Socceroos Alessandro Circati and Adam Taggart dreaming of World Cup qualification in hometown of Perth
When Socceroos defender Alessandro Circati began rehabilitation to repair his torn ACL last October, he was asked what his goals for recovery were.
The WA-raised centre-back had a very specific date in mind: June 5, and a game against Japan in his hometown.
'They asked me, when you first get your surgery, first start your rehab, 'what's your goal? What are you trying to accomplish?'' Circati said.
'I said there was a World Cup qualifier in Perth in June. My goal was to be able to go there.'
After a rapid six-and-a-half month recovery, the 21-year-old has ticked that box ahead of the Socceroos' Thursday night blockbuster against Japan at Optus Stadium.
Circati, along with fellow Sandgropers Adam Taggart and Cameron Burgess, will be in contention to start against Japan.
The feeling between Circati and Taggart, knowing a win would all but propel Australia to a sixth successive World Cup, is one of shared pride at potentially being able to clinch qualification in Perth.
'That's the cream of the crop, that's the dream,' Circati said.
'It's things you don't even dream of because they're so rare. But now I've got the opportunity, and I'm going to try take it in two hands.'
'It's almost surreal to have the opportunity to do it here in Perth, not only for myself personally, but for the city and all the people I care about,' Perth Glory skipper Taggart said.
'Everyone knows the John Aloisi penalty and it's replayed over and over. I was trying to explain to my mum the other day, the game is a similar situation to that.
'To be able to have the chance to create something special, like the Aloisi penalty or the Josh Kennedy header (in 2013), to have the chance to do it here in Perth is massive and really special.'
Circati even being involved in camp is something of a surprise after he tore his ACL at the end of September during training with Serie A club side Parma.
Stunningly, he was back on the bench less than seven months later and played a full 90 minutes in their final two games of the year, including a 0-0 draw with eventual champions Napoli.
Circati said he began rehabilitation within three days of his operation and it was full systems go from there.
'I had surgery, went into rehab, was there for five-and-a-half months. After five-and-a-half months, I was sent back to the club and slowly started to train with the team, doing minimal things at the start, slowly and gradually moving into a full session,' he said.
'(At) about six-and-a-half months, I was training fully and started on the bench.
'I was doing rehab six hours a day, only had Sunday off, so it was was full on. I didn't have much free time, I don't think I had a single day off other than the break for Christmas and New Year.
'It was 9-12 in the morning, go home, have lunch, be back at 2pm and go to 5, 5.30pm.
'When I play, I forget about my knee completely. It's not an issue for me.'
The last time Circati played in Perth, he was playing for Glory's NPL team; Glory's A-League Men's skipper Taggart plays in Perth every other week, but his only national team appearance in his hometown came last year against Palestine at HBF Park.
Taggart said the Palestine game was one of the most memorable of his career, but a step towards World Cup qualification and a goal against Japan would probably top it.
'Knowing what's on the line and being able to have the opportunity to do it here in Perth, which isn't something that comes around too often, is something that obviously we all want to make the most of,' he said.
'I'm really proud there's a few boys representing Perth, to play in the city and represent the people coming to watch the game tomorrow. It's massive for the city.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Venezuela step closer to World Cup playoff berth
Venezuela are one step closer to a World Cup qualifying berth after beating Bolivia 2-0 to extend their advantage in seventh place in South American World Cup qualifying. Bolivian Héctor Cuellar scored an own goal in the fifth minute on Friday after a simple pass to goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra ended in the back of the net. The hosts added a second in the 30th minute when striker Salomón Rondón, Venezuela's all-time top goal scorer with 47 goals, chested down a cross from Nahuel Ferraresi and scored with his left foot. Bolivia, who now trail Venezuela by four points with only three rounds to play, never threatened goalkeeper Rafael Romo at the Monumental Stadium in the eastern city of Maturin, Venezuela. Also on Friday, Colombia drew 0-0 with Peru 0-0 at home and failed to overtake Brazil in the standings. It was Colombia's fifth consecutive match without a win. The hosts at the Metropolitano Stadium in Barranquilla missed suspended striker Luis Díaz, who scored six goals in World Cup qualifying. Jhon Córdoba and Rafael Santos Borré were also out due to injury. World Cup champions Argentina, who secured their 2026 berth in March, lead South American qualifying after 15 matches with 34 points. Ecuador and Paraguay are next with 24 points, but the Ecuadorians have a better goal difference. Brazil are in fourth with 22 points. Uruguay and Colombia, both with 21 points, are fifth and sixth, respectively, separated by goal difference. Venezuela, the only South American team to have never competed in a World Cup, have 18 points. Bolivia, who still have a chance of moving into seventh, have 14. Peru and Chile have 11 and 10 points respectively. Several teams could secure their World Cup spots in Tuesday's next set of matches. Ecuador will clinch their spot with a win at Peru and Brazil could also secure their berth with a win, provided Venezuela don't add points at Uruguay. Colombia will have to beat Lionel Messi's Argentina in Buenos Aires to come close to their spot before the two final rounds in September. Bolivia will have to overcome Chile at home to keep their chances alive. All 10 South American nations play each other home and away. The top six countries qualify directly to the finals next year in North America. The seventh-place South American team, currently Venezeula, will go into the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026 in North America where six teams will vie for the remaining two spots in the main tournament. Venezuela are one step closer to a World Cup qualifying berth after beating Bolivia 2-0 to extend their advantage in seventh place in South American World Cup qualifying. Bolivian Héctor Cuellar scored an own goal in the fifth minute on Friday after a simple pass to goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra ended in the back of the net. The hosts added a second in the 30th minute when striker Salomón Rondón, Venezuela's all-time top goal scorer with 47 goals, chested down a cross from Nahuel Ferraresi and scored with his left foot. Bolivia, who now trail Venezuela by four points with only three rounds to play, never threatened goalkeeper Rafael Romo at the Monumental Stadium in the eastern city of Maturin, Venezuela. Also on Friday, Colombia drew 0-0 with Peru 0-0 at home and failed to overtake Brazil in the standings. It was Colombia's fifth consecutive match without a win. The hosts at the Metropolitano Stadium in Barranquilla missed suspended striker Luis Díaz, who scored six goals in World Cup qualifying. Jhon Córdoba and Rafael Santos Borré were also out due to injury. World Cup champions Argentina, who secured their 2026 berth in March, lead South American qualifying after 15 matches with 34 points. Ecuador and Paraguay are next with 24 points, but the Ecuadorians have a better goal difference. Brazil are in fourth with 22 points. Uruguay and Colombia, both with 21 points, are fifth and sixth, respectively, separated by goal difference. Venezuela, the only South American team to have never competed in a World Cup, have 18 points. Bolivia, who still have a chance of moving into seventh, have 14. Peru and Chile have 11 and 10 points respectively. Several teams could secure their World Cup spots in Tuesday's next set of matches. Ecuador will clinch their spot with a win at Peru and Brazil could also secure their berth with a win, provided Venezuela don't add points at Uruguay. Colombia will have to beat Lionel Messi's Argentina in Buenos Aires to come close to their spot before the two final rounds in September. Bolivia will have to overcome Chile at home to keep their chances alive. All 10 South American nations play each other home and away. The top six countries qualify directly to the finals next year in North America. The seventh-place South American team, currently Venezeula, will go into the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026 in North America where six teams will vie for the remaining two spots in the main tournament. Venezuela are one step closer to a World Cup qualifying berth after beating Bolivia 2-0 to extend their advantage in seventh place in South American World Cup qualifying. Bolivian Héctor Cuellar scored an own goal in the fifth minute on Friday after a simple pass to goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra ended in the back of the net. The hosts added a second in the 30th minute when striker Salomón Rondón, Venezuela's all-time top goal scorer with 47 goals, chested down a cross from Nahuel Ferraresi and scored with his left foot. Bolivia, who now trail Venezuela by four points with only three rounds to play, never threatened goalkeeper Rafael Romo at the Monumental Stadium in the eastern city of Maturin, Venezuela. Also on Friday, Colombia drew 0-0 with Peru 0-0 at home and failed to overtake Brazil in the standings. It was Colombia's fifth consecutive match without a win. The hosts at the Metropolitano Stadium in Barranquilla missed suspended striker Luis Díaz, who scored six goals in World Cup qualifying. Jhon Córdoba and Rafael Santos Borré were also out due to injury. World Cup champions Argentina, who secured their 2026 berth in March, lead South American qualifying after 15 matches with 34 points. Ecuador and Paraguay are next with 24 points, but the Ecuadorians have a better goal difference. Brazil are in fourth with 22 points. Uruguay and Colombia, both with 21 points, are fifth and sixth, respectively, separated by goal difference. Venezuela, the only South American team to have never competed in a World Cup, have 18 points. Bolivia, who still have a chance of moving into seventh, have 14. Peru and Chile have 11 and 10 points respectively. Several teams could secure their World Cup spots in Tuesday's next set of matches. Ecuador will clinch their spot with a win at Peru and Brazil could also secure their berth with a win, provided Venezuela don't add points at Uruguay. Colombia will have to beat Lionel Messi's Argentina in Buenos Aires to come close to their spot before the two final rounds in September. Bolivia will have to overcome Chile at home to keep their chances alive. All 10 South American nations play each other home and away. The top six countries qualify directly to the finals next year in North America. The seventh-place South American team, currently Venezeula, will go into the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026 in North America where six teams will vie for the remaining two spots in the main tournament.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Payten declares Maroons must pick star to win Origin
North Queensland coach Todd Payten says if Queensland want to win the second State of Origin match to level the series they need to start Tom Dearden in the halves. Dearden is favoured to replace veteran Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans for the must-win match in Perth, with the Cowboys captain consistently delivering for his NRL team. Cherry-Evans, 36, failed to ignite the Queensland attack in game one in Brisbane, which NSW dominated to win 18-6. While Kiwi Test halfback Jahrome Hughes starred for Melbourne in their 38-14 victory over North Queensland at AAMI Park on Friday night, Dearden still impressed in the losing side. Payten was firm in his belief that the 24-year-old was ready to be picked to wear the No.7 jersey rather than have a bench role for the June 18 match. Dearden has already done the job for the Kangaroos, steering Australia to victory over Tonga in the Pacific Cup final last November, while he also impressed in the Maroons No.6 jumper in the absence of Cameron Munster last year. "You're asking the wrong person, I know he's ready, it's just not my decision," Payten said after the Storm match. "Selfishly, I'd love him to come off the bench, but if they want to win, I'd be putting him in the halves." Dearden downplayed the selection quandary for Queensland coach Billy Slater, saying he was only focused on the Cowboys. "I wasn't really looking at it as an audition," he said. "I thought like I probably could have been a lot better with helping us with direction and then handing the ball over in the right area, so there's probably a few areas I need to look at from that performance." Melbourne skipper Harry Grant, who had an uncharacteristically poor Origin outing after being hobbled by a hamstring injury, looked back to his best against North Queensland. "I had a pretty clear focus of what I needed to work on from that (Origin) game it sort of hurt not being able to play after that, against the Titans, and that was just precautionary with the hamstring," the hooker said. "I had a pretty narrow focus and it was pleasing to just get a win for the team and everyone sort of played their role within our game plan." His Storm teammate Stefano Utoikamanu also put his hand up to replace Mitch Barnett in the NSW squad, with the Warriors prop ruled out for the season with an ACL rupture. Utoikamanu and Keaon Koloamatangi are the favourites to take Barnett's spot with the Melbourne forward named 19th man in the Blues squad for game one when he was on stand-by for an injured Payne Haas. Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, who is an advisor to the NSW coach Laurie Daley and will join the squad in Perth, said Utoikamanu had pushed his case for selection. "You think he'd be right up there in the firing line, I think he's a real big chance," Bellamy said. "He was really solid, and some of his runs really stood out and I'm sure Laurie will be looking at his defence as well and hopefully for Stef, he'll line up in the next game." North Queensland coach Todd Payten says if Queensland want to win the second State of Origin match to level the series they need to start Tom Dearden in the halves. Dearden is favoured to replace veteran Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans for the must-win match in Perth, with the Cowboys captain consistently delivering for his NRL team. Cherry-Evans, 36, failed to ignite the Queensland attack in game one in Brisbane, which NSW dominated to win 18-6. While Kiwi Test halfback Jahrome Hughes starred for Melbourne in their 38-14 victory over North Queensland at AAMI Park on Friday night, Dearden still impressed in the losing side. Payten was firm in his belief that the 24-year-old was ready to be picked to wear the No.7 jersey rather than have a bench role for the June 18 match. Dearden has already done the job for the Kangaroos, steering Australia to victory over Tonga in the Pacific Cup final last November, while he also impressed in the Maroons No.6 jumper in the absence of Cameron Munster last year. "You're asking the wrong person, I know he's ready, it's just not my decision," Payten said after the Storm match. "Selfishly, I'd love him to come off the bench, but if they want to win, I'd be putting him in the halves." Dearden downplayed the selection quandary for Queensland coach Billy Slater, saying he was only focused on the Cowboys. "I wasn't really looking at it as an audition," he said. "I thought like I probably could have been a lot better with helping us with direction and then handing the ball over in the right area, so there's probably a few areas I need to look at from that performance." Melbourne skipper Harry Grant, who had an uncharacteristically poor Origin outing after being hobbled by a hamstring injury, looked back to his best against North Queensland. "I had a pretty clear focus of what I needed to work on from that (Origin) game it sort of hurt not being able to play after that, against the Titans, and that was just precautionary with the hamstring," the hooker said. "I had a pretty narrow focus and it was pleasing to just get a win for the team and everyone sort of played their role within our game plan." His Storm teammate Stefano Utoikamanu also put his hand up to replace Mitch Barnett in the NSW squad, with the Warriors prop ruled out for the season with an ACL rupture. Utoikamanu and Keaon Koloamatangi are the favourites to take Barnett's spot with the Melbourne forward named 19th man in the Blues squad for game one when he was on stand-by for an injured Payne Haas. Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, who is an advisor to the NSW coach Laurie Daley and will join the squad in Perth, said Utoikamanu had pushed his case for selection. "You think he'd be right up there in the firing line, I think he's a real big chance," Bellamy said. "He was really solid, and some of his runs really stood out and I'm sure Laurie will be looking at his defence as well and hopefully for Stef, he'll line up in the next game." North Queensland coach Todd Payten says if Queensland want to win the second State of Origin match to level the series they need to start Tom Dearden in the halves. Dearden is favoured to replace veteran Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans for the must-win match in Perth, with the Cowboys captain consistently delivering for his NRL team. Cherry-Evans, 36, failed to ignite the Queensland attack in game one in Brisbane, which NSW dominated to win 18-6. While Kiwi Test halfback Jahrome Hughes starred for Melbourne in their 38-14 victory over North Queensland at AAMI Park on Friday night, Dearden still impressed in the losing side. Payten was firm in his belief that the 24-year-old was ready to be picked to wear the No.7 jersey rather than have a bench role for the June 18 match. Dearden has already done the job for the Kangaroos, steering Australia to victory over Tonga in the Pacific Cup final last November, while he also impressed in the Maroons No.6 jumper in the absence of Cameron Munster last year. "You're asking the wrong person, I know he's ready, it's just not my decision," Payten said after the Storm match. "Selfishly, I'd love him to come off the bench, but if they want to win, I'd be putting him in the halves." Dearden downplayed the selection quandary for Queensland coach Billy Slater, saying he was only focused on the Cowboys. "I wasn't really looking at it as an audition," he said. "I thought like I probably could have been a lot better with helping us with direction and then handing the ball over in the right area, so there's probably a few areas I need to look at from that performance." Melbourne skipper Harry Grant, who had an uncharacteristically poor Origin outing after being hobbled by a hamstring injury, looked back to his best against North Queensland. "I had a pretty clear focus of what I needed to work on from that (Origin) game it sort of hurt not being able to play after that, against the Titans, and that was just precautionary with the hamstring," the hooker said. "I had a pretty narrow focus and it was pleasing to just get a win for the team and everyone sort of played their role within our game plan." His Storm teammate Stefano Utoikamanu also put his hand up to replace Mitch Barnett in the NSW squad, with the Warriors prop ruled out for the season with an ACL rupture. Utoikamanu and Keaon Koloamatangi are the favourites to take Barnett's spot with the Melbourne forward named 19th man in the Blues squad for game one when he was on stand-by for an injured Payne Haas. Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, who is an advisor to the NSW coach Laurie Daley and will join the squad in Perth, said Utoikamanu had pushed his case for selection. "You think he'd be right up there in the firing line, I think he's a real big chance," Bellamy said. "He was really solid, and some of his runs really stood out and I'm sure Laurie will be looking at his defence as well and hopefully for Stef, he'll line up in the next game."
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Socceroos ready for dark arts duel with Saudis
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. "I'm just expecting they're probably just going to throw everything at us because they know what they need to do, and they're just going to make it as difficult as possible." A hostile environment awaits at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, but Metcalfe is adamant Australia are ready to play their part in frustrating the parochial crowd. "I think we're gonna have to play a little bit of their game as well," he said. "Whether we waste time and delay the game as much as we can. "Because it's going to be like that. There's going to be a lot of diving, a lot of acting. "But it's just block the noise out, focus on ourselves and do the best we can." Above all, Metcalfe says the players have to "stick together". "You can't get affected by any of it, because if you get affected by any of their little games or noise or whatever it is, then it's just going to affect the game, and they're going to get that little advantage over you," he said. 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. "I'm just expecting they're probably just going to throw everything at us because they know what they need to do, and they're just going to make it as difficult as possible." A hostile environment awaits at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, but Metcalfe is adamant Australia are ready to play their part in frustrating the parochial crowd. "I think we're gonna have to play a little bit of their game as well," he said. "Whether we waste time and delay the game as much as we can. "Because it's going to be like that. There's going to be a lot of diving, a lot of acting. "But it's just block the noise out, focus on ourselves and do the best we can." Above all, Metcalfe says the players have to "stick together". "You can't get affected by any of it, because if you get affected by any of their little games or noise or whatever it is, then it's just going to affect the game, and they're going to get that little advantage over you," he said. 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. "I'm just expecting they're probably just going to throw everything at us because they know what they need to do, and they're just going to make it as difficult as possible." A hostile environment awaits at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, but Metcalfe is adamant Australia are ready to play their part in frustrating the parochial crowd. "I think we're gonna have to play a little bit of their game as well," he said. "Whether we waste time and delay the game as much as we can. "Because it's going to be like that. There's going to be a lot of diving, a lot of acting. "But it's just block the noise out, focus on ourselves and do the best we can." Above all, Metcalfe says the players have to "stick together". "You can't get affected by any of it, because if you get affected by any of their little games or noise or whatever it is, then it's just going to affect the game, and they're going to get that little advantage over you," he said. 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."
