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World Cup Qualification Thread for 2026 - Socceroos/Asia

You need to play someone 3 times to prevent them jumping ship. That would take at least two international windows. Putting them on for 10 seconds isn't enough these days. If these kids lack enough pride in Australia to want to play for someone else then I think we don't need them.
What happened with Pavlesic then? He hasn't played 3-times and likely won't. He signed some paperwork and he's tied. Can we do that? It seems that makes it easier to switch allegiances than stay which is kinda backwards. It feels a lot like FIFA/Europe cooking the rules to favour themselves.
 
What happened with Pavlesic then? He hasn't played 3-times and likely won't. He signed some paperwork and he's tied. Can we do that? It seems that makes it easier to switch allegiances than stay which is kinda backwards. It feels a lot like FIFA/Europe cooking the rules to favour themselves.

He is over the age of 21, wouldn't he be tied for 3 years even with the 2020 rules?
 
At least Vellupillay has proved he can score for the roos. Metcalfe on the other hand no chance in hell.

That 2nd goal 1 on 1 when Nichan scored against Indonesia if that was Duke or Metcalfe that wouldn't be a goal.

I think Metcalfe is overrated so I don't even know why I'm defending him.

But under Arnie, he was played out of position, he's naturally a defensive Mid. You wouldn't expect jedinak to score in open play why would you expect Metcalfe?
 
I think Metcalfe is overrated so I don't even know why I'm defending him.

But under Arnie, he was played out of position, he's naturally a defensive Mid. You wouldn't expect jedinak to score in open play why would you expect Metcalfe?
Metcalfe can score goals too. It's about getting chances to do so and they've been rare. Metcalfe has a good football brain but you could see within 60 seconds goe smart Nisbet is.

We've wasted about 2.5 years of finding a suitable system due to silly positioning and combinations and we're no further along.
 
I think Metcalfe is overrated so I don't even know why I'm defending him.

But under Arnie, he was played out of position, he's naturally a defensive Mid. You wouldn't expect jedinak to score in open play why would you expect Metcalfe?
overrated would imply everyone is singing his praises

he seems to be really talked down?
 
The onus is on Metcalfe and McGree to finally emulate what they do at club level. I'm glad others have put them on notice with good form. We've had a rotten time in getting our best established with injuries and system changes not to mention holding onto an underperforming veteran cohort.
 
The onus is on Metcalfe and McGree to finally emulate what they do at club level. I'm glad others have put them on notice with good form. We've had a rotten time in getting our best established with injuries and system changes not to mention holding onto an underperforming veteran cohort.
no better time than now. Any update on vellupilay?
 
What happened with Pavlesic then? He hasn't played 3-times and likely won't. He signed some paperwork and he's tied. Can we do that? It seems that makes it easier to switch allegiances than stay which is kinda backwards. It feels a lot like FIFA/Europe cooking the rules to favour themselves.
If someone has already played officially at youth level he can switch once only. This is the paperwork that applies to Pavlesic. I still think any player who switches had no commitment to us anyway and we are better off at national team level without them.
 
If someone has already played officially at youth level he can switch once only. This is the paperwork that applies to Pavlesic. I still think any player who switches had no commitment to us anyway and we are better off at national team level without them.
I have been thinking on this and there is a sticking point for me. The WC now show cases your talent to club recruiters around the world. Specially for players who do not come from the traditional footballing nations - ditto the managers. For those who were born in football countries like the Netherlands and now claim Indonesian allegiances, it may give them exposure as to what they can offer under different managers.
So maybe the WC is no longer about just representing your nation.
 
Amazing there hasnt even been a leak about triantis


I think it was a 10 day camp? So i would expect the squad anmouncement at the conclusion around the 30th?
 
I think Metcalfe is overrated so I don't even know why I'm defending him.

But under Arnie, he was played out of position, he's naturally a defensive Mid. You wouldn't expect jedinak to score in open play why would you expect Metcalfe?
Jedinak is DM Metcalfe is a winger for his club. He still played around the box for Arnie. Because he couldnt take anyone 1 on 1 so.arnie moved him around. Yes i do expect him to score some goals in his 21 games for the roos especially he missed so many good chances.

Some people here said he has had some good games. There are a big difference between good outstanding game and just an okay game.

Goodwin had some outstanding games, Irvine just recently the last window. Or even the confederation cup 2016 vs Chile I still remember Irvine was stand out in that game. Aaron Mooy vs France world cup 2018 another example. Luongo in Asian cup 2015.

If he does play again in this window. Maybe you will know what im talking about. I hope im wrong tho and he'll become MOTM for us but I doubt it.
 
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You need to play someone 3 times to prevent them jumping ship. That would take at least two international windows. Putting them on for 10 seconds isn't enough these days. If these kids lack enough pride in Australia to want to play for someone else then I think we don't need them.
Picking him in the squad and then not including him in the team sheet says he isn't wanted. Only then has he looked elsewhere. Solely on Popovic's shoulders if he plays for Greece.
 
I think Metcalfe is overrated so I don't even know why I'm defending him.

But under Arnie, he was played out of position, he's naturally a defensive Mid. You wouldn't expect jedinak to score in open play why would you expect Metcalfe?
I've said it before but Metcalfe is a natural wing back in Popa's current 3-4-3, 5-4-1, 5-2-3 formation.
 
If someone has already played officially at youth level he can switch once only. This is the paperwork that applies to Pavlesic. I still think any player who switches had no commitment to us anyway and we are better off at national team level without them.
I tend to agree with this sentiment.

I'm constantly seeing improved technical qualities for young players on the ball in the AL. All desperate to play for the Socceroos.

Apart from Scottish Cup and Italian Cup games, I don't see much overseas club football to evaluate prospective Socceroos playing in Europe.
 
If the AL final is played next Saturday/Sunday, what happens to the likes of Behich, Villupillay (injured?), Arzani, Teague, Trewin, Tilio, Leckie, re Socceroo selection?

Might add Valadon too. ATM he is playing better than Teague.
 
If the AL final is played next Saturday/Sunday, what happens to the likes of Behich, Villupillay (injured?), Arzani, Teague, Trewin, Tilio, Leckie, re Socceroo selection?

Might add Valadon too. ATM he is playing better than Teague.
They play for the club as is normal. The window doesn't technically start until a few days after and they don't need to be released by the club until the following Monday (I think, it may be tuesday as they are playing in Australia). They may need to temper some of their celebrations as I don't think the coach would be thrilled if they turned up unfit because of self inflicted stuff.
 
I've said it before but Metcalfe is a natural wing back in Popa's current 3-4-3, 5-4-1, 5-2-3 formation.
I don’t think he’s a natural wingback, he played as a box to box midfielder at Melb city plus being a wingback I don’t think he will give you natural width if he’s on the right plus you already have Bos and potentially Farrell down the line to do that on the left.

I think as No.8 or double pivot No.6 with a playmaker beside him I think he can be quite effective but I guess we will wait and find out Popa what thinks of him in the camp they have having.
 
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