World Cup 2022 – Squad Preview: Australia

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Credit: Alexander Hassenstein/FIFA/Getty Images)

Graham Arnold has announced his 26-man squad for the World Cup as his side aim to replicate their results from the 2006 tournament but they could find it tough. 

The squad is lacking the star quality from previous sides but possess a good team spirit. It remains to be seen whether they have the necessary strength in depth to be able to go far in the tournament.  

It seems that Mathew Ryan of FC Copenhagen will start as first choice goalkeeper and will skipper the side. This is despite the penalty heroics of Andrew Redmayne in qualification. Danny Vukovic is also an experienced back-up.  

There is a worry in defence as Harry Souttar of Stoke City has only just returned to play in recent weeks after a long-term injury. If he can prove his fitness, he is likely to play alongside Kye Rowles of Hearts. Experienced trio of Aziz Behich, Bailey Wright and Milos Degenek all made the list.

The young talent of Nathanial Atkinson could feature at left back. Arnold chose not to select his son-in law, Trent Sainsbury, though. 

Midfield is probably their strongest area in the side. Aaron Mooy of Celtic has will probably anchor the midfield and hope to bring the form with his club side with him to Qatar. Jackson Irvine of St. Pauli and Ajdin Hrustic of Eintracht Frankfurt are possible options alongside him.

The latter was another carrying a knock into the tournament. Much of the other options lack much international experience but will be eager to prove themselves. Tom Rogic was left out after making himself unavailable during qualification. 

Up front has been a bit of an issue as they do not possess the goal-scorers of previous generations. Martin Boyle of Hibernians is likely to lead the line with assistance from the Scottish born Jason Cummings and Awer Mabil of Cadiz. Many of the other alternatives are home-based.

One of these, Garang Kuol of Central Coast Mariners, is set to join Newcastle United after the World Cup. 

Goalkeepers: Mathew Ryan (FC Copenhagen), Andrew Redmayne (Sydney FC), Danny Vukovic (Central Coast Mariners)



Defenders: Aziz Behich (Dundee United), Milos Degenek (Columbus Crew), Thomas Deng (Aibirex Niigata), Joel King (Odense Boldklub), Nathaniel Atkinson (Hearts), Fran Karacic (Brescia), Harry Souttar (Stoke City), Kye Rowles (Hearts), Craig Goodwin (Adelaide United)

Midfielders: Aaron Mooy (Celtic), Jackson Irvine (St Pauli), Ajdin Hrustic (Hellas Verona), Bailey Wright (Sunderland), Cameron Devlin (Hearts), Riley McGree (Middlesbrough), Keanu Baccus (St Mirren)

Forwards: Awer Mabil (Cadiz), Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City), Martin Boyle (Hibernian), James Maclaren (Melbourne City), Jason Cummings (Central Coast Mariners), Mitchell Duke (Fagiano Okayama), Garang Kuol (Central Coast Mariners)

 

About Philip Morrissey

Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile