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
Graham Arnold
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 … Continue reading 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
What will happen in Australian football in 2022?
2022 is shaping to be a significant year for Australian football, but what does that mean for the Socceroos, Matildas, and the A-Leagues? Full story published in The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/dec/29/what-will-happen-in-australian-football-in-2022
Socceroos’ blunt performance against China leaves World Cup hopes on knife edge
The stalemate in Sharjah leaves Graham Arnold’s side winless in their last three games and with their fate now out of their hands Full story published in The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/nov/17/socceroos-blunt-performance-in-china-leaves-world-cup-hopes-on-knife-edge
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. … Continue reading ‘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 … Continue reading Socceroos relishing Australian return as Johnson pushes states to come to the table for future internationals
Socceroos set for significant Saudi test as A-League Men’s trio returns
The Socceroos will be without Tom Rogic and Aaron Mooy for their return to Australia but, in turn, will be bolstered by an attacking A-League Men triumvirate for November’s crucial World Cup qualifying fixtures. For the first time in over two years -- 763 days, to be precise -- Australia’s men will play a competitive … Continue reading Socceroos set for significant Saudi test as A-League Men’s trio returns