Australia
The Socceroos made an extraordinary run to the 2022 quarter-finals — their best finish since 2006 — and Tony Popovic has maintained the competitive core of that squad. Without the galvanising force of retired players, the current generation faces pressure to prove the 2022 run was not a one-off.
Official FIFA Licensed Gear
Tactical Blueprint
A resilient defensive 4-4-2 or 5-4-1 with emphasis on counter-attack and aerial threat at set pieces. Ryan is world-class in goal and often Australia's most influential player in tight matches.
Key Personnel
Mathew Ryan
Player · Levante
Miloš Degenek
Player · APOEL Nicosia
Martin Boyle
Player · Hibernian
★ Tournament Lore
Australia's 2022 run to the quarter-finals included a penalty shootout win over France-linked Aston Villa and a famous victory over Denmark.
Mathew Ryan saved a crucial penalty against Peru in the 2022 intercontinental play-off to secure qualification.
The Socceroos beat Netherlands 2-1 in the 2022 round of 16, one of that tournament's genuine upsets.
