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 Mathew Leckie and Mitch Langerak are set to face off in the Bundesliga this weekend

Caltex Socceroos teammates Mitch Langerak and Mathew Leckie are set to come head-to-head when the Bundesliga season kicks off this weekend.

Leckie’s outfit Hertha Berlin play host to Langerak’s Vfb Stuttgart in the opening round of the new campaign.

Langerak played a starring role in Stuttgart’s promotion to the Bundesliga last season but is currently locked in a battle for a starting berth with Ron-Robert Zieler.

But should the Socceroos gloveman get the nod, he’ll have his hands full with the likes of Leckie, Ivory Coast attacker Salomon Kalou and Bosnian striker Vedad Ibišević.

Leckie, who moved from relegated FC Ingolstadt in the off-season, has started the season in excellent touch after setting up both goals in last week’s 2-0 German Cup win over Hansa Rostock.

In the 2.Bundesliga, Jamie Maclaren’s SV Darmstadt will look to continue their unbeaten start to the campaign when they play host to St Pauli.

Former Roar flyer Brandon Borrello will be hoping to see his first minutes of the season when FC Kaiserslautern travel to Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Source  :  Football Federation Australia

Mat Leckie and Mitch Langerak will meet on the opening day of the new Bundesliga season

Caltex Socceroos teammates Mitch Langerak and Mathew Leckie will face-off on the opening weekend of the new Bundesliga season after the fixtures were announced overnight.

Leckie, who moved from relegated FC Ingolstadt to Hertha Berlin, will host Langerak’s Vfb Stuttgart on the opening weekend of the 2017/18 campaign.

Start in Berlin 👉 https://t.co/wMbx8xAh07 https://t.co/gPoRsIMGq0

— VfB Stuttgart_int (@VfB_int) June 29, 2017

 

After a fantastic season to help Stuttgart earn promotion back into the Bundesliga, Langerak should retain the club’s No.1 jersey for the season opener. REPORTS: Socceroo seals Premier League move And with Leckie likely to be in Hertha’s starting side, the two Aussies will go head-to-head in an intriguing opening weekend of the season in Germany.

Here's a look at our first four games of next season's #Bundesliga – some tasty fixtures right there! 😜 #hahohe pic.twitter.com/wZsHOpGard

— Hertha BSC English (@HerthaBSC_EN) June 29, 2017

Leckie’s Hertha travel to powerhouses Borussia Dortmund in round 2, while they host Bayern Munich in week seven at the end of September. Langerak won’t come up against champions Bayern until December.

Meanwhile in 2.Bundesliga, Caltex Socceroo striker Jamie Maclaren’s first match for new club Darmstadt will be at home to SPVGG Greuther Furth on the first weekend of August. Maclaren’s ex-Brisbane Roar teammate Brandon Borrello and his FC Kaiserslautern travel to FC Nurnberg.

The two former Hyundai A-League stars won’t have to wait long to meet, with their clubs to face each other in round two as Borrello’s Kaiserslautern host Darmstadt at the Fritz-Walter Stadion.

Source  :  Football Federation Australia

 

Hyundai A-League’s influence on Caltex Socceroos squad -Mitch Langerak

Mitch Langerak – Was given a chance by Victory some seven years ago, he shone bright and Borussia Dortmund came calling. Now the Queenslander is back in the Bundesliga with promoted VfB Stuttgart.

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

Socceroos goalkeeper Langerak wins 2. Bundesliga with Vfb Stuttgart

Caltex Socceroos keeper Mitch Langerak claimed the 2.Bundesliga title with Stuttgart overnight.

Sunday, 21 May 2017 –

Michael Huguenin @MichaelHuguenin

Mitch Langerak’s Vfb Stuttgart will return to the Bundesliga as second-tier champions after defeating Wurzburger Kickers to secure their top-flight status for 2017-18.

The Caltex Socceroos goalkeeper played 90 minutes for Stuttgart as they lifted the 2. Bundesliga trophy on Sunday with a thumping 4-1 win.

 

THRILLING FINAL DAY

Stuttgart entered the final day of the campaign ahead of Hannover on goal difference and knowing if they could just match their rivals’ result they would win the title.

Matthias Zimmermann’s thunderous drive just past the half-hour mark steadied the nerves for Hannes Wolf’s side, while a second-half brace from Simon Terodde and Daniel Ginczek’s late strike secured victory for Stuttgart.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUXJ0ilh-mj/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=7#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A3644.3500000000004%7DHaving never previously been relegated from the Bundesliga, Stuttgart have returned to Germany’s first division at the first time of asking.

Wolf’s men finished the season on 69 points, two ahead of Hannover – who drew 1-1 at Sandhausen on the final day – while Eintracht Braunschweig (66) will enter a promotion-relegation play-off against Wolfsburg for a spot in the Bundesliga.

Stuttgart had effectively earned promotion last week due to their impressive goal difference when third-placed Braunschweig lost but Langerak and Co. needed a point against Wurzburger to be mathematically certain.

LANGERAK’S BIG SEASON

Langerak, formerly of Borussia Dortmund, played every minute of Stuttgart’s league season, keeping nine clean sheets from 34 matches.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUXL0TBhHgt/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=7#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A3648.375%7DThe 28-year-old Australian has never played so many games in a season before, with the last time he made over 10 league appearances in a campaign coming in 2009/10 with Melbourne Victory.

The Caltex Socceroos tackle Saudi Arabia in a crucial World Cup Qualifer in Adelaide on June 8. Click Here for Tickets

Source : Football Federation Australia

 

Mitch Langerak stars in Stuttgart’s incredible comeback

Mitch Langerak’s VFB Stuttgart are potentially one result away from promotion to the Bundesliga following a stirring 3-2 away win over Nurnberg in Germany.

Saturday, 29 April 2017 –

Matt Dorman @Matt11Dorman

Mitch Langerak’s VFB Stuttgart are potentially one result away from promotion to the Bundesliga following a stirring 3-2 away win over Nurnberg in Germany.

The Australian shot-stopper helped keep the visitor’s level with 20 minutes remaining after his side had erased a two-goal deficit.

Langerak’s saves proved even more valuable when teammate Florian Klein completed the turnaround in stoppage time.

Stuttgart are now six points clear of second and third, who are both in action on Sunday night (AEST).

The league-leaders will be ready to pounce on any slip-up as they seek to confirm their swift return to the top flight.

Fellow Caltex Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan also contributed to a crucial victory overnight as his KRC Genk eased to a 3-0 defeat of Kortrijk in Belgium.

Three more points puts Ryan’s side a step closer to Europa League qualification.

 

https://twitter.com/VfB_int/status/858297483226689537

 

WHAT A SAVE! That's absolutely majestic from Langerak, who somehow manages to flick Eduard Löwen's header out of the top corner and over.

— Jonny Walsh (@jonathanwalsh_) April 29, 2017

Source : Football Federation Australia

Mitch Langerak continues to impress in Germany

1/1

Mitch Langerak’s Stuttgart remain on top of 2.Bundesliga with six rounds remaining.

Monday, 24 April 2017 –

Jason Pine @pineyzb

The Caltex Socceroos custodian has played a full 90 minutes as VfB Stuttgart recorded a third straight victory to remain top of 2. Bundesliga overnight.

Stuttgart took a 2-0 lead into half-time against Union Berlin and despite Langerak being beaten by a Sebastian Polter strike after 57 minutes, a goal from Daniel Ginczek ensured all three points.

VfB Stuttgart have a three-point lead at the top of the table with six games remaining.

 

 

Source : Football Federation Australia

Mitch Langerak and Matthew Leckie in German action overnight

A late equaliser has earned Mitch Langerak’s VfB Stuttgart a point in their latest 2. Bundesliga outing.

The Caltex Socceroos goalkeeper played a full 90 minutes in his German side’s away clash with Munich 1860.

Langerak was beaten by a 23rd minute strike by French midfielder Romuald Lacazette.

But Polish defender Marcin Kaminski grabbed an injury time equaliser to earn Stuttgart a point.

It was the fourth draw in five games for Langerak’s side.

VfB Stuttgart remain second on the table, just a point behind leaders Hannover with nine rounds to go.

LECKIE FEATURES LATE IN RELEGATION BATTLE

Fellow Socceroo Matthew Leckie was an 88^th minute substitute as Ingolstadt gained a boost in their battle against relegation from the German top flight.

They’ve had a 3-2 win at fellow strugglers FC Augsburg.

Ingolstadt withstood a late fightback with Augsburg coming back from 3-0 down with fifteen minutes remaining.

Despite the win, Leckie’s side remains second-bottom in the Bundesliga, four points from safety with nine games remaining.

TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOR!!! #M60VfB 1:1

— VfB Stuttgart (@VfB) April 5, 2017

Source : Football Federation Australia

Mitch Langerak rues ‘two points dropped’ in Tehran

Caltex Socceroos keeper Mitch Langerak felt Australia dropped two points after scrapping with Iraq in a 1-1 draw in Tehran on Thursday.

On a bumpy pitch in cold and wet conditions at the PAS Stadium in Tehran, Iraq’s late equaliser was some reward for the tenacious Iraqis.

But Langerak, arguably Australia’s best performer on the day, was still bitterly disappointed despite pulling off a couple of key saves to keep Australia in the Group B World Cup qualifier.

This was the Caltex Socceroos’ fourth draw on the trot.

 

NO EXCUSES

“It was a difficult game for us, in these conditions it didn’t make things easier,” the German-based keeper told Fox Sports.

 

“But that’s not an excuse, we have to look what we can do better and how we can dominate opposition a little better than today.”

A GOOD POINT?

“No. It’s obviously two points lost for us. We came here for the three points and no question it didn’t mean it would be easy.”

 

NEW FORMATION AND SURPRISE SELECTION

“It was very difficult. It was obviously unexpected but it didn’t mean I wasn’t ready to play.

“I didn’t come into camp expecting to play but I was ready and once called upon I was hoping for a good performance.”

SUMMARY

“We have to pull ourselves together and focus on the next game. It’s very important we have the next few home games at home.

“It’s always difficult playing away from home. It’s certainly not easy, whether it’s hot or on pitches like today it didn’t make it any easier,” said Langerak.

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