2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia: Josh Risdon looks to have made Socceroos berth his own as cut nears
ONE of Bert van Marwijk’s most pressing selection dilemmas was solved, but a number of key decisions will go to the wire as the Socceroos boss weighs up which players to jettison ahead of Russia 2018.
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ONE of Bert van Marwijk’s most pressing selection dilemmas was solved, but a number of key decisions will go to the wire as the Socceroos boss weighs up which players to jettison ahead of Russia 2018.
BIG WIN: Socceroos impress against Czechs
VAN MARWIJK: ‘ We can’t be too satisfied’
A formidable display from Western Sydney’s Josh Risdon in the 4-0 win over Czech Republic on Friday has all but sealed a right-back berth against France.
The Socceroos coaching staff will hold tense talks behind closed doors to decide on which four players will be cut before Monday’s FIFA-imposed deadline for the 23-man squad.
GROUP C: Roos wary of Denmark’s main man
STRIKER RELIEF: Nabbout breaks international duck
Croatia-based Fran Karacic’s card appears to have been marked although intrigue surrounds Milos Degenek – who played at stopper in March – but replaced Risdon at right back in the closing stages against the Czech Republic.
The position of Josh Brillante, who was thought to be vying for a right-back role, could also come under scrutiny if van Marwijk elects to travel to Russia top-heavy with attackers.
Hibernian striker Jamie Maclaren remains in contention just days after being called up on standby for Tomi Juric (knee), and can consider himself gravely unlucky if he misses out after the cold call caught him on the hop, having had no inkling that he was on standby.
Andrew Nabbout’s brace and Juric’s return to full fitness (he trained for two full days before travelling to Austria) kills off Maclaren’s chances.
James Troisi, Nikita Rukavytsya, Daniel Arzani and Dimi Petratos face a nervous wait, with at least one set to miss the cut.
PLAYER RATINGS: Who starred, who flopped?
ANALYSIS: Roos answer plenty of questions
Van Marwijk has been coy when asked about individuals, but broke rank to shower Risdon – who was a fringe player throughout qualifying – with praise after his energetic 76-minute display.
“Not really surprised, but I was very happy with the performance of Risdon. Everything, his total performance,’’ van Marwijk said.
“I knew that in ball possession he can play as a full-back but defending he must become much stronger. He works very hard everyday, so he deserves to play there. I see him improve every day.”
Risdon, whose last game was in the Wanderers’ 3-2 round 27 loss to Adelaide United on April 15, was thrilled with his seventh international outing knowing the spotlight would be on with the right-back position up for grabs.
“Yeah obviously it was (a trial). It’s no secret that spot is up for grabs and I felt like it was a test. I didn’t really think too much about it I just went in confident and I just wanted to take my chance and I did that,’’ Risdon said.
“It is obviously such a big moment (the final cut). Obviously everyone wants to be there and unfortunately everyone can’t. We’ll wait and see, fingers crossed and hopefully I did everything I can today to be there.”
WORLD CUP CHOPPING BLOCK
Socceroos facing nervous wait ahead of final cull
DECISION 1 – Right-back (1-2 players cut)
Josh Risdon - Sealed his spot with a top display against Czech Republic (TICK)
Fran Karacic – Didn’t play a minute, indicating that his World Cup fate is sealed (CROSS)
Josh Brillante – Alarm bells ringing after Milos Degenek came on at right-back (QUESTION MARK)
DECISION 2 – Attack (1-2 players cut)
James Troisi – Unsighted and battling to win a spot in Bert’s heart (QUESTION MARK)
Nikita Rukavystsya – Speedy winger didn’t pay but is viewed as a wildcard (QUESTION MARK)
Daniel Arzani – A late sub and edging closer towards a Russia berth (QUESTION MARK)
Dimi Petratos – Didn’t make an impact when coming on but liked for his technical prowess (QUESTION MARK)
DECISION 3 – Striker (possibly 1 player cut)
Jamie Maclaren – Got minutes as he pushes towards an unlikely World Cup berth (QUESTION MARK)
Tomi Juric – Has nursed a knee problem but will make it if he’s deemed fit (QUESTION MARK)
Tim Cahill – Looks assured of a spot on the plane (TICK)
* Four players must be cut
* Australia must submit 23-man squad to FIFA by Monday
Originally published as 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia: Josh Risdon looks to have made Socceroos berth his own as cut nears