Soccer Australia announced its 26-man squad for the Qatar World Cup yesterday, and old friends of Shanghai fans and former midfielders with the Shanghai Port (formerly Hong Kong) team, Matthew Ryan and Hrstic, among other players, made the cut.
Although the Australian national team has as many as 16 players who have participated in overseas leagues, its overall strength and the number of stars is far less than in previous World Cups. It is worth noting that this time the "Kangaroo Army" in the list, there are 17 people for the first time to participate in the World Cup, the game is relatively inexperienced.
"The previous World Cup qualifiers were very tough. Fortunately, we achieved a satisfactory result. Now we will come to Qatar with an exciting team. The players will do their best to make all those who care about the team proud." Australia head coach Arnold said.
For Shanghai fans, the most familiar member of the Australian team is midfielder Muy. The balding 32-year-old played for Shanghai Port (formerly Shanghai Port) for two years, contributing six goals and forming an enviable midfield combination with Oscar. After a short stint in China, Moue joined Scottish giants Celtic. Although he was unable to secure his main position in the more competitive Scottish Premier League, his relatively consistent performances continued to be favored by Arnold and the opportunity to showcase his skills at the World Cup.
Another old Chinese Super League acquaintance, who played for Jiangsu defender Sainsbury's, regretted dropping out at the last minute.
Australia's World Cup roster:
Goalkeepers: Matthew Ryan (Copenhagen), Vukovic (Central Coast Mariners)fc)
Defenders: Nathaniel Atkinson (Riverside Olympic), Behy (Dundee United), Joel King (Odense), Rawls (Midlothian Hearts), Degnecker (Columbus Crew), Souttar (Stoke City) Dunn (Niigata Swans), Bailey Carracci (Sunderland)
MIDFIELD: Keelin Bacchus (St. Mirren), Jackson Irvine (St. Pauli), Cameron Devlin (Hearts), Reilly McGrory (Middlesbrough), Krstic (Verona), Mooy (Celtic)
Forwards: Martin Boyle (Hibernian), Jason Cummings (Central Coast Mariners) - Duke (Okayama Green Pheasants), Kraigg Goodwin (Adelaide Union) - Kuhl (Central Coast Mariners), Matthew Leckie (Melbourne) - Mabiel, Jamie McLaren (Melbourne City)
