Caltex Socceroos fans pick their 23-man squad for Japan and Thailand

The Caltex Socceroos squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Thailand will be trimmed to 23 on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Ange Postecoglou will pick his 23-man Caltex Socceroos squad for Australia’s upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Japan and Thailand.

With these fixtures to decide Australia’s fate for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, we asked fans who they thought should be chosen in the Socceroos’ final squad.

Which midfielders make the final 23? https://t.co/SToea5mveB

— Caltex Socceroos (@Socceroos) August 18, 2017

And the votes are in! Here’s the 23-man Socceroos squad as chosen by the fans.

GOALKEEPERS

Mat Ryan, Mitch Langerak and Danny Vukovic.

*Ryan was clearly the most popular choice with almost 38% of the vote with Langerak and Vukovic the next two most preferred between the sticks.

DEFENDERS

Trent Sainsbury, Bailey Wright, Matthew Spiranovic, Milos Degenek and Matt Jurman.

*Sainsbury was clearly first choice in the heart of the Socceroos defence ahead of the dependable Bailey Wright and the returning Matthew Spiranovic. Milos Degenek earned a call-up as did former Sydney FC centre-back Matt Jurman.

 

Central midfielders – Aaron Mooy, Mile Jedinak, Mark Milligan, Jackson Irvine, Massimo Luongo and Mustafa Amini.

Wing-backs – Mathew Leckie, Brad Smith, Aziz Behich, Alex Gersbach.

*Huddersfield star Aaron Mooy was the popular choice amongst the fans just ahead of teammates Mat Leckie and Mark Milligan.

ATTACKERS

Tom Rogic, Tomi Juric, Tim Cahill, James Troisi and Robbie Kruse.

*Celtic ace Tom Rogic was the overwhelming choice of the Socceroos faithful ahead of the improving Tomi Juric and all-time leading scorer Tim Cahill.

CALTEX SOCCEROOS 23-MAN SQUAD (as chosen by fans)

Mat Ryan, Mitch Langerak, Danny Vukovic, Trent Sainsbury, Bailey Wright, Matthew Spiranovic, Milos Degenek, Matt Jurman, Aaron Mooy, Mile Jedinak, Mark Milligan, Jackson Irvine, Massimo Luongo, Mustafa Amini, Mathew Leckie, Brad Smith, Aziz Behich, Alex Gersbach, Tom Rogic, Tomi Juric, Tim Cahill, James Troisi and Robbie Kruse.

Source  :  Football Federation Australia

Caltex Socceroos: club form update

A month out from their crucial World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Thailand, we track the club progress of some of the overseas-based Caltex Socceroos.

Tomi Juric (Luzern, Switzerland)

The 2017/18 Swiss Super League season is already underway, and Juric started with a bang, scoring in his side’s very first game, a 1-0 win over Lugano.

Tommy Rogic (Celtic, Scotland)

The Scottish giants have won through to European Champions League play-off round with a 1-0 aggregate win over Norway’s Rosenborg. Rogic played a full part in the first leg and came off the bench in the second.

Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield Town, England)

Newly-promoted Huddersfield open their English Premier League campaign away at Crystal Palace next Sunday, and have warmed up with friendlies against Italian club Udinese and German outfit VfB Stuttgart.

Milos Degenek (Yokohama, Japan)

The Caltex Socceroos defender played a full 90 minutes in his side’s latest J-League encounter, a 2-2 draw with Shimizu.

Mat Ryan (Brighton and Hove Albion, England)

The Caltex Socceroos number one played a full part in his new side’s friendly against Spanish side Girona as they build towards a blockbuster Premier League opener against Manchester City next weekend.

Aziz Behich (Bursaspor, Turkey)

The energetic left-back has caught the eye of Turkish giants Galatasaray who are reportedly keen on signing him ahead of the new Super Lig season starting next weekend.

Mile Jedinak (Aston Villa, England)

The Caltex Socceroos skipper is still battling the groin injury that ruled him out of June’s Confederations Cup and won’t be fit to start the Championship season with Villa this weekend.

Trent Sainsbury (Jiangsu Suning, China)

With his loan spell at Inter Milan over, the Caltex Socceroos defender has returned to China, but hasn’t featured for his club with speculation of a number of offers for his services.

Mathew Leckie (Hertha Berlin, Germany)

The Caltex Socceroos attacker joined Hertha at the start of July and debuted for his new side last weekend.

Source  :  Football Federation Australia

Hyundai A-League’s influence on Caltex Socceroos squad -Aziz Behich

Aziz Behich – Made his name with Victory followed by cross-town rivals Heart (now City). Laid the platform for his career in the Turkish Super League (currently with Bursaspor).

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

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

 

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

Caltex Socceroos weekend update-18/March/2017-19/March/2017

Winger Mat Leckie has a date with Borussia Dortmund this weekend before joining up with the Caltex Socceroos.

It’s the crucial weekend before the Caltex Socceroos meet up in Tehran ahead of next week’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Iraq.

Australia tackles Iraq in Tehran on March 24 (AEDT) before returning home to host UAE at the Sydney Football Stadium on March 28.

We take a look at the players’ schedule over the coming days for their clubs.

Mustafa Amini

AGF, in the Danish Superliga, next play in the early hours of Monday morning (AEDT) against OB.

Aziz Behich

Played 90 minutes for Bursaspor last weekend and could see more action on Monday (AEDT) with his side at home to Alanyaspor in the Turkish league.

Tim Cahill

Had the week off due to the split round in the Hyundai A-League but will be hopeful of some more minutes as Melbourne City host Newcastle Jets in the Hyundai A-League on Saturday night.

Milos Degenek

Yokohama F Marinos host Albirex Niigata on Saturday afternoon in the J-League.

Rhyan Grant

Will come into camp fresh but fit with the Sky Blues having a tough week on the track with no game due to the split round in the A-League.

Jackson Irvine

The ultra-consistent Burton Albion midfielder is set to play on Sunday (AEDT) at home to Brentford.

Mile Jedinak

The Socceroo skipper was immense in Aston Villa’s win over Sheffield Wednesday last weekend with Steve Bruce’s side next in action on Sunday away to Wigan Athletic.

James Jeggo

The former Adelaide midfielder’s Sturm Graz travel to tackle Admira this weekend.

Tomi Juric

The powerful striker’s FC Luzern host third-placed Sion this weekend.

Robbie Kruse

The winger has started in both of Liaoning’s first two Chinese Super League fixtures but won’t have a chance to add to that tally before coming into camp.

Mitch Langerak

The Stuttgart shot-stopper has been in fine touch in Germany and will get another chance to impress on Saturday away to Greuther Fürth.

 Mathew Leckie

The Socceroo flyer has been a regular for FC Ingolstadt in the Bundesliga this season. Leckie’s side travel to tackle giants Borussia Dortmund on Saturday (AEDT).

Massimo Luongo

Luongo’s QPR are next in action on Sunday at home to struggling Rotherham.

Riley McGree

The shock inclusion in the squad, McGree’s Adelaide host Brisbane Roar on Sunday in the Hyundai A-League.

Mark Milligan

The versatile midfielder has been playing regularly with UAE club Bani Yas but saw red in his side’s 6-2 loss to Al Wahda last weekend. Won’t see any further action before coming into camp.

Aaron Mooy

Arguably Australia’s most important player, Mooy has enjoyed a sensational season in the English Championship with Huddersfield Town and could feature more prominently in Saturday’s fixture away to Bailey Wright’s Bristol City.

Mat Ryan

The keeper played 90 minutes in Genk’s Europa League Round of 16 second leg tie against Gent on Friday (AEDT) before linking with the national team.

Trent Sainsbury

Hasn’t seen any game time since his loan move to Serie A giants Inter Milan in January.  The classy defender’s next chance of match action is on Sunday with Milan away to Torino.

Brad Smith

The flying left-back has struggled for game time at EPL outfit AFC Bournemouth, who are at home to Swansea City on Sunday morning (AEDT).

James Troisi

The Victory star is arguably the hottest player in the A-League right now. Victory has the week off due to the split round but Troisi will come into camp full of confidence after a sparkling month.

Daniel Vukovic

Vukovic capped his selection with another clean sheet – his 11th of the season – in Sydney’s 1-0 win over the Mariners on Friday night. Won’t have another game before coming into camp.

Rhys Williams

Williams played a full match for Glory in last Saturday’s loss to Sydney FC. Perth not in action this week.

Bailey Wright

The no-nonsense defender has been a pillar of consistency since joining Bristol City, who are next in action on Saturday at home to Mooy’s Huddersfield Town.

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

Aussies abroad: Craig Goodwin stars and Aziz Behich’s Turkish heroics

 

Tim Cahill came off the bench to score the winner as the Socceroos downed UAE 1-0 in Abu Dhabi.

Sunday, 11 September 2016 –

John Greco @Grecs7

Caltex Socceroo Craig Goodwin got the better of a fellow Aussie in the Eredivisie while Aziz Behich produced a moment of magic in Turkey as a host of Aussies impressed for their clubs overnight.

 

It was an all Australian battle in the Netherlands as Goodwin’s Sparta Rotterdam drew 1-1 at FC Groningen, the home of left-back Jason Davidson.

The pair both got through a strong 90 minutes for their respective clubs but it was Goodwin who caught the eye, setting up the visitor’s equaliser on 18 minutes.

Elsewhere in the Netherlands, goalkeeper Brad Jones helped Feyenoord maintain their 100 percent record as they beat ADO Den Haag 3-1 to remain at the top of the ladder.

Another good win, another strong performance⚽️💯% pic.twitter.com/SmJ2Dc8U5e

— Brad Jones (@Brad_Jones1) September 11, 2016

Daniel De Silva also managed 73 minutes for Roda JC but they went down 2-0 at Go Ahead Eagles. After his exploits with the Caltex Socceroos over the last fortnight, Mat Ryan was left on the bench as Valencia slumped to a 3-2 loss at home to Real Betis in La Liga. Caltex Socceroo skipper Mile Jedinak also watched from the bench in the Championship, with Aston Villa conceding late on to draw 2-2 against Nottingham Forest. Aziz Behich proved himself to be a hero for Bursaspor in Turkey as they recorded a huge 1-0 win on the road over giants Fenerbache. The home looked certain to draw level in the second half only for Behich to somehow get back on the line and acrobatically clear the ball off the line to preserve his side’s lead and secure a massive three points.

 

Behich! Behich! Behich!
pic.twitter.com/QbI6pEOuhG

— Emre (@teksevgilibursa) September 11, 2016

In Norway, fellow left-back Alex Gersbach played another full 90 for Rosenborg who won 2-0 at Stabaek to stay top of the league in Norway. Trent Sainsbury came on in the final 10 minutes for Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning, who crushed Shíjiāzhuāng Ever Bright 6-1, while Apo Giannou didn’t feature in Guanghzhou R&F’s 1-1 draw with Shanghai Shenhua.

 

Football Federation Australia

Aziz Behich extends Turkey stay

Socceroos fullback Aziz Behich has committed his future to Bursaspor, signing a new three-year-deal to remain with the Turkish club.

The 25-year-old’s contract was due to expire in May but the former Melbourne Heart defender will now remain with the Süper Lig club until 2019.

Behich confirmed the deal on his Twitter account on Friday.

I am very happy to announce I have re-signed with bursaspor for another 3 years. I am excited for what is ahead! 🐊👊 pic.twitter.com/sOdNhwpZOq

— Aziz Behich (@AzizBehich) March 3, 2016

The Melbourne-born fullback has made 46 appearances for Bursaspor since joining from Heart in 2013, though he spent the 2013/14 season on loan with the Hyundai A-League side.

Bursaspor are currently sitting 10th in the Super Lig.

With his club future now secure, Behich will be looking to force his way back into the Socceroos setup after missing November’s World Cup Qualifiers against Kyrgyzstan and Bangladesh.

The Socceroos face Tajikistan and Jordan on home soil later this month, with Ange Postecoglou set to name his squad for the clashes midway through next week.

Football Federation Australia

Aussies abroad: Socceroo on target in Turkey

Aziz Behich scored in Turkey overnight.

 

Socceroos fullback Aziz Behich found the net in Turkey overnight as his Bursaspor outfit played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at home to İstanbul BB.

The 25-year-old put the hosts 3-1 up in the 65th minute, combining beautifully with Deniz Yilmaz on the edge of the area before calmly slotting the ball home.

Unfortunately for Behich’s side, İstanbul struck twice in quick succession to rescue to a point, leaving Bursaspor in 10th on the Super Lig table.

In England, Mile Jedinak played a full match as Crystal Palace earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Swansea City.

In the Championship, in-form Socceroo Massimo Luongo got through 90 minutes as QPR secured a 1-0 win over Ipswich Town at Loftus Road.

Bailey Wright started and got through a full game as Preston North End downed Huddersfield Town 2-1 at home. Jason Davidson was an unused substitute for The Terriers.

In League one, Chris Herd played 90 minutes as Chesterfield lost 1-0 at home to Peterborough while Brad Inman was again on target as Crewe Alexander defeated Rochdale 2-0.

Alex Cisak kept a clean sheet as Leyton Orient secured a 1-0 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park in League two.

 

In Germany, Mat Leckie got through a full match as FC Ingolstadt downed Augsburg 2-1 at home, while Ben Halloran played 62 minutes as Fortuna Dusseldorf lost 1-0 to Heidenheim.

In Scotland, Scott McDonald was on target as Motherwell went down 2-1 to Inverness in the Scottish Cup.

 

Football Federation Australia

 

 

Aziz Behich : Socceroos must win in style

Australian defender Aziz Behich says just winning Wednesday morning’s World Cup qualifier against Kyrgyzstan isn’t good enough for the ambitious Socceroos.

“We want the win but obviously do it in the style that we know how to do it,” the defender told FFA TV.

“We want to make a statement at the same time.”

The Socceroos are expected to have a battle with the world’s 177th-ranked nation in the unfamiliar surrounds in Bishkek on Wednesday morning (AEST).

However, Ange Postecoglou’s side is well-prepared, well-drilled and desperate to get off to a flying start on their road to Russia 2018.

A week-long training camp in grueling heat in Dubai now complete, Behich says the side is ready for anything that gets thrown at them against the little-known Kyrgyzstan.

“We’ve done a bit of video analysis on them. They are going to be a good side that’s going to fight against us,” the Bursaspor left-back said.

“They are playing at home so we are expecting a tough game but we approach every game the same. It’s not going to be any different.

“As a footballer you just have to take it on board and continue,” he added when asked about the different conditions in Kyrgyzstan.

“I think we have a good enough side to put those little things past us because they are playing in the same conditions as us.

Football Federation Australia