I understand the Popa hate (regarding some of the football being played) & some questionable selections.
However, I think some people are giving the SPL way too much credit, honestly outside of Celtic, I do not rate the quality of football played at all in this league. The biggest positive to come out of players moving here is that they're next door to England which would potentially put them in the shop window. I think Boyle's performances as well as Miller's against better, more structured opposition is testament to this. They arguably haven't performed at a consistent, decent level for the Socceroos, and how can you be expected to when you are playing such low quality opposition every few week's at club level?
Japan are an awesome team, we'd be blessed to have that depth. I think Popa has done a good job, considering the injuries we've had to endure, as well as the state of the team when he came in. The time to completely regenerate the squad hasn't come yet. I think this test will come after we definitely qualify.
In saying this he has blooded some new, young players. He obviously sees something behind the scenes that most of us don't, and hats off to him, he has gotten results.
On last night's game, it was always going to be tough, Japan's press was immense, they have some unbelievable talent coming through. We were very hard to play through which is great, most of their shots were outside of the box, and outside of Kubo's effort I never really felt like we didn't have them covered.
Circati is already a superstar and bleeds for the Socceroos, I love to see it. Metcalfe is one selection I don't understand. Honestly he is a Temu Irvine, just without the aerial ability or the nose for goal. Touch woeful and doesn't really provide anything outside of work rate.
Subs at half time were on point, every player Popa brought on made a difference, especially in that moment that won us the game.
Hats off to the staff and the boys, we go again next week.
