New Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou today unveiled a 22-player squad for his first match in charge of the national side, for an international friendly match against Costa Rica.
The real bolter of the squad is Korean-based defender Alex Wilkinson, who receives his first call-up to the Socceroos squad after an impressive season with Jeonbuk Hyundai in the K-League.
Defenders Luke Wilkshire and Sasa Ognenovski have been cut from the squad.
The 22-man squad contains four A-League players, Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar), Matt McKay (Brisbane Roar), Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory) and Michael Zullo (Adelaide United).
Ryan McGowan returns to the Socceroos squad after missing the previous matches against France and Canada as does Tom Rogic, who was ruled out of last month’s matches due to injury.
“I’m excited by the squad we have named to face Costa Rica on November 19 at Allianz Stadium and look forward to working with the players and staff when they come into camp early next week,” Postecoglou said.
“The first task is to have a good look at the bulk of the players who played a significant part in qualifying Australia for the 2014 World Cup and also giving opportunities to players I think have the ability to improve the team.
“I want to give every Australian player the best opportunity to stake a claim for Brazil and beyond.”
The announcement of the squad has been tempered by the fact that Australia’s greatest ever goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer last night retired from international football, after he was originally selected in the squad.
Schwarzer retires as the most capped Socceroo player in history, representing Australia with pride in 109 appearances for the National Team, which included two FIFA World Cups.
Postecoglou paid tribute to Schwarzer: “Mark has been a tremendous servant for the national team. He is our most capped Socceroo, has been one of our best performers over a long period of time and he has always remained passionate about playing for Australia. I know the Australian football community will join me in paying tribute to Mark for everything he’s done for the Socceroos.”
This will be the first senior men’s international match between Australia and Costa Rica.
Costa Rica, ranked 31st, have also qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup after finishing in second in CONCACAF.
Socceroos Squad for Costa Rica International Friendly – 19 November 2013
| Player | Club, Country | Caps (goals) |
| Oliver BOZANIC | FC Luzern, SWITZERLAND | 1 (0) |
| Mark BRESCIANO | Al Gharafa, QATAR | 72 (13) |
| Tim CAHILL | New York Red Bulls, USA | 65 (28) |
| Jason DAVIDSON | SC Heracles Almelo, NETHERLANDS | 3 (0) |
| Ivan FRANJIC | Brisbane Roar, AUSTRALIA | 5 (0) |
| James HOLLAND | FK Austria Vienna, AUSTRIA | 12 (0) |
| Mile JEDINAK | Crystal Palace FC, ENGLAND | 41 (3) |
| Josh KENNEDY | Nagoya Grampus, JAPAN | 34 (17) |
| Robbie KRUSE | TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen, GERMANY | 28 (3) |
| Mitchell LANGERAK (gk) | B.V. Borussia 09 Dortmund, GERMANY | 2 (0) |
| Matthew LECKIE | FSV Frankfurt 1899, GERMANY | 4 (1) |
| Ryan McGOWAN | Shandong Luneng Taishan FC, CHINA PR | 7 (0) |
| Matthew McKAY | Brisbane Roar, AUSTRALIA | 44 (1) |
| Mark MILLIGAN | Melbourne Victory, AUSTRALIA | 25 (2) |
| Lucas NEILL | Omiya Ardija, JAPAN | 95 (1) |
| Tommy OAR | FC Utrecht, NETHERLANDS | 11 (1) |
| Tom ROGIC | Celtic FC, SCOTLAND | 7 (0) |
| Mat RYAN (gk) | Club Brugge KV, BELGIUM | 3 (0) |
| Dario VIDOSIC | FC Sion, SWITZERLAND | 18 (1) |
| Rhys WILLIAMS | Middlesbrough FC, ENGLAND | 13 (0) |
| Alex WILKINSON | Jeonbuk Hyundai FC, KOREA REPUBLIC | – |
| Michael ZULLO | Adelaide United, AUSTRALIA | 10 (0) |
pbedo
Guest
...yes, spoiling some great team moves with his wayward passing
Squizz
Guest
For those who think Jedinak won't play under Ange at DM I think you will be surprised. Simply put he is the guy most likely to stop players coming thropugh the middle. He is just a more complete destroyer than Milligan, Holland, Williams or McKay. Given that, and the fact that defence has been a problem I would move Milligan back to CB where our problems really are. After Neill, who I think will use this as farewell game, moves on I suspect that Herd will be the starting RB and Williams and Milligan will be at the centre of defence going forward. I've also heard that Rogic is injured. Irrespective, he needs game-time at Celtic or needs a loan move or he won't make the plane. I'd like to see Kennedy play in a team that doesn't rely on long balls. He doesn't just head the ball OS. Cahill to start on the bench as I don't think Cahill and Kennedy play well together For this game I'd like to see --------------------Ryan-------------------- Williams-----Milligan-----Neill-----Davidson -------------Jedi------Bresc------- ----------------Bozanic-------------- Kruse-----------Kennedy----------------Oar Wilkinson to replace Neill at 50 mins Cahill on for Bozanic, Leckie for Kennedy and Franjic for Williams for the last 30mins.
Realfootbal
Guest
Lordy, Lordy, I feel the temperature risin'... Ah yes, optimism. The possibility of a Socceroos team that won't be footballing Mogadon. In fact, we KNOW it won't. And Holger consigned at last to deserved oblivion (albeit with a million bucks to keep him warm). I wonder how Verbeek has done with Morocco's youth team? Actually, I don't. Both of them were a blight on our game and on our proud Roos. I am so looking forward to the Costa Rica game. It's been many years since I could say that and mean it.
Realfootbal
Guest
He also found Mebratu playing football in a local park. Miron certainly knows a good footballer. His problem is with teams.
Justin Thighm
Roar Guru
No one's doubting Luca$'s loyalty or commitment. Its his speed and agility that's the issue. I've always thought Alex Wilkinson is an excellent defender and leader from the back and look forward to him playing,
Justin Thighm
Roar Guru
And no Nicky Carle either . . .
Cameron
Roar Guru
Was this comment.meant for me? Because your team is identical to Fuss's, barring the lineup.
Nick
Guest
I'm hoping that Ange plays Cahill in his regular 10 role rather than as a number 9. Otherwise, as a false-9 the way Ange plays with Victory. Or even have Vidosic up front ————Langerak———- Franjic—-Wilkinson—McGowan—-Davidson ———Milligan——-Bresciano ———Timmy ---Rogic——— Kruse————-————–Oar 2nd half ————Ryan———- Rhys Williams—-Lucas—Jedinak—-Zullo ———Holland——-McKay ———Vidosic—Kennedy—— Leckie————-————–Bozanic
bribieboy
Guest
A good squad with very few surprises I will wait until after the Costa Rica game to comment. I would have left Lucas out at this stage as we know how he is playing. He has been fantastic for us over many years and at his best was a class above most of the current squad, but he has slowed down and should step down rather than getting dropped. Not too sure of McKay at international level but who is better? Will be interesting to see APs selections
j binnie
Guest
Ben -Very true. Of the squad of 19 that were available for the Canada game (+ Milligan) making it 20, Ange has picked 16 of the same players. His "outs" were not unexpected Oga,Ruka,Carney & Irvine, their replacements + an extra 2 ,mostly have youth on their side with the exception of Wilkinson who should have been tried while still at CCM. As you so rightly say it will be interesting to see how they line up. jb
Ben
Guest
Still no call up for Lowry. What does he have to do? I'd really like to see him tried at left back. Defensively sound and can also score free kicks -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
jamesb
Guest
Not a bad squad from Ange, although there a few that I would not have picked. Good to see Wilkinson get given a go, as I stated his case in another article earlier today. Sure, he is 29, but he is a good short term option until the likes of Good, Sainsbury, Dylan McGowan and Jimenez come through. Although Sainsbury could be a chance to make it to Brazil. Out of this squad of 22, I'll rate the players chances of making it to Brazil. Good Chance: (11) Bozanic, Davidson, Kruse, Oar, Ryan, Langerak, Leckie, Vidosic, Williams, Jedinak, Holland Maybe: (10) Cahill, Bresciano, Kennedy, Ryan McGowan, Franjic, McKay, Milligan, Wilkinson, Zullo, Rogic, No Chance: (1) Lucas Neill I picked Holland in the "good chance" category for 2 reasons. He has played Champs League, and it would force Jedinak to play CB. In the "maybe", they will probably make the squad, but Cahill and Bresciano are not getting any younger. There will always be a question mark on those two due to their age. As for the rest, they have to prove themselves. In the "no chance", we can't pick a 36 year old CB. Time to go Lucas. Players that could force themselves in the squad are Lowry, Sainsbury, De Vere, Herd, Sarota, Troisi, Galekovic and maybe......Kewell.
whiskeymac
Guest
Luongo might be a consideration, he seems to get good reports...
whiskeymac
Guest
Very roar pre Utrecht. It's a reasonable team. I think it's a start, with some possible variables like juric duke Irvine rogic etc
Stratty
Guest
I hope Olly Bozanic can step up into national team nicely. Rated him in the A-League. It'd be interesting to see how Paartalu is going OS. He was the rock of the Roar side from a few years back and a class ball distributor. Would give the midfield some steel and height off set pieces. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
whiskeymac
Guest
Agree mid. The vitriol is bandwagonish at times, his past maybe greater than his prospects but he has been a positive overall. Blame the selector not the selected!
Midfielder
Guest
I like this side....
Midfielder
Guest
Jukes Thats a bit unfair he has been a very loyal player and in the dark days of distance past when we asked players to pay their own airfares he turned up and for all games... He has also represented football excellently in the media ... some argue that is why he is being picked because of his media savoy ... But a player who has been loyal for years lead the team with pride and at times been the best on park [maybe not for a while] ... but he should be paid respect and allowed out in a decent manner ...
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
@Phutbol I'm pretty sure it can be as many subs as both teams agree? I know in 2003 ENGvAUS, England made 11 subs at HT ... allowing a bloke called Wayne Rooney to make his 1st appearance for England's senior team.
Phutbol
Guest
11 subs? I thought it was only 6 in friendlies Fuss?