Young excellence, promotion battles, and a happy farewell: The Australian team of the week from players around the globe
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Socceroos players are feeling the pinch of looming cuts ahead of their friendly against the Czech Republic on Friday.
Four players will be axed when the final 23-man squad for the World Cup is announced on Monday.
And the selection squeeze has corresponded with some willing training sessions under new coach Bert van Marwijk.
“The squad is going to be cut down and I think that shows in training,” defender Josh Risdon said.
“The intensity that everyone is willing to put in, it’s 110 per cent.
“And it will be massive for whoever gets a chance (against the Czechs) to put their best foot forward to make sure they’re there in Russia.”
Friday’s friendly, from 2100 AEST Friday, is the last chance to impress van Marwijk before he announces his final squad for the showpiece tournament in Russia.
The Dutchman has 27 players in a squad, training for a week in Turkey before travelling to Austria to play the Czechs.
His approach to the friendly will be intriguing: Will he try to settle a first-choice outfit or rotate through much of his squad?
Will he give much-needed minutes to veteran Tim Cahill or perhaps unveil rising talent Daniel Arzani?
Van Marwijk’s preferred formation will also be scrutinised as he prepares the Socceroos for their World Cup opener against France on June 16 in Kazan.
And Western Sydney Wanderer Risdon is among those feeling the selection squeeze, joining the camp after his A-League season finished in April.
Risdon, who appears locked in a battle with Milos Degenek and Fran Karacic for a right-back role, said he was relishing the high-intensity training camp.
“I’m feeling pretty good, it has helped a lot to get the boys in early,” he said.
“The weather and the training facilities really helps and the intensity of training has been really sharp.
“Everyone has been getting the best out of each other.”
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
What if we celebrated all of the achievements big and small, and weeded out those hell-bent on bringing down a game that is doing a hell of a lot right?
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
Nestory Irankunda has sensationally rejected the chance to play at the Paris Olympics this June after a late bid from the Olyroos to include…
Mathew Ryan's tenure at AZ Alkmaar appears to be over, as the Eredivisie side are seemingly moving on from the 93-time Socceroo. The decision…
One down 49 to go. Socceroos striker Kusini Yengi raised some eyebrows this week when he declared himself to be the talisman striker the…