Almost half of Graham Arnold’s 26-man squad in Qatar has a Scottish connection in a football tradition that goes back 100 years
Australia's Jackson Irvine and Harry Souttar, who both have Scottish connections, train at the Aspire Academy in Doha.Australia's Jackson Irvine and Harry Souttar, who both have Scottish connections, train at the Aspire Academy in Doha.Last modified on Tue 15 Nov 2022 00.40 GMT? The country’s World Cup drought might have extended to 24 years when they failed to qualify for the 2022 edition, but that doesn’t mean Scotland isn’t being represented at football’s global showpiece in Qatar.
There has always been a strong connection between the two countries, given the deep colonial roots of modern Australia, especially when it comes to football. A century later, as the Socceroos prepare for their sixth World Cup appearance, there is another strong Scottish presence in Graham Arnold’s 26-man squad. The more things change the more they stay the same.
Fast forward to 1985 and the two nations met in a World Cup playoff, with the Scotland team sheet featuring names such as Kenny Dalglish, Gordon Strachan, Alex McLeish, Graeme Souness and Steve Nicol, with Alex Ferguson as coach. Australia, meanwhile, had Scotland-born players in strikers David Mitchell and Kenny Murphy, defender Robbie Dunn and Hakoah midfielder Joe Watson. The Scots won to qualify for Mexico 1986 despite a 0-0 draw in Melbourne.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bozza's stark World Cup warning for Socceroos'He has to make them believe that they are better than what they are.' ⚽ 9WWOS TheRealBozza StanSportFC
Read more »
Socceroos form guide: on-fire Garang Kuol signs off before World Cup with brace | Joey LynchWith domestic duties now completed and players ready to head to Qatar, how are the 26 Australian players faring?
Read more »
Dua Lipa denies she’s performing at the Qatar World CupSinger says she will not be playing at 2022 opening ceremony and would only perform in Qatar if it improves its human rights record
Read more »
Redemption for Stokes as England edge past Pakistan to win T20 World Cup finalEngland have won the T20 World Cup for the second time, beating Pakistan by five wickets with an over to spare, thanks to Ben Stokes’s unbeaten 52
Read more »
Big moment finds Ben Stokes again for England’s T20 World Cup win | Ali MartinThe all-rounder Ben Stokes brought back memories of 2019 with his ability to produce his very best when under the most severe pressure
Read more »
World Cup overnight: Wheelaroos fight to the end; Relief for PauloHere’s what you might have missed overnight at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.
Read more »