Ipswich Town’s Massimo Luongo, the only Australian outfielder to have featured in the Premier League this season, is back in green and gold ahead of next week’s crunch World Cup qualifier in Adelaide.
Tony Popovic has wasted little time in shaking up the Socceroos, naming eight fresh faces in his first squad since being appointed national team boss – including the return of midfielder Massimo Luongo from retirement.
Massimo Luongo and Omari Hutchinson of Ipswich Town battle with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool in the English Premier League.However, the departure of Graham Arnold and arrival of Popovic as the new Socceroos coach appears to have prompted a change of heart by the 32-year-old, who joins the returning Ajdin Hrustic and Riley McGree in a new-look midfield contingent and has made himself available for the rest of Australia’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Socceroos face China at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night, needing all three points to keep alive their hopes of direct qualification for the World Cup. Five days later, they take on Group C leaders Japan in Saitama; Australia has not beaten the Samurai Blue in their past nine meetings, dating back to 2009.
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.
Luongo lured out of retirement as Popovic names first Socceroos squadIpswich Town’s Massimo Luongo, the only Australian outfielder to have featured in the Premier League this season, is back in green and gold ahead of next week’s crunch World Cup qualifier in Adelaide.
Read more »
Tony Popovic named head coach of Socceroos ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifiersTony Popovic has been named the new head coach of the Socceroos, taking over after the sudden resignation of Graham Arnold.
Read more »
Tony Popovic To Become Next Socceroos CoachFormer Western Sydney Wanderers, Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory boss Tony Popovic is set to be officially confirmed as the new coach of the Socceroos as early as Monday.
Read more »
Popovic: 'Best Time' To Take Over Socceroos Despite World Cup Qualifying HurdlesNew Socceroos coach Tony Popovic insists it is the 'best time' to take over despite Australia's World Cup qualifying struggles. He outlines his vision for a more dynamic and connected team, emphasizing integrity and pride in wearing the national jersey.
Read more »
Tony Popovic tasked with reversing Socceroos fortunes after being confirmed as new coachFootball Australia has moved swiftly to appoint a new Socceroos coach just three days after the resignation of Graham Arnold
Read more »
Tony Popović set to be named Socceroos coach for 2026 World Cup tiltFormer Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers coach set to replace Graham Arnold as Socceroos manager and lead charge to 2026 World Cup
Read more »