Why ugly is beautiful for the Socceroos

Why ugly is beautiful for the Socceroos

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.

  • byEmma Kemp

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Socceroos park the bus – eventually – to snatch a priceless point against Japan
Japan 1 Australia 1
Australian soccer

Socceroos park the bus – eventually – to snatch a priceless point against Japan

The draw against the Samurai Blue completes an encouraging first window in charge for Tony Popovic,who has steered Australia’s World Cup qualification campaign back on track.

  • byVince Rugari
As it happened:Own goals only as Socceroos hold Japan to draw in World Cup qualifier

As it happened:Own goals only as Socceroos hold Japan to draw in World Cup qualifier

Tony Popovic’s Australia are out to defy history and build momentum against the Samurai Blue.

  • byEmma Kemp
How Japan became the soccer nation Australia wishes it could be

How Japan became the soccer nation Australia wishes it could be

The Samurai Blue have been faultless so far in World Cup qualifying,their success underpinned by an ambitious 100-year plan for the game. Meanwhile,Australian soccer...

  • byVince Rugari
The ‘Willy Wonka’ moment that put Harry Souttar back on track for Socceroos

The ‘Willy Wonka’ moment that put Harry Souttar back on track for Socceroos

A change in club has proved the world of difference for the Australian defender.

  • byAnna Harrington
‘Great chance to shock the favourites’:Rejuvenated Socceroos up for a blue in Japan

‘Great chance to shock the favourites’:Rejuvenated Socceroos up for a blue in Japan

The Socceroos have beaten the Samurai Blue just once in 12 meetings since the famous Tim Cahill-inspired 3-1 win in Kaiserslautern at the 2006 World Cup,but they will face the runaway group leaders with renewed confidence after a first-up win over China under new coach Tony Popovic.

  • byVince Rugari
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New-look Socceroos shift focus to ‘beautiful challenge’ in Japan

New-look Socceroos shift focus to ‘beautiful challenge’ in Japan

A draw on Tuesday night would be a fabulous result for the Socceroos,but coach Tony Popovic believes they are capable of springing a massive upset over their great rivals.

  • byVince Rugari
Big in Japan:The Socceroo in the middle of world football’s ultimate underdog tale

Big in Japan:The Socceroo in the middle of world football’s ultimate underdog tale

It’s the J.League’s answer to Leicester City:a team of no-name battlers,managed by an ex-high school coach,which is on track to win the title in their first top-flight season.

  • byVince Rugari
Sacked by a fifth division club,Kewell could now win Asia’s biggest prize

Sacked by a fifth division club,Kewell could now win Asia’s biggest prize

The Socceroos legend has taken the baton from Ange Postecoglou and Kevin Muscat at Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos,who have reached the final of the AFC Champions League.

  • byVince Rugari
How Kewell plans to uphold Postecoglou’s legacy at Yokohama F. Marinos

How Kewell plans to uphold Postecoglou’s legacy at Yokohama F. Marinos

The Socceroos legend has been confirmed as head coach of the Japanese club where Ange Postecoglou started an Aussie tradition.

  • byVince Rugari
First-time winner to be crowned at World Cup after Spain,Sweden advance to semis

First-time winner to be crowned at World Cup after Spain,Sweden advance to semis

Spain defied the Netherlands and a mercurial performance from Stefanie van der Gragt to advance,while Sweden blunted Japan’s Women’s World Cup charge and won through to another semi-final.

  • byBen McKay