The value of foreign-developed players: What Football Australia can learn from Morocco for Socceroos success
Morocco is not the only nation to find success with a large contingent of foreign-developed players - and the Socceroos can join that list.
Unlike most, soccer chief David Gallop is optimistic about Australia’s prospects at the World Cup.
But Football Federation Australia’s chief executive is also realistic.
World Cup fixtures against reigning champs Spain, the Netherlands and Chile have some pundits predicting Australia won’t even score a goal before exiting after the group stage.
Gallop prefers the more simplistic ambition expressed by coach Ange Postecoglou.
“We’re certainly optimistic. That doesn’t mean we’re unrealistic,” Gallop told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday.
“But I like what Ange said in day one of the job, which is: let’s come away from the 90 minutes with the other team not wanting to play us again.”
Gallop said Australian players should relish meeting three top-line soccer nations in Brazil next month.
“There is cause to be optimistic,” he said.
“Yes, we have got three tough opponents. But I think if you talk to these guys (Australian players) today, they would be saying they’re looking forward to playing world-class opposition and testing themselves.
“That is what you want to do when you’re a sportsman and in the national team.”
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Morocco is not the only nation to find success with a large contingent of foreign-developed players - and the Socceroos can join that list.
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