Most nations around the world are playing international football so Socceroos’ absence is puzzling

Australia’s national teams are getting little exposure at the moment, with the spotlight rightfully on the Olyroos. But DAVID DAVUTOVIC writes after their Asian Cup exit, Australia’s “rest window” is puzzling.

Remember the hysteria about no A-League breaks during the FIFA window?

Now, in the first season of its implementation, the Socceroos are having a … break.

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The spotlight is rightfully on the Olyroos — who are also led by Socceroos boss Graham Arnold — for their Tokyo 2020 qualifiers, in part because the Young Socceroos, Joeys, Matildas and Young Matildas are also out of action.

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That Australia’s national teams — with the exception of the Matildas, who play in June’s FIFA World Cup — are getting so little exposure is a column for another day.

This is the first time the Socceroos have not played in a FIFA Window since 2004 — in between the National Soccer League and A-League — with the August 2007 break coming literally weeks after the Asian Cup.

Graham Arnold’s focus is on the Olyroos. Pic: AAP

The 2019 Asian Cup quarter-finals exit indicates that the Socceroos have plenty of room for improvement, so in a window where most nations around the world are playing — even Japan and South Korea — Australia’s “rest window” seems puzzling.

“There are a myriad of reasons as to why the Socceroos are not playing in this window,’’ FFA’s national teams chief Luke Casserly said.

“Arnie has seen 35 players leading into the Asian Cup, so he’s comfortable with that and he was keen for the Socceroos to have a rest after two major tournaments in quick succession.

“Also he’s doing two jobs and the priority now is the Olyroos, who are in Cambodia qualifying.

“There are also financial reasons. This is the toughest financial year in the (four year) cycle.”

While club regulars like Aaron Mooy, Mat Ryan, Mat Leckie and Mark Milligan will benefit from the break, many players are on the fringes at club level would relish international minutes.

In-form Jamie Maclaren would love an opportunity to step up on the world stage again. Pic: Getty Images

Not to mention those on the fringes of the national team, recalling how Chris Ikonomidis was plucked from obscurity in this window four years ago, while Aaron Mooy entrenched himself, in the 2-2 draw away to Germany.

Terry Antonis is in a similar boat — and one year older — to Mooy four years ago, having returned from Europe to reignite his career.

With the Socceroos lacking depth, what a glorious opportunity it would have been for the Williams brothers, Rhys and uncapped Rotherham United winger Ryan, who’s being courted by Wales, to get a chance. Ditto Lawrence Thomas, Fran Karacic, Alex Susnjar, Ajdin Hrustic, Martin Boyle or Adam Taggart.

Experienced players like Bailey Wright and Matthew Spiranovic have yet to play under Arnold, while I’m sure Jamie Maclaren and Ikonomidis would want to carry on their stellar club form into an international.

The Socceroos — ranked 42 and slipping — can ill-afford to take breaks in FIFA windows.

Originally published as Most nations around the world are playing international football so Socceroos’ absence is puzzling