Aziz Behich has tuned up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and UAE with his Turkish side Buraspor overnight

Caltex Socceroos fullback Aziz Behich has tuned up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and UAE with his Turkish side Buraspor overnight.

In a mid-table battle with Alanyaspor, Behich played a full 90 minutes as his team lost 3-1 to remain 11th in the 18-team Turkish Super Lig.

Fellow Socceroo Mustafa Amini will also link up with the squad after a full game for his Danish side overnight.

Amini’s Aarhus went down 2-1 to fellow battlers Odense to remain 12th in the 14-team SuperLiga.

Also in Denmark, Awer Mabil completed 90 minutes as bottom-placed Esbjerg earned a point in a 1-1 draw with Horsens.

Fellow Aussie Brent McGrath also started the game for Esjberg and played 62 minutes before being substituted.

In the Dutch Eredivisie, goalkeeper Brad Jones returned from injury to play a full part in a seventh win in eight games for high fliers Feyenoord, as they increased their lead at the top of the table with a 2-1 win over Heerenveen.

Feyenoord now have a six-point buffer over second-placed Ajax with six games remaining.

The Caltex Socceroos tackle UAE in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Sydney on March 28.   Click here for tickets.

📸 | Ontlading na een overwinning op karakter! 💪🔥#heefey #Feyenoord pic.twitter.com/4SCWIXd4Jd

— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) March 19, 2017

Source : Football Federation Australia

 

Caltex Socceroo Danny Vukovic on his Tehran return

New Caltex Socceroo Danny Vukovic has arrived in Tehran with a spring in his step, confident that he’ll be ready if called upon by his nation. And it’s a city the keeper remembers well from an earlier trip in green and gold.

Vukovic was part of a successful U-23s campaign for the 2008 Olympics that ended up playing in the Iranian capital on the Road to Beijing.

 

And Vukovic says there are similarities with the current Socceroos campaign across Asia.

“You need to be together as a team,'” he said when asked to draw parallels.

“You go to some to some weird and wonderful places trying to get three points and you need to stick together.

“Not only as a group with the players but all the staff as well – so we [the Socceroos] know we’re on a mission this next week to get six points from two games.

“So we need to be together for that and I know we will be.”

FIRST ARRIVALS IN CAMP

Sydney FC duo Rhyan Grant and Vukovic were amongst the first players to arrive in Tehran after the 20 hour journey on Sunday evening.

They settled straight into their surrounds ahead of Thursday evening’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Iraq.

They will join another 18 team mates at training on Monday afternoon in Tehran after a busy night of Socceroos arrivals into the Iranian capital overnight.

“It feels great. I had feelings I’d never put on this polo shirt again so to be back in the national team is something I’m very proud of and my family’s proud of too,” said Vukovic, who’s been a key part of Sydney FC’s Hyundai A-League stellar season.

He arrived with Sydney FC right back Grant – another green and gold newbie and star with the Sky Blues.

“Everyone’s been very welcoming and obviously I know a few of the staff and a few of the boys but the ones I didn’t [know] straight away come up to me to say hello,” added Grant.

The Caltex Socceroos tackle UAE in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Sydney on March 28.   Click here for tickets.

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

Caltex Socceroos opponent dossier: Iraq

The Iraq starting XI in the last World Cup qualifier against the Caltex Socceroos in Perth.

Need to know about Iraq? Asian football expert John Duerden with all you need on the Caltex Socceroos’ World Cup qualifier opponents this Thursday, including their latest friendly in Iran.

Thursday marks the start of the second half of the third round of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup with Australia travelling to Iran to take on Iraq.

It is only six months since the two teams met in Perth with the Caltex Socceroos running out 2-0 winners after being made to work hard for the three points.

Iraqi bad luck

It has not gone well for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup winner since – it has collected just three points in total from the first five games and sits fifth, one place above Thailand.

A place in the top three in Group B moves from slim to almost impossible should Australia win on Thursday.

There has been some bad luck however and the Lions of Mesopotamia could easily have more points in the bag.

Five days after Perth, Iraq was in Kuala Lumpur – one of many temporary homes in recent years as FIFA deems the security situation in Iraq as not being conducive to hosting World Cup qualifiers – to face Saudi Arabia.

The host took a first half lead and were in control of the game but were undone by two late – and disputed – penalties given to the Saudis and ended up losing 2-1.

It was a cruel blow and there was another one to come in the following game in October.

Iraq went to Japan and after going behind to a first half strike from Genki Haraguchi came back through Saad Abdul-Amir on the hour.

Iraq was heading for a fully-deserved point in Saitama but were undone by a 95 ^th  minute goal from Hotaru Yamaguchi and again, what should have been at least a point ended in a 2-1 loss.

Hope rekindled

Then came a must-win game against Thailand.

Iraq duly did so, with a 4-0 scoreline and it was every bit as comfortable as it sounds with all four coming from striker Mohannad Abdul-Raheem.

This time there were no controversial penalties or goals right at the death to dampen Iraqi spirits. The Thais may not have turned up defensively but there was little doubt from early in the game that Iraq was in control and it was a slick performance.

Unfortunately, the 2015 AFC Asian Cup semi-finalist failed to build upon the win, losing 2-0  at the hands of a talented UAE team in November.

Performances have been better than results but now it is all about getting points.

Preparation

It is never smooth with Iraq but coach Rahdi Shenaishil has had his players in Tehran getting used to the altitude in the city since Wednesday.

He is without US-based midfielder Justin Meram who has not been able to join up with the team

Better news came on Saturday as Iraq did what very few Asian teams manage to do – beat Iran in Tehran.

A second half penalty converted by Saad Abdul-Amir secured a 1-0 win victory. It was the young central defensive pair of Alaa Mhawi and Rebin Sulaka – who plays his football in Norway – who really caught the eye.

It will be a massive confidence-boost ahead of the big game.

How they will play?

Against Iran, the team played a 4-4-2 formation that at times switched to a 4-2-3-1.

Alla Abdul Zahra switched between a role as an attacking midfielder playing just behind Mohannad Abdul-Raheem to lining up alongside him.

Ali Adnan of Udinese in Serie A was on the left side of midfield with Ali Bhajat at left-back and there is a feeling that these two can cause problems down that side with their pace and athleticism, especially Adnan.

When he is on form and fit, “The Asian Gareth Bale” can be extremely dangerous.

As usual however, you are never quite sure which Iraq will turn up and what performance will be produced.

Such unpredictability combined with such talent makes the team dangerous but whatever it is, Iraq has to win.

It should be quite a game.

The Caltex Socceroos tackle UAE in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Sydney on March 28.   Click here for tickets.

 

 

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

Outcome of independent Match Review Panel- Round 23

Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Michael Theo was sent off in his side’s loss to Adelaide United on Sunday.

The independent Match Review Panel (MRP) – consisting of Simon Micallef (Chair), Matthew Breeze, and Adam D’Apuzzo – convened on Monday to consider incidents from Sunday’s Hyundai A-League clash between Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United.

The first matter involved Michael Theo of Brisbane Roar FC which arose in or around the 96^th minute of Brisbane Roar FC’s Hyundai A-League Round 23 match against Adelaide United on Sunday, 19 March 2017.

The MRP has the authority to consider the incident as Michael Theo was expelled from the match by the Referee.

The MRP determined that Theo committed the offence of “Assault on a Player (e.g. violent conduct when challenging for the ball) including an attempted Assault on a Player”.

The Minimum Sanction for the offence is two (2) matches (being the Mandatory Match Suspension plus one (1) additional match).

The MRP has proposed a sanction of two (2) matches, being the Mandatory Match Suspension plus one (1) additional Match.

Under the Hyundai A-League Disciplinary Regulations, Michael Theo may refer the matter to the independent Disciplinary and Ethics Committee for hearing and determination of the sole question of whether Exceptional Circumstances apply and therefore a sanction outside the Range of the Table of Offences should be imposed, provided always that the Mandatory Match Suspension must be served.

Michael Theo has until 12:00pm (AEDT) on Tuesday, 21 March 2017 to advise whether he wishes to appeal the two (2) match sanction proposed by the MRP.

National Code of Conduct

Brisbane Roar FC officials, Craig Moore and Ross Aloisi, have been cited under the FFA National Code of Conduct.

Craig Moore has been cited for alleged comments made towards Match Officials. Ross Aloisi has been cited for an alleged incident with an opposition coach in the tunnel.

Both incidents occurred immediately after the conclusion of Brisbane Roar FC’s Hyundai A-League Round 23 match against Adelaide United on Sunday, 19 March 2017.

Craig Moore and Ross Aloisi have an opportunity to provide a submission by 5pm (AEDT) on Wednesday, 22 March 2017.

The sanctions applicable for a breach of the FFA National Code of Conduct include a reprimand, a fine and/or suspension from participation in a match or matches.

 

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

From school pals to Caltex Socceroo teammates

Mustafa Amini says playing in Germany and now Denmark has made him a better player and ready to perform for the Caltex Socceroos.

There were one or two familiar faces when Musti Amini arrived in Tehran to link up with the Caltex Socceroos this week – including one old school mate.

FACES FROM THE PAST

“I actually went to school with Aaron Mooy and played with him in the Olyroos, so it’s nice to be back with him,” Amini told FFA TV.

“I know a lot of the boys from the Central Coast Mariners days and the Olyroos, so it’s always nice to see old faces.

“It’s a new step in my career and I’m happy to be here.”

A journey which began six-and-a-half years ago on an October night in Gosford could be about to reach its ultimate destination for national team new-boy Amini.

The talented youngster debuted for the Mariners as a 17-year old in the 2010/11 Hyundai A-League season and was earmarked even then as a future Socceroo.

Now with Danish side AGF Aarhus and having been called into a full Australian squad for the first time, his Socceroos dream is close enough to touch.

“It’s been a long journey for me and at the end of the day it was all for the Socceroos [and to] to make my nation proud,” said Amini.

“It’s been a long time but I’m very happy to be here and I’m very excited.”

MIDFIELD SPOTS UP FOR GRABS

There’s stiff competition for positions in the Socceroos’ engine-room for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and UAE with the likes of Mooy, Mile Jedinak, Mark Milligan and Massimo Luongo all vying for roles in the starting side.

But Amini hopes there might be a place for him, too.

Who knows, he may even partner his old school mate “Azza” Mooy?

“With Ange, everyone has to be on their toes,” Amini said.

“No-one knows who’s in the squad. It’s always about playing well.

“I’m a ball-playing midfielder who can control the tempo of a game and get into the game. Hopefully I can show what I can do and make my debut.”

The Caltex Socceroos tackle UAE in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Sydney on March 28.   Click here for tickets.

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

Portuguese coach on Australia’s chances in Tehran

Iran boss Carlos Queiroz says Australia is a stronger team than Iraq.

There is one man who knows the kind of challenge that Australia will face on Thursday night (AEDT) in the Iranian capital Tehran to take on Iraq in the latest round of matches in the third round of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Former Real Madrid, Portugal and Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz is not only the head coach of Iran but faced Iraq on Saturday in the city as part of preparation for both teams ahead of their upcoming games.

Iran is on top of Group A after five games and is on course to finish in the top two spots to progress automatically to the tournament to be held in Russia.

Iraq won the friendly game 1-0 thanks to a second-half penalty from Saad Abdul Amir.

“It was a good warm-up game for us as we have not had any preparations,” the Portuguese Queiroz told www.socceroos.com.au.

“We used our locally-based players as those in Europe are busy with their clubs. It was a good chance for our players to get a run out and to express themselves against quite an experienced team.”

It was a strong Iraqi line-up and the former Real Madrid and Portugal boss has warned Australia to expect a tough match in tough conditions.

“Iraq always has good players and they have been training in Dubai for some time,” said Queiroz.

“Technically the team is good and they are very focused. They will be ready for the game with Australia.”
As well as the likes of Ali Adnan and Mohannad Abdul Raheem, there will be other problems for the Caltex Socceroos to deal with at the PAS Stadium in Tehran.

“The pitch at the Azadi Stadium [where Iran plays] is good but it is the end of winter in Tehran, the other pitches are not in good condition. The playing surface may be a problem.

“Also Iraq have been in the region for some time while Australia has to travel a long way to come and have all their players coming from different parts of the world.”

 

Despite the practical problems, Queiroz expects Ange Postecoglou and his men to take the three points in this Group B encounter, just as it did in Perth last September.

“I believe that Australia is the better team. They have more experience and are more competitive.

“It will be a tough game but they should be able to come through.”

It is a matter of curiosity that since Australia joined the Asian Football Confederation in 2006 it has never faced Iran, in a fixture of any kind either competitive or friendly, though there have been meetings in FIFA World Cup play-offs in the past.

“We made a couple of attempts to arrange a game with Australia,” revealed Queiroz.

 

“It is not easy however. The problem is that Australia plans its national team games long in advance. In this part of the world [Iran], the decision-making culture is more last-minute and it is difficult for us to plan a year in advance.

“I am sure we will meet before long. It would be an exciting occasion for Iranian fans.”

The Caltex Socceroos tackle UAE in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Sydney on March 28.   Click here for tickets.

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

Battle-hardened Jackson Irvine and Aziz Behich pushing for starts

In-form midfielder Jackson Irvine is pushing for a start against Iraq in the FIFA World Cup qualifier in Tehran.

Competition for places is heating up in the Caltex Socceroos squad as players come into camp bang in form ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and UAE.

IRVINE SHOOTING FOR STARTING SPOT

Attacking midfielder Jackson Irvine has scored nine goals to help Burton Albion in their quest to stave off relegation from the English Championship.

“Each gap between each camp gives you the chance to go back to your club and find a new vein of form that will make you available for selection and hopefully be a part of the boss’s plans for the games,” he told FFA TV.

“My approach has always been the same; just try and keep playing as many games as possible and try and learn and develop and if that sees me be a part of the Socceroos squad and starting team then that’s a reward for your form.”

 

SOCCEROOS’ EXPECTATIONS HIGHER

Irvine also spoke with The Guardian about the national team’s growing quality on the world stage.

“It’s a testament to how Australian football’s come that it’s an expectation now that we should be there,” he said.

Read the Guardian story here

“We’ve sort of proven ourselves at that level now and we need to keep pushing. It’s not just about qualifying for World Cups now, we need to do well and progress and go further than any Australian team has before.

“That’s got to be the goal. As difficult as it is, you need to believe that if you keep playing the right way and believing in the system that we have that it will get us to the next level.”

BEHICH READY TO IMPRESS

Full back Aziz Behich has been a fixture at Bursaspor, playing all but one of his side’s games in Turkey’s Super Lig, which he hopes has caught coach Ange Postecoglou’s eye.

 

“It’s the pinnacle of being a footballer, representing your country,” he told FFA TV.

“You don’t always get selected, or you do, but this is a chance for [me] if the opportunity comes to prove that I’m ready to play in that spot.

“Playing back at [Buraspor], I’m just trying to keep fit and play as many games as I can and at the moment my body is in good shape and I’m looking forward to the next ten days.”

The Caltex Socceroos tackle UAE in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Sydney on March 28.   Click here for tickets.

 

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

Who’ll start for the Caltex Socceroos in Tehran?

Matthew Ryan;Rhyan Grant,Milos Degenek,Bailey Wright,Brad Smith;Mile Jedinak,Aaron Mooy;Massimo Luongo,Matthew Leckie,Tim Cahill,James Troisi

 

Football Federation Australia

Tim Cahill: ‘My passion outweighs anyone’s’

 

Caltex Socceroo veteran Tim Cahill says his passion for football outweighs anyone’s.

At a time when many players might be starting to think about life after football, Caltex Socceroos talisman Tim Cahill is doing anything but. He’s still running, chasing back, motivated like never before.

NOT TIME YET

“The time comes when you want it to finish,” 37-year-old Cahill told the Daily Telegraph ahead of Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier against Iraq.

“It has to be a motivational thing – I play because I’m passionate and I love the game.

“My passion outweighs anyone’s, in my opinion. I’m still running, chasing down defenders – not just going through the motions,” he said.

“I feel like I’ve ticked some boxes but I also feel there’s a lot to fulfil. I don’t see myself as a player who wants to finish any time soon, or doesn’t have the appetite.

“When I looked [at the data from his last game for City), I ran 7km in 55 mins, but I’m also asking, could I have got on the end of more crosses, created more, converted more?”

JURIC LEARNING FROM SOCCEROOS LEGEND

Fellow Socceroo Tomi Juric is in awe of his decorated team-mate.

“He’s still in great shape for his age, it’s ridiculous. It’s an unbelievable thing,” Juric told the Daily Telegraph’s Tom Smithies.

“I learn a lot from him as well. You don’t even have to say something, you just have to watch — you can learn a lot.

“You see the attitude he has and you kind of take from that as well.

ON COMPETITION FOR STARTING SPOTS

Despite his iconic status, Juric is doing all he can to keep Cahill out of the starting side.

“We joke around about it all the time,” said Juric.

“We have a good laugh, me and him, about that kind of stuff, but he takes it very seriously when he comes in.

“Obviously he’s happy to see me progress and improve and he’s happy to contribute off the bench or start.

“But you can see he’s still here and still fighting to play.”

CAHILL MENTORS REDS DEBUTANT MCGREE

Cahill has also lent his experience to national team bolter Riley McGree, telling the Adelaide Advertiser he talked with the teenager on the plane journey to Tehran about how to approach his first Socceroos camp.

“We don’t know if this will be our first camp or our last, any of us, you have to leave asking if you’ve given everything,” Cahill told reporters.

“Riley’s ability is exceptional – he has amazing feet, he’s good on the ball, confident and very forward-thinking.”

The Caltex Socceroos tackle UAE in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Sydney on March 28.   Click here for tickets.

Source : Football Federation Australia

Preview: Iraq v Caltex Socceroos

Skipper Mile Jedinak leads out the Caltex Socceroos the last time Australia played Iraq, in a 2-0 win in Perth.

Australia’s qualification campaign for Russia 2018 reaches a pivotal stage with five group games remaining, starting with unpredictable Iraq in neutral Tehran on Thursday night (AEDT).

Four nations divided by just one point, jostling for two automatic qualification spots. It could not be any tighter. The undefeated Caltex Socceroos accounted for Iraq 2-0 in Perth on the opening night of this final round of qualifiers seven months ago. This was followed by a 1-0 win in Abu Dhabi – one of the best results in recent times given the travel and heat.

But three consecutive draws: in Saudi Arabia, at home to Japan and in Bangkok – has stymied Australia’s progress somewhat. To keep their slim hopes alive, the Lions of Mesopotamia – like Australia – simply have to win.  It all makes for edge-of-the-seat viewing on Thursday night.

AUSTRALIAN SQUAD NEWS

Despite being unbeaten in the group, coach Ange Postecoglou clearly had seen enough after those three draws and shook up his squad with a raft of changes for this game and the following one against UAE in Sydney next Tuesday night (March 28).

Ange Postecoglou has veered away from having players who aren’t performing regularly at club level, favouring more battle hardened selections and in-form talents. Ange names 23-man squad for qualifiers I like the look of this squad, with Danny Vukovic, Riley McGree, Musti Amini and Rhyan Grant giving the squad a shot of energy and desire (though Amini was a late arrival into Tehran due to his club commitments).  The squad has had its first, albeit light, session in Tehran on Monday.

In team news, Austrian-based midfielder Jimmy Jeggo’s injury has opened the door for Nathan Burns to return to the squad after the Tokyo FC striker was left out of the final 23.

 

Great session in Iran with the boys ahead of an important game on Thursday!! #GoSocceroos 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/8gGntAKzmw

— Massimo Luongo (@MassLuongo) March 20, 2017

QUALIFICATION PROCESS

AFC has 4.5 spots in qualification for the next World Cup with top two in both AFC groups progressing.
Third place in each group is dragged into a continental showdown home and away with the winner moving into a home and away inter-continental playoff against a CONCACAF nation.

CURRENT WORLD RANKINGS

Australia: 55
Iraq: 122

 

FINAL WORD

Iraq is a very proud football nation. It’s produced big players and successful teams, having won the Asian Cup 10 years ago in the golden era of Younis Mahmoud and Co.

But being so far off the top four sides in the group means they have to win in Tehran to keep their dreams alive.

A loss and it’s pretty much all over for this exciting but unpredictable Iraqi squad (who beat Iran in a friendly last Saturday, 1-0.)

For the Caltex Socceroos the scenario is simple: win to keep top two within their grasp.

Also on Thursday night, UAE host Japan and the Saudis are away in Bangkok. How the table looks on Friday morning will be fascinating.

In fact, a win in Tehran could potentially propel the Aussies to top of the group.

The qualification campaign is about to enter its most exciting phase, starting this Thursday night at the PAS Stadium in Tehran.

It’s time the dominating version of the Socceroos was unleashed. It’s time for Ange’s men to start winning games.

The Caltex Socceroos tackle UAE in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Sydney on March 28.   Click here for tickets.

 

Source : Football Federation Australia