Socceroos dynamo has a point to prove in crucial camp
Adamant he has finally shaken persistent injury issues, Middlesbrough dynamo Riley McGree is determined to show the Socceroos he's fit and ready to shine in high-stakes World Cup qualifiers.
McGree missed the last international window through injury and was limited to just 17 English Championship games with Middlesbrough through a variety of issues, including a foot complaint.
He has been called onto Tony Popovic's training camp in Abu Dhabi ahead of next month's crunch clashes with Japan and Saudi Arabia, and finally feels confident in his body again.
"I've been working hard for a long time to try and try and get it right, and it's starting to come good," McGree said.
"So hopefully I can stay on top of it and keep progressing and get to where I want to be."
McGree, who says he is happy and settled on a long-term contract at Boro, is desperate to show what he can do.
"For me, the best part about it is I can put my head to the pillow at night knowing that I'm doing everything I can to stay fit and be fit," he said.
"But definitely these next nine,10 days, personally, for me and also for everyone here, is to prove a point and to prove to myself that I'm fit, to prove to the coaching staff and my teammates that I'm fit and I'm capable of performing and hopefully contributing in the best way possible."I'll put my best foot forward, and wherever they see me fit, or if they don't see me fit, then that's the decision they're going to make."
The camp is a mix of experienced players and young up-and-comers raring at their first shot at the big time.
McGree, now 26, is relishing the extra competitive streak to it all.
"There's an edge kind of with everyone," he said.
"I think we're all trying to prove that we want to play and we want to put our best foot forward and be the best version of ourselves.
"I don't think it's just up to the young players to prove themselves. I think even the senior boys, day in, day out, are trying to prove themselves.
"And nothing's guaranteed in football, your place is never guaranteed.
"That's important for all of us to have that mindset, so that we're pushing and driving each other to raise the bar and the best possible standards come game time."
The Socceroos know they are desperately close to securing direct qualification, with two wins guaranteeing qualification for next year's World Cup in North America.
"There is a good buzz, there's a good belief," McGree said.
"But with that, we also know the seriousness of the situation we're in and the importance it is that we take it seriously and that we prepare to go and win both games."
Adamant he has finally shaken persistent injury issues, Middlesbrough dynamo Riley McGree is determined to show the Socceroos he's fit and ready to shine in high-stakes World Cup qualifiers.
McGree missed the last international window through injury and was limited to just 17 English Championship games with Middlesbrough through a variety of issues, including a foot complaint.
He has been called onto Tony Popovic's training camp in Abu Dhabi ahead of next month's crunch clashes with Japan and Saudi Arabia, and finally feels confident in his body again.
"I've been working hard for a long time to try and try and get it right, and it's starting to come good," McGree said.
"So hopefully I can stay on top of it and keep progressing and get to where I want to be."
McGree, who says he is happy and settled on a long-term contract at Boro, is desperate to show what he can do.
"For me, the best part about it is I can put my head to the pillow at night knowing that I'm doing everything I can to stay fit and be fit," he said.
"But definitely these next nine,10 days, personally, for me and also for everyone here, is to prove a point and to prove to myself that I'm fit, to prove to the coaching staff and my teammates that I'm fit and I'm capable of performing and hopefully contributing in the best way possible."I'll put my best foot forward, and wherever they see me fit, or if they don't see me fit, then that's the decision they're going to make."
The camp is a mix of experienced players and young up-and-comers raring at their first shot at the big time.
McGree, now 26, is relishing the extra competitive streak to it all.
"There's an edge kind of with everyone," he said.
"I think we're all trying to prove that we want to play and we want to put our best foot forward and be the best version of ourselves.
"I don't think it's just up to the young players to prove themselves. I think even the senior boys, day in, day out, are trying to prove themselves.
"And nothing's guaranteed in football, your place is never guaranteed.
"That's important for all of us to have that mindset, so that we're pushing and driving each other to raise the bar and the best possible standards come game time."
The Socceroos know they are desperately close to securing direct qualification, with two wins guaranteeing qualification for next year's World Cup in North America.
"There is a good buzz, there's a good belief," McGree said.
"But with that, we also know the seriousness of the situation we're in and the importance it is that we take it seriously and that we prepare to go and win both games."
Adamant he has finally shaken persistent injury issues, Middlesbrough dynamo Riley McGree is determined to show the Socceroos he's fit and ready to shine in high-stakes World Cup qualifiers.
McGree missed the last international window through injury and was limited to just 17 English Championship games with Middlesbrough through a variety of issues, including a foot complaint.
He has been called onto Tony Popovic's training camp in Abu Dhabi ahead of next month's crunch clashes with Japan and Saudi Arabia, and finally feels confident in his body again.
"I've been working hard for a long time to try and try and get it right, and it's starting to come good," McGree said.
"So hopefully I can stay on top of it and keep progressing and get to where I want to be."
McGree, who says he is happy and settled on a long-term contract at Boro, is desperate to show what he can do.
"For me, the best part about it is I can put my head to the pillow at night knowing that I'm doing everything I can to stay fit and be fit," he said.
"But definitely these next nine,10 days, personally, for me and also for everyone here, is to prove a point and to prove to myself that I'm fit, to prove to the coaching staff and my teammates that I'm fit and I'm capable of performing and hopefully contributing in the best way possible."I'll put my best foot forward, and wherever they see me fit, or if they don't see me fit, then that's the decision they're going to make."
The camp is a mix of experienced players and young up-and-comers raring at their first shot at the big time.
McGree, now 26, is relishing the extra competitive streak to it all.
"There's an edge kind of with everyone," he said.
"I think we're all trying to prove that we want to play and we want to put our best foot forward and be the best version of ourselves.
"I don't think it's just up to the young players to prove themselves. I think even the senior boys, day in, day out, are trying to prove themselves.
"And nothing's guaranteed in football, your place is never guaranteed.
"That's important for all of us to have that mindset, so that we're pushing and driving each other to raise the bar and the best possible standards come game time."
The Socceroos know they are desperately close to securing direct qualification, with two wins guaranteeing qualification for next year's World Cup in North America.
"There is a good buzz, there's a good belief," McGree said.
"But with that, we also know the seriousness of the situation we're in and the importance it is that we take it seriously and that we prepare to go and win both games."
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A training camp in Abu Dhabi has Australia prepared for the sweltering conditions that await. "We know what we're gonna be up against. We've played them before," Metcalfe said. "We played them in Jeddah before as well, and it's gonna be a tough game in the conditions as well. "It's probably gonna be close to 40 degrees, with 50,000 fans screaming, so it's gonna be difficult, but I think we're all mentally prepared for it. "And of course, we want to beat them on their home turf as well, in front of all their fans." St. Pauli midfielder Metcalfe, 25, is ready to make an impact, after starting against Japan in his first game back since a series of injuries. "It's been a long, long journey, tough ride, but it was amazing being back out there," he said. "Just being involved in a win as well in front of a home crowd was a special feeling. Just love it." With the World Cup in touching distance, the Socceroos are ready to tackle whatever obstacles Saudi Arabia throw at them - and respond with some dark arts of their own. After a heroic 1-0 win over Japan put Australia on the brink of direct qualification for next year's finals in North America, Tony Popovic's charges flew to Jeddah on Friday. Australia face familiar foes Saudi Arabia, who beat Bahrain 2-0, on Tuesday night (Wednesday AEST) knowing anything other than losing by five goals will seal qualification. The Saudis (13 points, 0 goal difference) have everything to gain - hoping to leapfrog Australia (16 points, +8 goal difference) into the second automatic qualification spot behind Japan. Midfielder Connor Metcalfe is prepared for any curveballs coming the Socceroos' way. "I'm expecting delays at the airport. I'm expecting a really bad pitch to train on. I'm expecting loads of, I don't know, bus delays before the game," he said. 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Haaland stars as Italy toppled in World Cup qualifying
Erling Haaland scored as Norway humbled Italy 3-0 for the first time in 25 years in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Haaland collected a through ball from playmaker Martin Odegaard and rounded goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the box for the third goal three minutes before half-time on Friday. It was his 41st goal in his 42nd match for Norway to the delight of the spectators at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, including King Harald V of Norway. Haaland also scored when Moldova were beaten 5-0 and Israel 4-2. Norway remained perfect in qualifying after three games in Europe Group I. Striker Alexander Sorloth earlier received a precise pass from Antonio Nusa then beat Donnarumma with a left foot shot. Nusa, the 20-year-old attacking midfielder, was a constant threat to the Italian defence. He left behind two defenders and doubled the advantage with a rising shot from inside the area. Italy were missing some regulars for their first qualifying match, while others failed to impress, including Mateo Retegui, the best Serie A scorer. Defenders Alessandro Buongiorno and Mattia Gabbia, defensive midfielder Manuel Locatelli and forward Moise Kean were all injured while key centre back Francesco Acerbi, who was meant to mark Haaland, turned down his callup. Diego Coppola played centre back in the three-man defensive line used by coach Luciano Spalletti that was not able to stop Norway. In the other Group I game, Israel won in Estonia 3-1 for a second win and second place. The Azzurri were under pressure from the start of their qualifying after failing to reach the last two World Cups. Winning the group is the only way to ensure direct qualification to next year's tournament in North America. The second-placed team goes into the playoffs - the stage where Italy was eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia and ruled out of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, respectively. A four-time World Cup champion, the only other time Italy didn't qualify was for the 1958 edition. Italy host Moldova on Monday when Norway will be in action at Estonia. Croatia opened their qualifying with a 7-0 rout of minnows Gibraltar. Mario Pašalić and Ante Budimir struck twice for Croatia within two minutes to break the deadlock after half an hour. In the second half, substitutes Andrek Kramaric and Franjo Ivanovis scored a couple each and Ivan Perisic piled on. Croatia were runners-up in the 2018 World Cup and third in 2022. In the same Group L, Adam Hložek and Patrik Schick each scored as the unbeaten Czech Republic beat Montenegro 2-0 for a third straight win. Belgium were 1-0 up with a goal by defender Maxim De Cuyper but Ezgjan Alioski salvaged a draw for North Macedonia in a surprise in Group J. Wales top the group with seven points from three games after a 3-0 victory over Liechtenstein. North Macedonia are two points behind. Europe will have 16 teams in the expanded 48-team field for the World Cup. They will come from the winners of the 12 qualifying groups plus four from a playoff of the 12 group runners-up together with four best-ranked group winners in the Nations League that don't finish first or second in the qualifying. The group stage of European qualifying runs through to November. Erling Haaland scored as Norway humbled Italy 3-0 for the first time in 25 years in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Haaland collected a through ball from playmaker Martin Odegaard and rounded goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the box for the third goal three minutes before half-time on Friday. It was his 41st goal in his 42nd match for Norway to the delight of the spectators at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, including King Harald V of Norway. Haaland also scored when Moldova were beaten 5-0 and Israel 4-2. Norway remained perfect in qualifying after three games in Europe Group I. Striker Alexander Sorloth earlier received a precise pass from Antonio Nusa then beat Donnarumma with a left foot shot. Nusa, the 20-year-old attacking midfielder, was a constant threat to the Italian defence. He left behind two defenders and doubled the advantage with a rising shot from inside the area. Italy were missing some regulars for their first qualifying match, while others failed to impress, including Mateo Retegui, the best Serie A scorer. Defenders Alessandro Buongiorno and Mattia Gabbia, defensive midfielder Manuel Locatelli and forward Moise Kean were all injured while key centre back Francesco Acerbi, who was meant to mark Haaland, turned down his callup. Diego Coppola played centre back in the three-man defensive line used by coach Luciano Spalletti that was not able to stop Norway. In the other Group I game, Israel won in Estonia 3-1 for a second win and second place. The Azzurri were under pressure from the start of their qualifying after failing to reach the last two World Cups. Winning the group is the only way to ensure direct qualification to next year's tournament in North America. The second-placed team goes into the playoffs - the stage where Italy was eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia and ruled out of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, respectively. A four-time World Cup champion, the only other time Italy didn't qualify was for the 1958 edition. Italy host Moldova on Monday when Norway will be in action at Estonia. Croatia opened their qualifying with a 7-0 rout of minnows Gibraltar. Mario Pašalić and Ante Budimir struck twice for Croatia within two minutes to break the deadlock after half an hour. In the second half, substitutes Andrek Kramaric and Franjo Ivanovis scored a couple each and Ivan Perisic piled on. Croatia were runners-up in the 2018 World Cup and third in 2022. In the same Group L, Adam Hložek and Patrik Schick each scored as the unbeaten Czech Republic beat Montenegro 2-0 for a third straight win. Belgium were 1-0 up with a goal by defender Maxim De Cuyper but Ezgjan Alioski salvaged a draw for North Macedonia in a surprise in Group J. Wales top the group with seven points from three games after a 3-0 victory over Liechtenstein. North Macedonia are two points behind. Europe will have 16 teams in the expanded 48-team field for the World Cup. They will come from the winners of the 12 qualifying groups plus four from a playoff of the 12 group runners-up together with four best-ranked group winners in the Nations League that don't finish first or second in the qualifying. The group stage of European qualifying runs through to November. Erling Haaland scored as Norway humbled Italy 3-0 for the first time in 25 years in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Haaland collected a through ball from playmaker Martin Odegaard and rounded goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the box for the third goal three minutes before half-time on Friday. It was his 41st goal in his 42nd match for Norway to the delight of the spectators at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, including King Harald V of Norway. Haaland also scored when Moldova were beaten 5-0 and Israel 4-2. Norway remained perfect in qualifying after three games in Europe Group I. Striker Alexander Sorloth earlier received a precise pass from Antonio Nusa then beat Donnarumma with a left foot shot. Nusa, the 20-year-old attacking midfielder, was a constant threat to the Italian defence. He left behind two defenders and doubled the advantage with a rising shot from inside the area. Italy were missing some regulars for their first qualifying match, while others failed to impress, including Mateo Retegui, the best Serie A scorer. Defenders Alessandro Buongiorno and Mattia Gabbia, defensive midfielder Manuel Locatelli and forward Moise Kean were all injured while key centre back Francesco Acerbi, who was meant to mark Haaland, turned down his callup. Diego Coppola played centre back in the three-man defensive line used by coach Luciano Spalletti that was not able to stop Norway. In the other Group I game, Israel won in Estonia 3-1 for a second win and second place. The Azzurri were under pressure from the start of their qualifying after failing to reach the last two World Cups. Winning the group is the only way to ensure direct qualification to next year's tournament in North America. The second-placed team goes into the playoffs - the stage where Italy was eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia and ruled out of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, respectively. A four-time World Cup champion, the only other time Italy didn't qualify was for the 1958 edition. Italy host Moldova on Monday when Norway will be in action at Estonia. Croatia opened their qualifying with a 7-0 rout of minnows Gibraltar. Mario Pašalić and Ante Budimir struck twice for Croatia within two minutes to break the deadlock after half an hour. In the second half, substitutes Andrek Kramaric and Franjo Ivanovis scored a couple each and Ivan Perisic piled on. Croatia were runners-up in the 2018 World Cup and third in 2022. In the same Group L, Adam Hložek and Patrik Schick each scored as the unbeaten Czech Republic beat Montenegro 2-0 for a third straight win. Belgium were 1-0 up with a goal by defender Maxim De Cuyper but Ezgjan Alioski salvaged a draw for North Macedonia in a surprise in Group J. Wales top the group with seven points from three games after a 3-0 victory over Liechtenstein. North Macedonia are two points behind. Europe will have 16 teams in the expanded 48-team field for the World Cup. They will come from the winners of the 12 qualifying groups plus four from a playoff of the 12 group runners-up together with four best-ranked group winners in the Nations League that don't finish first or second in the qualifying. The group stage of European qualifying runs through to November.
