Aloisi, Popovic would love to coach Socceroos, but acknowledge Arnold’s right of first refusal

Socceroo legend John Aloisi believes the nominally vacant national team post should be Graham Arnold’s if he wants it, but both he and Tony Popovic admit they would embrace a chance to take on the role if it one day becomes available. Though his organisation has yet to complete its review of the tournament, Football … More Aloisi, Popovic would love to coach Socceroos, but acknowledge Arnold’s right of first refusal

Australia’s path to World Cup playoffs began long before loss to Japan

SYDNEY — To quote former Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Mora: “Playoffs!?” Yes. Playoffs. That’s where Australia’s hopes of securing a fifth-straight appearance at a World Cup now lie after Graham Arnold’s side were defeated 2-0 by Japan in Sydney on Thursday. Story: https://www.espn.com/soccer/australia-aus/story/4624322/australias-path-to-world-cup-playoffs-began-long-before-loss-to-japan

Socceroos consigned to play-offs as Japan secure World Cup berth with win

Stadium Australia has been the site for many of Australia’s most celebrated moments. Be it Josh Kennedy’s towering header to defeat Iraq and secure progression to the 2014 World Cup or Mile Jedinak’s captain’s hat-trick against Honduras in the 2018 World Cup qualification play-offs. Or, of course, John Aloisi’s famous penalty that dispatched Uruguay and … More Socceroos consigned to play-offs as Japan secure World Cup berth with win

An Aussie football meme sets the scene for the Socceroos’ make-or-break World Cup qualifying climax

The Socceroos take on Vietnam and Oman in the coming days with their World Cup qualification hopes hanging in the balance. JOEY LYNCH sets the scene ahead of a period that looks set to define Graham Arnold’s legacy as Australia’s manager. Full story for Optus Sport: https://sport.optus.com.au/articles/os37911/socceroos-world-cup-preview-analysis-matches-arnold

Australia’s pragmatism vs. China puts World Cup qualification in doubt

Australia’s quest to secure a fifth straight appearance at a men’s World Cup has begun to show dangerous signs of burnout, as coach Graham Arnold’s side put forth their third uninspiring result in a row with a 1-1 draw with China in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Full story published in ESPN: https://www.espn.com.au/football/fifa-world-cup-qualifying-afc/story/4521447/australias-pragmatism-vs-china-puts-world-cup-qualification-in-doubt

‘It’s everything I’ve ever wanted… I feel like I belong here’

Fran Karačić is many things: a Socceroo, part of the league-leaders in Serie B, and, from all available evidence, a pretty good bloke. But if there’s one thing he’s definitely not, it’s impatient. At club level, international level, or even with the opportunity to actually set foot in Australia, he’s never been afraid to wait. … More ‘It’s everything I’ve ever wanted… I feel like I belong here’

Australia homecoming stalemate vs. Saudi Arabia a setback for World Cup qualification hopes

“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity,” Sun Tzu wrote in “The Art of War” around 2,500 years ago. Perhaps, following Australia’s 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia on Thursday, it could be said to be “The Art of Arnold.” Full story published in ESPN: https://www.espn.com.au/football/fifa-world-cup-qualifying-afc/story/4516717/australia-homecoming-stalemate-vs-saudi-arabia-a-setback-for-world-cup-qualification-hopes

Socceroos relishing Australian return as Johnson pushes states to come to the table for future internationals

Football Australia CEO James Johnson has challenged states around Australia to come to the table if they want to host national team matches, as Graham Arnold and his Socceroos’ squad savour the prospect of playing in front of home fans for the first time in over two years.  If the adage that good things come … More Socceroos relishing Australian return as Johnson pushes states to come to the table for future internationals