frign throw the kitchen sink into securing Volpato & Robertson!!!
Had hoped to see a Triantis, Balard, Robertson midfield at the WC. So much sleeker and well rounded.
Can we turn Ale Circati into a #6?
Should be Balard.
The extended squad he picked him for was the training camp before the Japan and Saudi Arabia games. Thats when he decided not to come. Sorry I wasn't a bit clearer in my post.
Cap them and lock them in first, THEN draw whatever damn lines you like hahaha.
Nah you have to earn it. Unless we produce a player who is completely irreplaceable (yamal, messi etc) then I'd prefer we have some pride tbh
Like Okon Jr earnt the call up to the Socceroos training squad?
I agree. In the modern game it needs to be done. I don't care much for earning the cap when it's been handed out to unworthy ones already. If you're good enough, lock them in first. Might get Huszti fight like with Hungary but that's something for later.
It's harder to cap tie them these days. They have to play 3 games or get picked in a World Cup or Asian Cup finals squad..
Did I say he earned it?
I know what you mean. But we've had plenty of plonkers who either haven't deserved it or just filled in and never seen again at senior level. Capping a highly promising player means no shame. No doing so is jeopardising the future for a moment's pride.