Australia’s rollicking 2-2 draw with Bahrain was another surprise result in one of the most bonkers World Cup qualifying groups ever seen.
It was another head-scratching performance from Tony Popovic’s team as the Socceroos try to claw their way into the 2026 World Cup.
Herve Renard,who coached France at last year’s Women’s World Cup,has returned to haunt Australia ahead of Thursday night’s crucial showdown with Saudi Arabia.
Coach Tony Popovic says Alex Robertson,who is attracting interest from English Premier League clubs,has chosen to “not make himself available” to play for Australia.
Five things we learnt from Tony Popovic’s first two fixtures in charge of Australia,as the national team stays in the hunt for direct World Cup qualification.
Tony Popovic’s first match as Socceroos coach is the team’s most consequential World Cup qualifier in years,but he appears to be very much ready to meet the moment that awaits on Thursday night against China.
The new national team boss is broadly perceived as a hot-tempered authoritarian – and while there’s a bit of that about him,few know the real Tony Popovic.
Players have to take their share of the blame for the results that led to Graham Arnold’s exit as coach,Socceroos star Craig Goodwin says,as a new era beckons this week.
Ipswich Town’s Massimo Luongo,the only Australian outfielder to have featured in the Premier League this season,is back in green and gold.
It is fascinating that Football Australia has opted to swing heavily back towards an authoritarian managerial approach more like that of Ange Postecoglou.
Three days after Graham Arnold’s shock exit was publicised,his replacement has been unveiled - and has vowed to restore the fading pride in the Australian jersey.