As the Socceroos squad jostles for positions, who would you take to the World Cup in the final 23?
THE South Africa clash is a huge stage for fringe personnel to press their claims. If you were Ange Postecoglou, who makes your 11 and 23?
IT seems as though there isn’t a country heading to Brazil not treading on egg shells at the moment to avoid any further injuries - and Australia certainy isn’t immune as we enter the three-week countdown until the tournament kicks off.
Curtis Good is the latest defender to throw Ange Postecoglou’s plans into disarray, succumbing to the hip flexor strain the Socceroos camp hoped would be fine by the time the team arrived in Brazil.
He joins Trent Sainsbury and Rhys Williams on the injury table, while Lucas Neill and Sasa Ognenovski have been sent packing.
It brings tonight’s match into South Africa into even sharper focus as Ryan McGowan, Bailey Wright, Alex Wilkinson - and even Mark Milligan - audition for a role alongside Matthew Spiranovic.
The squad departs for Brazil on Wednesday, with Postecoglou trimming three in Sydney, before selecting his final 23 on June 2.
The former Victory and Roar manager says he knows what his ‘27’ will look like – but this South Africa game is the first opportunity to make an in-game impression for a starting XI berth.
So, what would you do?
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WHAT WOULD YOUR FINAL 23 LOOK LIKE?
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Here, we provide you with the basics on how the squad is shaping up.
SAFE
Mile Jedinak – the skipper won’t feature against South Africa as he nurses the groin injury he picked up at the end of his titanic EPL season, but he’ll be the first name on the team sheet patrolling the centre of midfield.
Tim Cahill – the talisman is the face of the Socceroos and he’ll likely lead the line, looking to get on the scoreboard at a third World Cup finals.
Mat Ryan – the goalkeeper of the year in Belgium will be Australia’s No.1, no question about it.
Matthew Spiranovic – what an extraordinary return to the green and gold fold. The Western Sydney Wanderers centre-back is now indispensable because of the paucity of options around him.
Tommy Oar – left-footed, playing regularly in Holland for FC Utretch, a solid contributor through the backend of qualifying and a key to our future. Hard to see him not in the first XI, either.
Mark Bresciano – one of two vice-captains, Bresciano has a crucial role to play on and off the pitch, as a mentor, calm voice and a key passer when Australia has possession.
Mark Milligan – the Victory star could be about to get his first taste of on-field action at a World Cup after being an unused squad member in Germany and South Africa. Now emerges as a centre-back candidate as well, because of the lack of depth and his versatility.
Josh Kennedy – the man who headed us to the World Cup finals could be a crucial contributor and a nuisance to opponents up front, most likely off the bench.
Jason Davidson – the left-back spot is Davidson’s to lose from here. The Heracles Almelo player needs to bring his consistent Eredivise form to international level.
Ivan Franjic – it’s a massive step-up for the Brisbane Roar utility, but it looks as though he’ll get the nod at right-back with his athletic and technical ability that suits the way Postecoglou likes to play.
Mitch Langerak – the Borussia Dortmund man comes in with a knee niggle but will be taken to Brazil as one of Ryan’s deputies.
Eugene Galekovic – consistent A-League excellence will be rewarded with a second World Cup squad spot.
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ATTACKING OPTIONS
Matthew Leckie – the FSV Frankfurt man is in a strong position to be selected and can be deployed centrally or out wide as a technical, pacey attacking threat.
Tom Rogic – sadly, Rogic is probably no longer competing for a first XI berth because of persistent groin problems. It’d be hugely surprising if Postecoglou doesn’t take him, but his lack of game time and fitness is a concern. Hopefully will be fit enough to provide the odd destructive cameo.
Ben Halloran – the Fortuna Dusseldorf man has talked about the intensity of the competition for spots and he’s one who is putting the pressure on the incumbents. With the right hand side looking for speed and attacking intent, he is a really strong chance to be selected.
Dario Vidosic – the 27-year-old has been around the Socceroos set-up for a while without totally establishing himself. Now at FC Sion in Switzerland, the former Adelaide and Brisbane man is hovering on the fringes.
James Troisi – will one of the A-League’s brightest sparks pip one of his European counterparts for one of the wide attacking positions? He did everything in his power for Melbourne Victory and if you want someone in form, it’d be a strong case to take him.
Adam Taggart – he would be an out and out bolter but finishing the A-League as top scorer as put him right in the mix. Should get a run against South Africa and will want to impress.
MIDFIELD EQUATION
Matt McKay – the Roar midfielder has slipped under the radar but his utility value, leadership and long-term involvement with the unit makes him a no-brainer for the squad. Most likely game-time could come at left-back, however, where there is little cover for Davidson.
James Holland – the Austria Wien midfielder will likely get a rare shot in the starting XI against South Africa, the perfect platform to secure his spot as the first in line should Milligan or Jedinak not be one of the two screening midfielders.
Adam Sarota – the classy FC Utrecht midfielder has made a compelling case since returning from a knee injury that ruined his 2013, but he hasn’t featured for the Socceroos for a while. A fascinating choice.
Massimo Luongo – it would be a meteoric rise if the Swindon Town rookie makes it on the plane but Postecoglou is an unabashed fan. This is where it gets interesting – it’s likely two-three of this group will be selected.
Oliver Bozanic – the former Mariners midfielder has adjusted to life in Switzerland and is certainly a chance in what’s a decent pool to choose from.
GOALKEEPERS/DEFENCE
Ryan McGowan – all of a sudden, the Shandong Luneng defender is a huge shout of being in the Socceroos starting XI. Will need to audition well against South Africa, but a squad spot looks pretty certain.
Luke Wilkshire – the veteran of two World Cups should bring invaluable experience to the squad if picked, and it would seem logical for him to go as one of two right-back candidates.
Bailey Wright – Good’s misfortune might be the door opening for this Preston North End 21-year-old to do what Wilkshire did in 2006 – play a crucial role having been plucked from obscurity. By a simple maths equation of the defenders left, he’s a huge shout.
Alex Wilkinson – the likeable centre-half is a late bloomer when it comes to the Socceroos set-up. Has the Jeonbuk Motors defender done enough during the camp to impress Postecoglou? Certainly the most experienced for the remaining centre-back candidates.
Josh Brilliante – the genuine bolter in the squad, Brilliante’s utility value works in his favour. It would be a shock if Postecoglou opts for him over, say, Wilkshire – but we shouldn’t be surprised if he does.
Mark Birighitti – great recognition for the Newcastle Jets custodian to get into the 30, but if the other three keepers are fit, they’re in the 23.
Curtis Good – it’s about a long future in green and gold for the Newcastle United defender. This World Cup has just come too soon.
Originally published as As the Socceroos squad jostles for positions, who would you take to the World Cup in the final 23?
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