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World Cup Qualification Thread for 2026 - Socceroos/Asia

Unfortunately Oman got a penalty in the 97th minute to draw 1 all and pip Palestine for the 4th spot in that group.
 
verrelli said:
Grez, gotta feel sorry for Palestine. Conceded 97th minute penalty against 10 man Oman! So harsh.
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I've seen it. High cross with Oman never getting to it. Their running either clips his own heel or there's a tangle. Ref points to spot. Typical ME shit. Just so cruel.
 
grazorblade said:
Burgess souttar and ryan have crucial seasons too especially since they probably all need a move
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With Still having left Lens, reports are the SD is seeking a few keeper alternatives. Key they all get decent seasons. Souttar should be fine at Leicester this season.
 
Irvine a lock but I think it shows we can do things without him. Definitely with Yazbek, less so with O'Neill and Teague.
 
We got there with plenty of free air in the end.

Popa relying on our goal difference to let us play the defensive way. All behind the ball most of the time with some attacking play and more of an attacking formation occasionally. No coincidence that the Saudi's were less dangerous when we went forward and had options as opposed to all behind the ball.

Back passing a third of the pitch to create danger to ourselves really sucks and we did it enough to be unsettling in the context of the game alone.

We were afraid to reach in anywhere near our defensive third and they knew it. With good reason of course. The penalty awarded to them was a reminder of what happens. Fantastic in the frame of that game for Maty to make the save and justice they missed the follow up too.

Boyle made a habit of falling today. We would have been better served by him staying upright.

Geria had some odd moments - like running the ball back against two opponents rather than simply playing safe and clearing or kicking it out. Exposed us a few times.

Miller does alright until he doesn't. You can see the cogs turning in his head when he considers what to do in every situation. He is not an instinctive player and it comes through as hesitancy and a slow reaction frequently.

Toure strong and fast up front. Good to see.

Duke showing more skill on the ball than he has for some time in the moment he passed a beautiful ball to Metcalfe. Did the shirt proud today.

Well done Popa and the boys. Did enough to get the result today and we can now hope for a different style of play over the course of some friendlies. I acknowledge the comments of posters on the old forum that we want to see our team play expansive and beautiful football but may only have the players to play Arnie/Popa ball with degrees of attacking/countering football being the difference.

I disagree with that and I don't want that to be the case either. Popa did what it took to get us into the World Cup - now we wait to see if that is how we are going to continue (with perhaps improved implementation of the same style) or if we are allowed to develop more. Very interested to find out.
 
verrelli said:
No Circati in a match where not conceding goals is the focus is the most Popa move ever.
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Don't know why but he hasn't played much in recent times and his efforts last thursday night may have left him a bit flat.
 
75% passing accuracy is nowhere near good enough and exactly why we played so nervously.

Did enough defensively though. I deeply dislike Popa's system and selections but you can't argue with the results. We are hard to beat.
 
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