Australian lineup: Head-scratcher or tactical brilliance?
Australian Associated Press reports that Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has made a surprising decision by dropping goalscorers Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe to the bench for Australia’s pivotal match against the United States. Veteran Mathew Leckie, appearing for the first time at his fourth World Cup, and Nishan Velupillay are the two attacking inclusions for this game that could determine the top spot in Group D.
Irankunda, who was outstanding in the 2-0 victory over Turkey, scoring a brilliant opener, and Metcalfe, who contributed a remarkable second-half goal, are expected to be impact substitutes.
“Impact substitutes” could be an understatement if Australia’s five-man backline can contain the US attack early.
This defensive setup may explain why some US pundits appear overconfident.
Is there bad blood between the US and Australia?
Alexander Abnos highlights the tense undertones from a recent friendly between the two nations. Some former players-turned-commentators have intensified the rivalry, as Jack Snape reports:
“The slandering began late last year when the USA were drawn against Australia. Former professional player and now TV pundit Mike Grella said the Socceroos represented a ‘lay-up’ for the hosts.
Grella addressed the backlash to his comments on Wednesday: ‘I’ve got tell you something, I don’t think they’ve ever been more united as a football side. If they do something in this tournament – which they won’t – if they do something in this tournament, they should make a statue of me there in Australia, because I’ve unified an entire country.’
The barbs didn’t stop with him. Former USA player Landon Donovan also dismissed the Socceroos’ chances after the draw, and took aim at Australia’s ‘smug’ coach. ‘You can get on the Qantas airplane and head back home,’ he said.”
The author notes a personal connection, mentioning that Grella and he attended the same college, albeit many years apart.
Snape also observes that both countries share similar soccer cultures, with strong youth participation but ongoing efforts to build professional success.
Starting XIs: Pulisic out
Christian Pulisic’s injury, initially downplayed during the opening game against Paraguay, has proven more serious. Throughout the week, the US’s key attacking player was limited in training, leading to doubts about his availability for this match. He is confirmed unavailable, with Ricardo Pepi replacing him in the starting lineup.
Australia will field a five-man defense, making it crucial for Jordan Bos (Feyenoord) on the left and Jacob Italiano (Grazer AK) on the right to advance forward. The Australian lineup features two players experienced as wingbacks, with left back Antonee “Jedi” Robinson (Fulham) likely to assume that role. However, broadcasters’ graphics indicate that Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven) will play in midfield rather than defense.
Australia: Beach; Bos, Burgess, Souttar, Circati, Italiano; Velupillay, Okon-Engstler, O’Neill, Leckie; Toure
USA: Freese; Robinson, Ream, Richards, Freeman; Dest, Adams, Tillman, McKennie; Pepi, Balogun
Neither of Australia’s scorers from the 2-0 win over Turkey, Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, will start.
The US men aim to achieve what no team has done in 96 years: win a second consecutive World Cup match.
Historically, only twice have the US men followed a World Cup win with anything other than a loss. In 2002, they maintained momentum from their opening win against Portugal to draw with South Korea, then lost to Poland and advanced to the Round of 16 after Portugal’s unexpected loss to the US. In 2014, after a win against Ghana, they drew with Portugal and exited following defeats to Germany and Belgium.
More often, a US men’s World Cup win is followed by a disappointing game. In 1950, the famous win against England was followed by a 5-2 loss to Chile. In 1994, after a win against Colombia, they lost to Romania. In 2010, a thrilling win over Algeria was followed by elimination at the hands of Ghana. In 2022, the US avenged a 1998 loss to Iran but then lost to the Netherlands.
Australia won two consecutive World Cup games in 2022, defeating Tunisia and Denmark to reach the knockout rounds, but they can also make history. The Socceroos have never finished first in a World Cup group. The first tiebreaker is head-to-head results, so if Australia wins this game, a complex series of results would be required to complicate the standings.
Before the 2022 World Cup, the Socceroos had only won two World Cup games in their history – one in 2006, when they advanced to the knockouts with a draw, and one in 2010.
(*) – The term “World Cup” refers to the entire tournament including qualification, but the discussion here is based on results from World Cup finals, the 32-team, now 48-team tournament currently underway.
With Christian Pulisic out, Mauricio Pochettino has opted for a big man/little man strike partnership with Ricardo Pepi alongside Folarin Balogun. Pepi is the pool’s best hold-up forward, willing to drop into midfield to aid possession and consistently contributing to the frontline press. He can perform various off-ball tasks while Balogun stretches the backline, preventing Australia from forming a compact defensive block. Malik Tillman, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie provide midfield balance, with width supplied by Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson.
Christian Pulisic is out
The lineups have been announced, confirming that Christian Pulisic is not only absent from the starting eleven but also not listed among the substitutes. Mauricio Pochettino informed the Fox pregame broadcast that the US star is unavailable.
Pulisic has been managing a calf injury since before the first game against Paraguay, which worsened during the first half. He exited at halftime of the 4-1 victory.
Ricardo Pepi replaces him in the starting lineup, which is expected to significantly alter the team's dynamics.
This match features two countries united by one notable fact: both refer to the sport as “soccer” rather than “football.”
In fact, many English-speaking countries use the term soccer, including Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa.
Australia is unique in incorporating the word into their nickname – Socceroos. This raises the question: why doesn’t the US team have a similarly distinctive nickname? Suggestions are welcome as fans await kickoff. This is a crucial game, with both teams positioned to advance to the knockout rounds.
Beau will provide coverage shortly. Meanwhile, here is an analysis of what Australia and the US must do to win Friday’s match in Seattle:
Back Nestory Irankunda
The 20-year-old was anticipated to be an impact player at this World Cup, typically coming on as a substitute to influence matches against tiring opponents. His start against Turkey demonstrated how Irankunda has become one of the Socceroos’ key players. While still developing his wing skills, his speed and off-the-ball determination are vital for a Socceroos team seemingly content to concede possession. His ability to capitalize on transition and direct opportunities, as seen in his opening goal against Turkey, can be a significant asset.
United States
Midfield rotations are critical. This was evident in the US’s impressive opener last week. Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro specifically praised the starting midfield trio of Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Malik Tillman, describing them as “floating” and central to a “pentagon” of play. Despite Australia’s strong performance against Turkey, they did not control the tempo, conceding over 70% possession and being outplayed in midfield. For the US to replicate similar possession levels, their midfield must continue effective rotations to disrupt the Socceroos’ defensive lines and create gaps in an otherwise solid defense.
