City's Socceroos stars enjoying breakfast table banter
Emerging Socceroos midfielder Ryan Teague is trying to put Melbourne Victory's grand-final loss behind him, but it's hard when you have a trio of Melbourne City players in your face at the breakfast table.
Marco Tilio, Aziz Behich and Kai Trewin had little time to celebrate Melbourne City's 1-0 grand-final triumph over the Victory, with the trio jumping on a flight to Perth on Sunday morning ahead of Thursday night's World Cup qualifier against Japan at Optus Stadium.
Victory's Teague, Kasey Bos and Daniel Arzani are also in the Socceroos squad, ensuring there has been plenty of friendly teasing over the past couple of days.
"There's a bit of banter. I sit on the same table as all three of them (City players), so you can imagine there's a little bit," Teague said with a smile.
"(They've been saying) all the things you can imagine about beating us, beating Victory.
"It was disappointing to lose the grand final. That's three grand finals lost in two years I've been at Melbourne Victory (including the Australia Cup grand final).
"But I'm here now, I've got to put it past me.
"I've got plenty of time later on to look back and reflect. But my sole focus now is the game against Japan."
Japan (20 points) have already qualified for the World Cup, leaving Australia (13 points) and Saudi Arabia (10 points) to battle it out for the second automatic qualification berth.
The Socceroos' goal difference of plus seven is far superior than that of Saudi Arabia's minus two.
Saudi Arabia face lowly Bahrain away this week before hosting Australia in Jeddah next Tuesday.
If the Socceroos are able to beat Japan, it would almost certainly be enough for Australia to hold onto second spot - barring a calamitous loss to Bahrain in the vicinity of five goals next week.
Socceroos veteran Milos Degenek would love to appear at a third World Cup.
And given the 2026 event is being held across the US, Canada and Mexico, Degenek is expecting big things.
"It's going to be a really special World Cup in the States," he said.
"Obviously, they're going to go all out guns blazing and show the world they've got everything - probably flying taxis and everything will be around at that time."
Teague made his international debut earlier this year in the Socceroos' crucial 2-0 win in China.
The 23-year-old actually had the chance to play for either China or Malaysia, but said it was a no brainer to choose the Socceroos.
"My grandfather was born in China, and my mum's half Chinese," he said.
"I'm super proud of my culture and my heritage. But as a kid, my goal and ambition has always been to play for the Socceroos."
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8 hours ago
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Five things you need to know about sport for the long weekend
Maitland coach Adams Hughes knew Braedyn Crowley would hit form, it was a matter of providing service to the prolific striker. Crowley has netted five goals in the past three games - all wins - to help the Magpies turn around their NPL Northern NSW campaign. Hughes is hoping Crowley - and Maitland - can carry that form into the Australian Cup clash with NPL leaders Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Saturday. "Braedyn is a fantastic goalscorer and we know if we get him service in the right areas, he is clinical in those spaces," Hughes said. "It has been a whole-squad approach. The movements, the actions and the patterns we are trying to play. He has a knack for being there at the right moment. There are others who are also close to going on a scoring run." Magic last qualified out of NNSW for the Australia Cup main draw in 2023. "They have some individuals who are top quality at this level," Hughes said. "We need to be on top of our game, be energetic and nullify their strengths if we can. We will have a go at them as well. It will be a good marker on where we are at." Edgeworth are through to the final round of the NNSW qualifying after Bangalow forfeited the clash set down for Jack McLaughlan Oval. In other Australia Cup games on Saturday, Weston are at home to Lambton and Cooks Hill travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Northern Stars. In the NPLM, Adamstown host Charlestown Azzurri in a catch-up game at 4pm. In the NPLW, Broadmeadow tackle Charlestown on Saturday (4pm) at Magic Park. The Newcastle open women's netball representative side are set for an enormous three days in Camden, where they will play 24 30-minute games over three days in pursuit of the NSW title. Perennially a top-two performer, Newcastle are coached by former national league midcourter Narelle Eather and last claimed the title in 2023. They were runners-up last year. "It's really intense because there's no finals, it's first past the post," Eather said. "So, you have to try to win every single game. There's no time for dropping a game. If you do, you then have to hope for the rest of the weekend that one of the other top teams drop a game. "It's a different game playing three days in a row on the concrete. It comes down to survival of the mentally fittest, not just the physical." This year's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Norths goal attack Abbie Gray, a mainstay of the side, will captain Newcastle. Souths pair Aneeka Marcozzi, in the midcourt, and Erin Asquith at goal shooter are experienced campaigners and West Leagues Balance opens centre Laicy Costigan is among the rising talents. Charlestown and Maitland are also in the women's championship division. Cessnock and Charlestown are vying for the men's state title. Several games have been washed out this season, but Newcastle Rugby League's first-grade competition hasn't been as impacted by the weather compared to the region's other premier sports in 2025. The NEWRL continues over the long weekend and kicks off with a bumper clash at Belmont's Cahill Oval on Saturday, when in-form Lakes United (fourth) host Maitland (third) from 3pm. Former NRL player Brock Lamb is set to return from Maitland, and comes up against two of his former Knights teammates in Lakes forwards Sione and Peter Mata'utia. At the same time on Saturday, Kurri Kurri (sixth) are at home to Central (10th) and Macquarie (ninth) are away to Wyong (seventh). On Sunday at 3pm, competition leaders Western Suburbs are away to eighth-placed The Entrance, while South Newcastle (fifth) host Cessnock (second). Wanderers coach Luke Sherwood expects Samoan international Andrew Tuala to improve the Two Blues' scrum in the second half of the Hunter rugby season. Tuala played 50 minutes off the bench in the Two Blues' 22-12 win over University in a catch-up game on Thursday night. The win was Wanderers' second for the season. Tuala came on at loose head and then switched to hooker in the second half. "Defensively, we were really good," Sherwood said. "Uni were camped on our line late in the first half, but we held strong. Our scrum was going backwards, but we defended really well. "We started strong in the second half and got some points on the board. They scored a couple of late tries from kicks but I was happy with the defence. "AT [Tuala] played just over half a game. We changed the front row at half-time and it worked OK. "AT went hard for 30 minutes and then got gassed. He will be a week-to-week scenario. He is working in the mines so he can't fully commit to training and games." In the other catch-up game, Merewether had to work hard to topple Southern Beaches 25-7 at Ernie Calland Field. Newcastle men's division one coach Dave Willott has his sights on a finals appearance at the Hockey NSW Open Field State Championships. The division one men's and women's competition will be played out at Wyong Hockey Centre, starting Saturday and culminating in finals on Monday. Divisions two and three are being contested over the long weekend at Broadmeadow's Newcastle International Hockey Centre. Newcastle's men's side will be led by experienced campaigner and captain Nick Hill. "We've got a good mix of experience and some younger ones," Willott said. "Ryan Woolnough was recently announced in the Australian under-21 squad, and there will be some debutants. "Our goal is to make the final. But making the semis will be the first part of it then we'll go from there." Maitland coach Adams Hughes knew Braedyn Crowley would hit form, it was a matter of providing service to the prolific striker. Crowley has netted five goals in the past three games - all wins - to help the Magpies turn around their NPL Northern NSW campaign. Hughes is hoping Crowley - and Maitland - can carry that form into the Australian Cup clash with NPL leaders Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Saturday. "Braedyn is a fantastic goalscorer and we know if we get him service in the right areas, he is clinical in those spaces," Hughes said. "It has been a whole-squad approach. The movements, the actions and the patterns we are trying to play. He has a knack for being there at the right moment. There are others who are also close to going on a scoring run." Magic last qualified out of NNSW for the Australia Cup main draw in 2023. "They have some individuals who are top quality at this level," Hughes said. "We need to be on top of our game, be energetic and nullify their strengths if we can. We will have a go at them as well. It will be a good marker on where we are at." Edgeworth are through to the final round of the NNSW qualifying after Bangalow forfeited the clash set down for Jack McLaughlan Oval. In other Australia Cup games on Saturday, Weston are at home to Lambton and Cooks Hill travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Northern Stars. In the NPLM, Adamstown host Charlestown Azzurri in a catch-up game at 4pm. In the NPLW, Broadmeadow tackle Charlestown on Saturday (4pm) at Magic Park. The Newcastle open women's netball representative side are set for an enormous three days in Camden, where they will play 24 30-minute games over three days in pursuit of the NSW title. Perennially a top-two performer, Newcastle are coached by former national league midcourter Narelle Eather and last claimed the title in 2023. They were runners-up last year. "It's really intense because there's no finals, it's first past the post," Eather said. "So, you have to try to win every single game. There's no time for dropping a game. If you do, you then have to hope for the rest of the weekend that one of the other top teams drop a game. "It's a different game playing three days in a row on the concrete. It comes down to survival of the mentally fittest, not just the physical." This year's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Norths goal attack Abbie Gray, a mainstay of the side, will captain Newcastle. Souths pair Aneeka Marcozzi, in the midcourt, and Erin Asquith at goal shooter are experienced campaigners and West Leagues Balance opens centre Laicy Costigan is among the rising talents. Charlestown and Maitland are also in the women's championship division. Cessnock and Charlestown are vying for the men's state title. Several games have been washed out this season, but Newcastle Rugby League's first-grade competition hasn't been as impacted by the weather compared to the region's other premier sports in 2025. The NEWRL continues over the long weekend and kicks off with a bumper clash at Belmont's Cahill Oval on Saturday, when in-form Lakes United (fourth) host Maitland (third) from 3pm. Former NRL player Brock Lamb is set to return from Maitland, and comes up against two of his former Knights teammates in Lakes forwards Sione and Peter Mata'utia. At the same time on Saturday, Kurri Kurri (sixth) are at home to Central (10th) and Macquarie (ninth) are away to Wyong (seventh). On Sunday at 3pm, competition leaders Western Suburbs are away to eighth-placed The Entrance, while South Newcastle (fifth) host Cessnock (second). Wanderers coach Luke Sherwood expects Samoan international Andrew Tuala to improve the Two Blues' scrum in the second half of the Hunter rugby season. Tuala played 50 minutes off the bench in the Two Blues' 22-12 win over University in a catch-up game on Thursday night. The win was Wanderers' second for the season. Tuala came on at loose head and then switched to hooker in the second half. "Defensively, we were really good," Sherwood said. "Uni were camped on our line late in the first half, but we held strong. Our scrum was going backwards, but we defended really well. "We started strong in the second half and got some points on the board. They scored a couple of late tries from kicks but I was happy with the defence. "AT [Tuala] played just over half a game. We changed the front row at half-time and it worked OK. "AT went hard for 30 minutes and then got gassed. He will be a week-to-week scenario. He is working in the mines so he can't fully commit to training and games." In the other catch-up game, Merewether had to work hard to topple Southern Beaches 25-7 at Ernie Calland Field. Newcastle men's division one coach Dave Willott has his sights on a finals appearance at the Hockey NSW Open Field State Championships. The division one men's and women's competition will be played out at Wyong Hockey Centre, starting Saturday and culminating in finals on Monday. Divisions two and three are being contested over the long weekend at Broadmeadow's Newcastle International Hockey Centre. Newcastle's men's side will be led by experienced campaigner and captain Nick Hill. "We've got a good mix of experience and some younger ones," Willott said. "Ryan Woolnough was recently announced in the Australian under-21 squad, and there will be some debutants. "Our goal is to make the final. But making the semis will be the first part of it then we'll go from there." Maitland coach Adams Hughes knew Braedyn Crowley would hit form, it was a matter of providing service to the prolific striker. Crowley has netted five goals in the past three games - all wins - to help the Magpies turn around their NPL Northern NSW campaign. Hughes is hoping Crowley - and Maitland - can carry that form into the Australian Cup clash with NPL leaders Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Saturday. "Braedyn is a fantastic goalscorer and we know if we get him service in the right areas, he is clinical in those spaces," Hughes said. "It has been a whole-squad approach. The movements, the actions and the patterns we are trying to play. He has a knack for being there at the right moment. There are others who are also close to going on a scoring run." Magic last qualified out of NNSW for the Australia Cup main draw in 2023. "They have some individuals who are top quality at this level," Hughes said. "We need to be on top of our game, be energetic and nullify their strengths if we can. We will have a go at them as well. It will be a good marker on where we are at." Edgeworth are through to the final round of the NNSW qualifying after Bangalow forfeited the clash set down for Jack McLaughlan Oval. In other Australia Cup games on Saturday, Weston are at home to Lambton and Cooks Hill travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Northern Stars. In the NPLM, Adamstown host Charlestown Azzurri in a catch-up game at 4pm. In the NPLW, Broadmeadow tackle Charlestown on Saturday (4pm) at Magic Park. The Newcastle open women's netball representative side are set for an enormous three days in Camden, where they will play 24 30-minute games over three days in pursuit of the NSW title. Perennially a top-two performer, Newcastle are coached by former national league midcourter Narelle Eather and last claimed the title in 2023. They were runners-up last year. "It's really intense because there's no finals, it's first past the post," Eather said. "So, you have to try to win every single game. There's no time for dropping a game. If you do, you then have to hope for the rest of the weekend that one of the other top teams drop a game. "It's a different game playing three days in a row on the concrete. It comes down to survival of the mentally fittest, not just the physical." This year's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Norths goal attack Abbie Gray, a mainstay of the side, will captain Newcastle. Souths pair Aneeka Marcozzi, in the midcourt, and Erin Asquith at goal shooter are experienced campaigners and West Leagues Balance opens centre Laicy Costigan is among the rising talents. Charlestown and Maitland are also in the women's championship division. Cessnock and Charlestown are vying for the men's state title. Several games have been washed out this season, but Newcastle Rugby League's first-grade competition hasn't been as impacted by the weather compared to the region's other premier sports in 2025. The NEWRL continues over the long weekend and kicks off with a bumper clash at Belmont's Cahill Oval on Saturday, when in-form Lakes United (fourth) host Maitland (third) from 3pm. Former NRL player Brock Lamb is set to return from Maitland, and comes up against two of his former Knights teammates in Lakes forwards Sione and Peter Mata'utia. At the same time on Saturday, Kurri Kurri (sixth) are at home to Central (10th) and Macquarie (ninth) are away to Wyong (seventh). On Sunday at 3pm, competition leaders Western Suburbs are away to eighth-placed The Entrance, while South Newcastle (fifth) host Cessnock (second). Wanderers coach Luke Sherwood expects Samoan international Andrew Tuala to improve the Two Blues' scrum in the second half of the Hunter rugby season. Tuala played 50 minutes off the bench in the Two Blues' 22-12 win over University in a catch-up game on Thursday night. The win was Wanderers' second for the season. Tuala came on at loose head and then switched to hooker in the second half. "Defensively, we were really good," Sherwood said. "Uni were camped on our line late in the first half, but we held strong. Our scrum was going backwards, but we defended really well. "We started strong in the second half and got some points on the board. They scored a couple of late tries from kicks but I was happy with the defence. "AT [Tuala] played just over half a game. We changed the front row at half-time and it worked OK. "AT went hard for 30 minutes and then got gassed. He will be a week-to-week scenario. He is working in the mines so he can't fully commit to training and games." In the other catch-up game, Merewether had to work hard to topple Southern Beaches 25-7 at Ernie Calland Field. Newcastle men's division one coach Dave Willott has his sights on a finals appearance at the Hockey NSW Open Field State Championships. The division one men's and women's competition will be played out at Wyong Hockey Centre, starting Saturday and culminating in finals on Monday. Divisions two and three are being contested over the long weekend at Broadmeadow's Newcastle International Hockey Centre. Newcastle's men's side will be led by experienced campaigner and captain Nick Hill. "We've got a good mix of experience and some younger ones," Willott said. "Ryan Woolnough was recently announced in the Australian under-21 squad, and there will be some debutants. "Our goal is to make the final. But making the semis will be the first part of it then we'll go from there." Maitland coach Adams Hughes knew Braedyn Crowley would hit form, it was a matter of providing service to the prolific striker. Crowley has netted five goals in the past three games - all wins - to help the Magpies turn around their NPL Northern NSW campaign. Hughes is hoping Crowley - and Maitland - can carry that form into the Australian Cup clash with NPL leaders Broadmeadow Magic at Cooks Square Park on Saturday. "Braedyn is a fantastic goalscorer and we know if we get him service in the right areas, he is clinical in those spaces," Hughes said. "It has been a whole-squad approach. The movements, the actions and the patterns we are trying to play. He has a knack for being there at the right moment. There are others who are also close to going on a scoring run." Magic last qualified out of NNSW for the Australia Cup main draw in 2023. "They have some individuals who are top quality at this level," Hughes said. "We need to be on top of our game, be energetic and nullify their strengths if we can. We will have a go at them as well. It will be a good marker on where we are at." Edgeworth are through to the final round of the NNSW qualifying after Bangalow forfeited the clash set down for Jack McLaughlan Oval. In other Australia Cup games on Saturday, Weston are at home to Lambton and Cooks Hill travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Northern Stars. In the NPLM, Adamstown host Charlestown Azzurri in a catch-up game at 4pm. In the NPLW, Broadmeadow tackle Charlestown on Saturday (4pm) at Magic Park. The Newcastle open women's netball representative side are set for an enormous three days in Camden, where they will play 24 30-minute games over three days in pursuit of the NSW title. Perennially a top-two performer, Newcastle are coached by former national league midcourter Narelle Eather and last claimed the title in 2023. They were runners-up last year. "It's really intense because there's no finals, it's first past the post," Eather said. "So, you have to try to win every single game. There's no time for dropping a game. If you do, you then have to hope for the rest of the weekend that one of the other top teams drop a game. "It's a different game playing three days in a row on the concrete. It comes down to survival of the mentally fittest, not just the physical." This year's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Norths goal attack Abbie Gray, a mainstay of the side, will captain Newcastle. Souths pair Aneeka Marcozzi, in the midcourt, and Erin Asquith at goal shooter are experienced campaigners and West Leagues Balance opens centre Laicy Costigan is among the rising talents. Charlestown and Maitland are also in the women's championship division. Cessnock and Charlestown are vying for the men's state title. Several games have been washed out this season, but Newcastle Rugby League's first-grade competition hasn't been as impacted by the weather compared to the region's other premier sports in 2025. The NEWRL continues over the long weekend and kicks off with a bumper clash at Belmont's Cahill Oval on Saturday, when in-form Lakes United (fourth) host Maitland (third) from 3pm. Former NRL player Brock Lamb is set to return from Maitland, and comes up against two of his former Knights teammates in Lakes forwards Sione and Peter Mata'utia. At the same time on Saturday, Kurri Kurri (sixth) are at home to Central (10th) and Macquarie (ninth) are away to Wyong (seventh). On Sunday at 3pm, competition leaders Western Suburbs are away to eighth-placed The Entrance, while South Newcastle (fifth) host Cessnock (second). Wanderers coach Luke Sherwood expects Samoan international Andrew Tuala to improve the Two Blues' scrum in the second half of the Hunter rugby season. Tuala played 50 minutes off the bench in the Two Blues' 22-12 win over University in a catch-up game on Thursday night. The win was Wanderers' second for the season. Tuala came on at loose head and then switched to hooker in the second half. "Defensively, we were really good," Sherwood said. "Uni were camped on our line late in the first half, but we held strong. Our scrum was going backwards, but we defended really well. "We started strong in the second half and got some points on the board. They scored a couple of late tries from kicks but I was happy with the defence. "AT [Tuala] played just over half a game. We changed the front row at half-time and it worked OK. "AT went hard for 30 minutes and then got gassed. He will be a week-to-week scenario. He is working in the mines so he can't fully commit to training and games." In the other catch-up game, Merewether had to work hard to topple Southern Beaches 25-7 at Ernie Calland Field. Newcastle men's division one coach Dave Willott has his sights on a finals appearance at the Hockey NSW Open Field State Championships. The division one men's and women's competition will be played out at Wyong Hockey Centre, starting Saturday and culminating in finals on Monday. Divisions two and three are being contested over the long weekend at Broadmeadow's Newcastle International Hockey Centre. Newcastle's men's side will be led by experienced campaigner and captain Nick Hill. "We've got a good mix of experience and some younger ones," Willott said. "Ryan Woolnough was recently announced in the Australian under-21 squad, and there will be some debutants. "Our goal is to make the final. But making the semis will be the first part of it then we'll go from there."
The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Socceroos itching to confirm World Cup fate
The Socceroos will move on from the "frustrating" wait to have their tickets to the World Cup finals officially stamped and set their sights on sealing the deal in Saudi Arabia. Aziz Behich's wonderful 90th-minute goal against Japan delivered a 1-0 victory in Perth and almost certainly confirmed direct qualification for next year's tournament in North America. Socceroos players watched together from their hotel as the Saudis beat Bahrain 2-0 overnight, when a draw or loss would have sealed Australia's berth. Tony Popovic's Australia (16 points, plus eight goal difference) are still well and truly in the box seat to finish second behind Japan ahead of Saudi Arabia (13 points, zero goal difference). A win, draw or defeat by less than five goals in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST) will confirm Australia's sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance. Striker Brandon Borrello said of the Bahrain-Saudi result: "Frustrating. I'll leave it at that. It was probably just frustrating. "We have to approach the game regardless of Bahrain winning or losing. "The boss speaks to his elite standards that we have. It's just got to be the same ... so no-one drops the standards. "Obviously it's frustrating in that sense, but today's a new day, and we've just got to approach it the way we would (normally)." The Socceroos and Saudi Arabia, led by Herve Renard, drew 0-0 last time out in Melbourne. "We have to go to Saudi and get a result. They have to win by five ... we're going there to win regardless," Borrello said. "It's obviously going to be a very heated game but we're up for the challenge." Popovic's charges are now focused on recovery. When asked if sealing qualification in Saudi would be more satisfying than having it confirmed at 3am in their hotel rooms, Borrello said: "I don't think it matters how you qualify, as long as you do qualify." While there were scenes of elation and tears of happiness for the Socceroos on Thursday night, Borrello, who described the win as a reflection of "true-blue Australian grit", was measured on Friday. "I'm being honest - without sounding arrogant, our intention was to go and beat Japan regardless. And that was the way we spoke," Borrello said. "That was the language we used around it: we're going to win. "Obviously, last night, we created a bit of history. It's been a while since we beat Japan, and we knew it was going to happen. "And the boss said pretty much, if we believe in ourselves half as much as what he believes in us, that we're going to win. So that's what we did." The Socceroos will move on from the "frustrating" wait to have their tickets to the World Cup finals officially stamped and set their sights on sealing the deal in Saudi Arabia. Aziz Behich's wonderful 90th-minute goal against Japan delivered a 1-0 victory in Perth and almost certainly confirmed direct qualification for next year's tournament in North America. Socceroos players watched together from their hotel as the Saudis beat Bahrain 2-0 overnight, when a draw or loss would have sealed Australia's berth. Tony Popovic's Australia (16 points, plus eight goal difference) are still well and truly in the box seat to finish second behind Japan ahead of Saudi Arabia (13 points, zero goal difference). A win, draw or defeat by less than five goals in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST) will confirm Australia's sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance. Striker Brandon Borrello said of the Bahrain-Saudi result: "Frustrating. I'll leave it at that. It was probably just frustrating. "We have to approach the game regardless of Bahrain winning or losing. "The boss speaks to his elite standards that we have. It's just got to be the same ... so no-one drops the standards. "Obviously it's frustrating in that sense, but today's a new day, and we've just got to approach it the way we would (normally)." The Socceroos and Saudi Arabia, led by Herve Renard, drew 0-0 last time out in Melbourne. "We have to go to Saudi and get a result. They have to win by five ... we're going there to win regardless," Borrello said. "It's obviously going to be a very heated game but we're up for the challenge." Popovic's charges are now focused on recovery. When asked if sealing qualification in Saudi would be more satisfying than having it confirmed at 3am in their hotel rooms, Borrello said: "I don't think it matters how you qualify, as long as you do qualify." While there were scenes of elation and tears of happiness for the Socceroos on Thursday night, Borrello, who described the win as a reflection of "true-blue Australian grit", was measured on Friday. "I'm being honest - without sounding arrogant, our intention was to go and beat Japan regardless. And that was the way we spoke," Borrello said. "That was the language we used around it: we're going to win. "Obviously, last night, we created a bit of history. It's been a while since we beat Japan, and we knew it was going to happen. "And the boss said pretty much, if we believe in ourselves half as much as what he believes in us, that we're going to win. So that's what we did." The Socceroos will move on from the "frustrating" wait to have their tickets to the World Cup finals officially stamped and set their sights on sealing the deal in Saudi Arabia. Aziz Behich's wonderful 90th-minute goal against Japan delivered a 1-0 victory in Perth and almost certainly confirmed direct qualification for next year's tournament in North America. Socceroos players watched together from their hotel as the Saudis beat Bahrain 2-0 overnight, when a draw or loss would have sealed Australia's berth. Tony Popovic's Australia (16 points, plus eight goal difference) are still well and truly in the box seat to finish second behind Japan ahead of Saudi Arabia (13 points, zero goal difference). A win, draw or defeat by less than five goals in Jeddah on Wednesday morning (AEST) will confirm Australia's sixth consecutive World Cup finals appearance. Striker Brandon Borrello said of the Bahrain-Saudi result: "Frustrating. I'll leave it at that. It was probably just frustrating. "We have to approach the game regardless of Bahrain winning or losing. "The boss speaks to his elite standards that we have. It's just got to be the same ... so no-one drops the standards. "Obviously it's frustrating in that sense, but today's a new day, and we've just got to approach it the way we would (normally)." The Socceroos and Saudi Arabia, led by Herve Renard, drew 0-0 last time out in Melbourne. "We have to go to Saudi and get a result. They have to win by five ... we're going there to win regardless," Borrello said. "It's obviously going to be a very heated game but we're up for the challenge." Popovic's charges are now focused on recovery. When asked if sealing qualification in Saudi would be more satisfying than having it confirmed at 3am in their hotel rooms, Borrello said: "I don't think it matters how you qualify, as long as you do qualify." While there were scenes of elation and tears of happiness for the Socceroos on Thursday night, Borrello, who described the win as a reflection of "true-blue Australian grit", was measured on Friday. "I'm being honest - without sounding arrogant, our intention was to go and beat Japan regardless. And that was the way we spoke," Borrello said. "That was the language we used around it: we're going to win. "Obviously, last night, we created a bit of history. It's been a while since we beat Japan, and we knew it was going to happen. "And the boss said pretty much, if we believe in ourselves half as much as what he believes in us, that we're going to win. So that's what we did."
The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Edict fires two NRL greats into frame for Kangaroos job
The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on." The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on." The NRL will maintain its stance of prohibiting the Kangaroos coach from having club ties, placing Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith at the front of the queue to replace Mal Meninga. After nine years and two World Cup titles, Meninga has walked away from the Australian Test side to become head coach of the Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Meninga has been one of the most vocal supporters of the international game's growth and leaves the role with an 89 per cent win rate from 28 Tests. His exit to take the Perth gig leaves the Kangaroos without a coach just five months out from the first Ashes series in more than two decades. Australia will play England in a three-Test series at Wembley, Headingley and Everton's new home ground in November. There has been speculation that South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett would put his hand up to lead Australia. But NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Sydney on Friday that the ARL Commission wanted the national team coach to be at arm's length from club football. "We are all very excited for the end-of-season tour, it's been a long time in waiting, and of course we have a World Cup next year. "Today was about announcing Mal as the Perth Bears coach, and now with that secured the commission will turn its attention to the right candidate for the Kangaroos." Smith has no interest to coach at club level, but the 56-Test hooker said this week that the chance to work with the Kangaroos around his commentary commitments was appealing. Fittler, meanwhile, hasn't had a coaching position since parting ways with NSW following the 2023 State of Origin series. The ex-Australian playmaker currently works at the NRL and has received the backing of Phil Gould to lead the Kangaroos' Ashes tour. Meninga has helped restore the Australian team to the top of the international game, while the rise of Tonga and Samoa has left the Kangaroos increasingly fighting for players. "The Kangaroos job is a full-time job, it's not just coaching the team, there's a couple of other commitments," Meninga said. "From a transition point of view I'll hopefully be a part of all that. "I have loved the opportunity to coach the Australian team and build the international program. "I'm satisfied with the job I did with the national program, I'm really comfortable with the fact that I'm moving on."
