World Cup Fever: Socceroos Preview featuring Brisbane Football Review

0:00 Foreign. Hello and welcome back to the Aussie football passport. Yes, we are back right in time for the World Cup. And to preview it all, I am joined by the Brisbane Football Review lads, specifically Adam and Scott. Adam, how are you? I'm good, Alex, how are you? Yeah, very well, thank you. Very excited for this World cup as I'm sure you are as well, Scott. Very much looking forward to the international festival around. Well, it's always a great month, isn't it? Yeah, it is. And, and I think we get a couple of weeks extra because of the expanded 48 team tournament which, you know, the jury's still out on, but we haven't experienced it yet. So let's see what this extended World cup throws us.

0:55 I'm sure there'll be plenty of upsets and storylines that will be bringing you over the next six weeks or so. Now, Adam, I might get you to plug the wonderful Brisbane Football Review podcast, please. Yep, absolutely. And you can find us on Facebook on the Raw Review or Brisbane Football Review. You can find us also on Twix at bnefootball, Instagram and threads. Brisbane Football Review or lowercase. You can drop us an email brisbane football reviewmail.com and you can find us on all good podcasting platforms, particularly Apple podcasts and Spotify.

1:37 Yeah, so make sure you get around the boys to do wonderful coverage of the local game in Queensland in the mpl, around the Brisbane area and of course Brisbane Raw when the A league season is on, both men's and women's coverage as well. So you're, you won't miss a thing if you're interested in Queensland football. So make sure you go give them a like and subscribe and all that kind of wonderful stuff. All right, now on to the matter at hand, this episode. So we're going to look at the friendlies against Mexico and Switzerland because we did try and record one last week but technology failed me, so. Wonderful. Anyway, let's not go there. Uh, what we learned about the squad over those two games, of course, the 26 man squad that Tony Popovic selected. And then we're going to preview the game against Turkey and I'm going to put the lads on the spot. Although now you're going to have a bit of thinking time as to who is going to be your World cup winner. Anyway, let's get into the friendlies. Let's start with the one nil loss to Mexico first. And Scott, I might throw to you, what are your thoughts on this game? And I guess what, what did we learn about the squad.

2:52 I think the first thing learned about that game is how the squad performs in a proper World cup environment. Think back to that game in The Rose Bowl. 70,000 screaming Mexicans. If there was any doubt in this young Australian side, there's a very young Australian squad going to this World Cup. What the experience in the atmosphere would be like. Well, it hit them square in the face in that game. And look, it was a decent performance in that game. Defensively they were pretty solid offensively, not creating enough in the game to actually go and really trouble Mexico enough. But I think the one thing that would be the frustration for Tony Poppy would be conceding off of a set piece. And that's something that he's pride. He would pride himself on getting that sort of thing right. So that attention to detail would probably frustrate him.

3:33 But on the whole it was a decent first up heat out. And again, you have to remember these games are about trying very particular scenarios, not necessarily winning this game. It's about preparing for the games coming up. So don't read too much into the result. More on the way the game played and how certain scenarios played out. Yeah, there's some good points there and I think that sort of gets lost a lot when the friendlies are reviewed or analyzed, if you like the point that I guess the coaches are trying different scenarios, different combinations, building combinations between players. But you're right, I think the frustration will stem largely from the fact that the soccer has conceded a set piece goal. You know, Tony Popovic of course, being a central defender back in his day as a player. And I guess Adam does that sort of, I guess, you know, conceding the set piece. Do you think that that might alter the way Tony Popovic goes? I guess we'll get into that later. But I just want to get your thoughts on, on that whilst we're discussing the Mexico game. Look, I just think it might be just a case of the defenders are switched off a little bit. It's again, it was the only crack in otherwise a pretty decent performance defensively.

4:48 So look, those things happen. It was, it was sort of midway through the first half when it did happen. So it just might be a case of switching off maybe Mexico so just throwing in a variant or a play that they didn't sort of see coming and reacting too slowly. But other than that, again, it was a solid, it was solid hit out. Look, I agree with Scott. The fact is that, you know, offensively it didn't really show much there. But I also think that that really did sway well that squad going from 3026 because I think it's anyone that was on the bubble certainly didn't do enough to warrant sort of a late inclusion. Yeah, that's right. It's. It's very interesting and I guess that sort of throws to my next point around the starting 11 because it changed completely for the Switzerland Switzerland game I should say and particularly it was very experimental. We saw every single outfield player get minutes in that game. So I, I guess Scott, do you think there was anyone and. And the result was one all. Do you think there was anyone that pushed their case to, to start in that game against Turkey in the first group game? I think if there was an argument that Erin Kunder Volpato would weren't necessarily right to play together I think those two show they can certainly combine. They would certainly press their case very strongly indeed. I thought Teti Yengi was okay and showed he can perform a role off the bench. I don't expect him to be starting in the game against Turkey, certainly not in that game but he could play a role off of the bench. The other interesting thing is he made a

6:21 lot of changes at the back and you look at the way that game panned out the way the Switzerland scored their goal and created another chance right on halftime it was a on ball. I had the ball on Australia's left hand side, switched it to the. The right and got through that way. So I do wonder if Tony Popovich will look at that and look at the backline and think is that back three of Sutar Sakati and Harrington the right back three to go with because they were. They did get through that way a couple of times so I do wonder about that. But for players who press their case in a positive sense for mine it would be a Conda and Valparto. Yeah, I tend to agree and I, I think particularly Aaron Kunda the, the discourse or the chat mostly has been that Iron Kunda is expected to be an impact player but I, I just think the quality he has he has to start personally but I can see it probably going the other way unfortunately But I guess we can get into that a little bit further in the chat once we talk about the squad. But Adam, I guess to, to pick up Scott's point around the, the. The defense and someone who definitely pushed their case and was crucial in the goal that Australia scored was Cameron Burgess. So the debate really is Cameron Burgess versus Lucas Harrington and who gets that left sided center back spot. I'm going to put you on the spot. Adam, who would you go with out of those two? Oh geez. It actually is hard because I say it's almost head versus heart almost. But look I, I do tend to agree that yeah putting it bias

7:53 aside, I actually think Cameron Burgess actually did show something as far as being part of that back three alongside Harry Sutar and outside of Jakarti. That's no, no respect whatsoever to Lucas Harrington he is going to have if he keeps on the form trajectory he's on. He's got plenty of World Cups to star in. So I think it's the here and now. I thought when Cameron Burgess came on second half that really did solid also I did think as well is that the experiment about. Quite true. And playing the fullback I thought was a bit of a failure. I thought a couple of times that he got. He got exposed badly in that and then probably also as well was maybe a bit of 5050 exposed by a bit of Luke's heritage. Experience. Experience. But still.

8:40 But when, but when Lucas. When should I say Kai Sean did switch into midfield I thought he played much better. So I'm not, I'm certainly not saying Kai Truin doesn't deserve potentially a spot in that in the starting side. I just don't think it's a fullback role. I think Jacob Italiano really did really sort of press his case to be the starting right back and then look, take your pick between Aziz Paige and Jordy Boss I actually think there's maybe scope to play. Both of you play Bage at that traditional left back role and you push Jordy Boss forward. I think so there are plenty of options. But yeah, I do certainly think that the original question Ken Burchells at least deserves to stay against Tokyo.

9:24 Yeah, I think you summed it up quite well there Adam. I don't think I've got anything else to add if I'm quite honest. So I guess the conversation too it very much looks like the starting 11 from the Mexico game is the one that'll most likely be the one that's played against Turkey. Maybe one or two adjustments might be Lucas Harrington coming out for Cameron Burgess and potentially necessary Aaron Kunda in for you'd probably say Lecky. I think Metcalf is a Tony Poppin bitch favorite let's say that could change of course but I guess another point I want to bring up is the slow starts. It's a bit of a concern for me and to be honest Switzerland punished us with with the early goal there. Scott, do you think like what does Tony Popovich have to do to the boys. I mean, it seems like after the drinks breaks that, you know, quite annoying but are needed in some of the locations in Northern America over this summer there. It seems like once he gets a hold of the boys after that 22 minute mark, they just seem to switch into another gear or actually feel more comfortable. So like, how does he address that, do you think? I think he's got to get them to have belief and confidence in themselves. It's a very young Australian group here and a lot of them have never played at, at this level and when you

10:57 can, it's only natural. When you at your building up for your first World cup, they're all thinking they want to play in that game against Turkey and the nerves are going to be there. It's just getting them to calm down, relax and believe in themselves. And it feels like the longer these games go on that is the case. And I completely agree that is one of the big concerns going into this World cup for Australia is these slow starts I've had against Mexico and against Switzerland. So they've got to find a way to, to bring what they have for about 25 minutes on from the first whistle because if it doesn't, if they do bring the nervous energies from the start, it could be like that game, the first group stage game in 2014 where they got jumped very early on in the game, it became very difficult. So you need to actually start off really strongly in these games and put yourself on the front foot.

11:44 And to me it's not so much trying to rev the players up, it's more getting to calm down and believe in yourself that you do belong here. It is a young group, but they do belong here. And that's the thing you got to really sell to the playing group. Yeah, definitely. And that game was against Chile, I believe in Brazil, because they were two nil down inside 20 odd minutes, weren't they? Yeah, they were, yeah. And, and there was really no coming back from that, even though the performance itself probably didn't warrant it. But you're right, it's that slow start and it can be such, you know, it's such a game of fine margins, particularly at the World cup and when you've got teams that are at a similar level to us. So they've really got to capitalize on that. And I, I guess probably a positive to come out of that Switzerland game was that Tetani got his goal on debut and I guess the, the goal itself, the Cam Burgess ball forwards into Metcalf and then the, the, the cut across goal to Teengi.

12:43 Do you think that's a bit of a blueprint, Adam, on, on how we might attack in the three pool games? I think it's one way to go. Especially again I look, I agree with saying before that I don't look at Tetani as a starting striker as far as negating that slow start. I actually think I, I was talked about, you know, Ranakunda, I thought a week ago that yeah, that he is definitely an impact player but he made a believer out of me and yeah in, in his, with his performance against Switzerland. I don't think you're better off having him start cause all sorts of chaos early and then you bring on a foil like a Tetani or motorway or something like that. I think that might be the way to sort of to negate that, that start if that slow starts. But look, I think for the boy it's confidence.

13:38 He actually had to do a bit as well that, that ball from Connor Metcalfe that wasn't the easiest cross yet the stretch a little bit. He actually did well not to blow that. I think I've seen players, I probably get a lot more accomplished absolutely blow, blow a chance like that. Just the lack of composure. So I think that's one of the good things. But I certainly think he's got a role to play. I just don't know if, if it's starting especially and I sort of hope, hope Poppage doesn't start so negatively as part and play, you know, a 5:4:1 or that that you know, they did really at least if, if, if anything it's a, you know, a five four one in defense but it attack pushed to a three up front.

14:19 Yeah, definitely that and I think that's probably the one of the concerns we've had and, and I mean look, Tony Popovic, his sides are always renowned for defensive solidity but when you've got the attacking talent that we've got, as we've said, Iran Kunder Motore, both in red hot form playing, you know, championship. I know it's not Premier League, but they're playing every three or four days and they're having an impact on their club side. They can have that same impact at international level. You can't tell me they're not jordy boss. I think, wow, what a player we've got there and we need to utilize him down the left as well. That's, that's really key for me and I'm sure you both agree with that. But let's discuss the squad in general, of course that was named after the Mexico friendly and we got a late SOS call from, well, should I say Christian Volpato may have got a late SOS call with the injury to Riley McGree in the championship which we were just talking about, of course Spygate having a role to play there. Riley McGree wasn't actually playing then. He was and then he picked up that hamstring injury which he carried into the game apparently according to reports. But Christian Volpato, such a divisive figure. But we've seen him play 45 minutes now. We've seen him actually discuss his, you know, I guess his decision to, to play for the Socceroos.

15:49 Now, Scott, I guess what are your thoughts now putting into that context, I guess of seeing him in the green and gold and that first half against Switzerland. Is the selection a good one? Well, firstly on the performance against Switzerland I thought he did pretty well and it is the right decision to have him in his squad because you look at it, once he made himself available, he is clearly in our best 26 players available. So that part of it takes care of itself. His performance against Switzerland I thought was decent. Again, you got to remember he's been in camp for four or five days with these players still building up those combinations and the way he combined very early on with players in that midfield and front third I thought was highly encouraging and something you can see building over the next couple of weeks and had some very nice touches in and around the midfield area. So I do think there's certainly a player that Australia can build around. I thought it was a decent first up start. I know it wasn't the, the flash, sensational thing that everyone was hoping we would see first off. Hopefully we see that later on in the World cup itself. But I do think it was a, a decent first up hit out from his perspective and on his decision. I did see one little clip from his interview saying he was brought up as an Italian Australian and those two things meant equal measure to him. So I do understand it was a very difficult decision for him. But now that he has made that, we can look forward to him being in the Australian side for the next ten years or so. So that's really encouraging. The problem is Alex, we're only halfway through this issue with the Italian national team versus Socceroos, aren't we? We've still got the issue of Giancarlo John Luca Ocon, who is just won a junior tournament with Italy and then you've got Antonio

17:19 arena, who was one of the breakout stars in the Serie A this year. So that's going to be a future problem for Australia, but at least we've won this one. And maybe it will lead to more wins down the road against the Italians. But between that and the issue with Seage and Croatia, this issue, we all were hoping that this dual nationality problem was going to go away after Volato made his decision. Unfortunately, I think that part of it's going to rumble on for longer. But I do think he will be a big part of this team though, looking at this World Cup, I think he's going to clearly pay a player part. And if it, if Tony Popovic can find a way to get, get Volato, Metcalfe and Euron Kunda all on the field at the same time, I feel like that combination with could be really devastating in terms of creativity in the front third for Australia with Motore feeding off of that. So if there's any way that he can just loosen the shackles and get that creative. Three behind Motor, that'd be nice to see.

18:07 It would be, wouldn't it? I think we'd all be licking our lips to see a formation, you know, maybe a 4, 2, 3, 1 where you, you put those three in behind Motore. Wow, that, that would be quite scary. And no more layups for the USA with that. I, I would say, um, now just going back to Volpado, I guess. You know, he also had eight or nine days off before taking the call up. So. You know, Tony Popovich has talked about his conditioning not being up to scratch, which is completely understandable considering, you know, over a week ago he wasn't going to World cup and then all of a sudden he is. So there's that. But Adam, I think another point that impressed me with him is his dead ball delivery.

18:50 We saw a wonderful free kick that he delivered right on Tari Soutar's forehead, which I mean isn't too hard to do considering the size of the lad. But you know, it gave him a wonderful opportunity and it's another, it's another route to golf for us. So I guess Adam, do you think that's important as well? And given the context that Riley McGree is injured and would have been a left footed set piece taker for us. Oh, absolutely. I think I agree with Scott that. Yeah. And even before, while it was a divisive issue after he did get called up, that I think it was the right choice. You know, Christian vato, he played 1300 minutes in Syria and while it's not the Syria of the 80s and 90s. It's still in my opinion, I think a lot of people's opinion is still a top five league in the world. You have a player like that, if he's Australian eligible, you pick him if he chooses to. And look this whole stuff about you know, again about dual nationality and you know, he'd be dream to play for Zuri and all that. Look, I, I challenge anyone that that is of that and all that, that they didn't dream of playing for a while the top nations before they dream for playing for Australia. It's only in the last decade that Australia has actually become a destination as far as that. And look, you don't, don't kid yourself. You think oh, that you know, Mark Paduka didn't dream of always playing for socceroos that you know, he would have want to play for Croatia potentially. But again, you know, but again he. Thank God he

20:22 chose Australia. I'd even go as far as say Harry Ki dreamed of playing for England. It just wasn't fashionable when the, when you know those guys are growing up to represent Australia and that, that's a cred to the brand that you know, the soccer is now at least upon par with the other choices playing for Italy. So I think there's a lot of discourse but I think it's more behind us now. I think majority of people now have accepted he's playing for Australia and you've got to get behind him. But just to your point about, about the, about the free kick specialist as well, there was, there was a moment in the Germany vs Germany vs USA friendly the other day, the opening goal which Kai Havertz basically strolled in unmarked to head home. The opening goal.

21:12 I have flashes of Christian Volpato fighting Harry Sutar doing that to the USA in Seattle in a couple weeks time. So certainly if they can get that right, it is a very, very good weapon. And the, and the way that that the dead balls specialists that they have in Australia having that have a Chicati, having a, having a Sutar, if you have a free kick taker that can hit those, can hit those heads. Look, it's a very, very big weapon for Australia because that's the one thing Australia does have it is height in set pieces. Alex, strike that from the tape. We can't have Adam bursting the layout bubble that the US are building around themselves. I know, yeah, sorry, we'll edit that out.

21:53 No worries. Thanks for that flagging up Scott. We, we don't want to give Them any ammo? We've got enough from them, so there's no more real. When I bought some ball for any more ammunition. We still got two weeks to go. We can't handle anymore. My pictures aren't always correct, so yeah, one can dream, as they say. Oh, that's right. You're 100% right with that one. Look, I. And just. I'll round out the dual nationality thing. I actually saw a podcast with Marco Bresciano last week, I believe, and he talked about, you know, the Volpado thing and he said he actually had Giovanni Trappertoni ring him and asked him if he wanted to play for Italy. Yeah, so, you know, and you got to remember too, Volato's 22 years of age. I don't know about you, lads, when I was 22, you know, I thought I was invincible and, you know, would go and do some rather silly things. So you have to forgive Christian. I've called quite a lot over the last week. If you couldn't tell, I was a bit heated up about it, mainly because Sega Chic went to Croatia and we lost him because I think he's up. We haven't lost him yet. You're right, he hasn't played yet. That's probably going to come up in the Nations League. But to your point, Volpata was also asked at 17 or 18 years of age to make a decision as well. If you can't make a decision at 22, and I agree with you, you certainly can't make one at 17 or 18. So that part of it, looking back in hindsight, it certainly does make sense. So either way, we're here now and unfortunately this issue is not going to go away because everyone's looking for dual national place.

23:22 Yeah, that's for sure. So, yeah, we've got two wins against Italy with Cucati and Volpado. Let's hope we can get another couple with arena and Ocon John of the Jean Luca variety. However, lads, I will get you, I guess. Adam, I might get you to start Lucas Harrington, if you can give us a bit of an insight into him and this rapid rise. I mean, you get to see him in the flesh week in, week out. Playing for Brisbane Raw over the last 18 months. Yeah, look, Lucas Harrington, it is a fantastic story. And look, Scott and I both covering the local game here. We saw Lucas Harrington as a 16 year old debut in the NPL. We knew that he was special and we actually also had the privilege of seeing his brother Diesel in the. In the group before that as well, we thought he was, he was pretty decent as well. But Lucas is just, you know, we always felt that he was going to be a special player. Look, you've got. Not that we're in the business or time of giving credit, but look, you got to give credit to Ruben Zakovic because he, he stood there at the season launch two years ago and said that Lucas Harrington was the best young defender in the league and he had never made his senior A debut yet. So that, that was a big call. And even Lucas in a recent time, an interview said that, you know, that those comments actually is a lot to what drove him.

24:50 And look, he, he was fantastic for the Raw. I do, I do actually think the only sort of downside I do have is that I think Colorado Rapids got maybe the steel century in terms of the transfer market. Whatever they paid, the Raw is about a tenth of what it should have been. Even, even between the time that the deal was signed and waiting for Lucas to turn 18 and then when he actually finally made the move to Colorado, he had. His day is just gonna go up and up and up. He has been fantastic playing for Colorado. He's played every, he's played every game since his move there. Has taken on taking on some of the best players in the world in, in that time as well, you know, including one Lionel Messi. So he, he is a fantastic story.

25:38 I do. Like I said, we did mention before, does he start, I guess Turkey? Look, maybe, maybe not. But as I said, he's also 18 years old and he has got plenty of World Cups to come. So sitting one out just for tactical and perform reasons is certainly not going to be the end of him. No, you're right. That's. That's well said, Adam. And I guess, Scott, have you got anything else you want to add on Lucas Harrington? No, just quickly on the Ruben Dakota. Everyone was kind of skeptical when he said that, but it was proven very much to be the case. So he waited till round eight to play him. He didn't make his professional debut until the 14th of December, 2024. And now 18 months later, he's in the soccer squad and a real chance of playing in the first game against Turkey. And I think back to March this year when Tony Popovich brought him into that camp for the FIFA series against Curacao in Sydney and Melbourne. He brought him in thinking, I'll have him in the squad. He's a good young player to keep an eye on. And they had that really big training session there on the Wednesday I think it was. And it was at that point Tony Profit went, oh, no, no, he's not just a squad player. This, this kid can play in my team right now. And was really, really bullish on what he could bring to the team. And I think it surprised Tony Paul Forge, how advanced he was at that age. And of course, he played in both of those two games and hasn't missed a starting 11 since, which is probably a good sign for him that he may very well play a part in this World Cup. So his rise has been certainly one to watch and we're very excited to see what he can do over the next few years in Colorado and probably heading to Europe in the not too distant future as well. But for the soccers, he looks like he's going

27:08 to be a staple at the back alongside Ali Chakati for years to come. Definitely, yeah. And I mean, Tony Popovic doesn't really signal out too many players for a single out. Too many players, I should say, for the kind of praise he's given Lucas Harrington. And I think the added weight for me is the fact that Tony Popovic is a former socceroo and, and a center back playing in his position. So he knows what he's talking about. He's been around the traps for a while. He was involved with the Crystal palace, coaching stuff, played in the Premier League. Like, you know, he's got chops and he's, he's raiding this kid. So, yeah, I think sky's the limit for Lucas Harrington. Fingers crossed for him. He's got his part to play in this World cup, but I think hopefully plenty more caps and involvements, as you said, Scott, alongside Ali Chucati in the future. So now we're almost. Well, we're what, six days out from the first game of the World Cup. Well, soccer is first game of the World cup against Turkey and I wanted to talk a little bit about them and preview that game. So the friendlies that they've had, they've played two friendlies, they had a win, a four nil win against North Macedonia, who their coach, Vincenzo Montella said was they were basically handpicked to replicate the style of play Australia had. So let's hope that they don't do that to us. That would be rather nice. And they also had a come from behind to one win over Venezuela. Abdougo set up both goals

28:41 in that one. And he looks like he's the star man, doesn't he, Adam, for that Turkey side? Yeah, the Goola, he certainly is the star of, of Turkey and look that that whole midfield in fact there, they are going to be a very, very big threat to the Socceroos and this is where the game will be one or lost is that if somehow Socceroos can nullify that that star midfielder offtake here, they're half a chance at least getting something out of this. But yeah, Gula also as well Katagoglu and Calhounoglu as well. I think that F3 will certainly lead the way. I think that on the other hand it's one thing to have a great midfield, but their, their attack or at least a recognized central striker is probably maybe the Achilles heel for them. There's certainly no Hassan Hakasuka in of times past in that side.

29:43 Maybe, maybe there is a star amongst it we haven't seen yet for them. But certainly the midfield is where this game we won a loss for Socceroos versus Takia. Yeah, definitely. And I guess there's. There's a few other stars as well. Keenan Yildaz of Juventus fame is a. Is a wonderful player. However, there is an injury cloud around him along with Ferdi Katioglu who of course plays his club football for Brighton. They're both going undergoing intense treatment according to reports to be fit for the Socceroos game. It's probably unlikely. We see Yildiz Kadioglu was available for the friendly against Venezuela, which was the latest one over the weekend, but Montella did not play him, just not to risk him. So I guess Scott, for you there are a couple other injury concerns too. Cullenoglou and Artur Koglu.

30:44 I think I've got that right. I hope they've both returned to full training. So do you think that disrupt Turkey and their preparations for the Socceroos game? I think it will actually. I think if your dis is not there, I think they'll find a way to cover that. I think the rest of them will probably all be available for that first game. So I don't think there'll be too many injury concerns there. Although whether they can run out a full 90 minutes or they have to bring some of those players off the bench will be an interesting one. But they should all be available to play some part in the game. I think it'd be very interesting games. They are a very experienced side actually, if you look at who they have on, on paper, they just don't have any World cup experience. It's crazy to think what they did in 2002 and they haven't been back to the World cup since. But They've got such a strong squad, haven't they? And the team they're going to bring to this tournament, they are a team that a lot of people are looking at outside of Australia as a team. That could be a real dark horse to go quite deep in this tournament. So be intriguing to see how they do go. Getting them first up, I think, could be really fascinating. It can go either way. That's their first World cup game in 24 years. So do they bring in a bunch of nerves or do they bring that excitement to really explode back onto the national stage?

31:49 It could be a very intriguing one. But I just find it really interesting when, at this time of tournaments, when teams are saying we're building, we're picking an opponent specifically to play against Australia. And it's always intriguing to see how our other teams view us in terms of what sort of style of play and what sort of nationality represents us best in terms of an opponent. So I always find that quite interesting. But I think this game's gonna be really intriguing and it could very well be decisive in how this group pans out, actually, because if there's a winner in this game, it could end up being that team definitely gets down the group. Yeah, that's. That's some really good points. And just, just to go about the friendlies before this World cup, it seems like every team has like methodically prepared with a team that's similar to ones that they'll face in their group. Right. Which I found fascinating. I've really, really love. So we think Switzerland is Turkey, basically. Yeah, well, I mean, their coaches of Turkish heritage. So, I mean, what more can you say?

32:43 I don't think stylistically though, it's that I think it's a little bit different. Well, particularly formation wise, I think Turkey play four at the back of more of a 4, 3, 3 system, I believe, whereas Switzerland played a. A similar system to us, the 3, 4, 2, 1. So that, that's quite interesting. But, yeah, I guess the other point is around Turkey. Yeah. What are they going to bring? Are they going to be nervous? Are they going to implode, or are they just going to burst onto the scene? We really don't know. And that's why, as you said, the first game is always the most intriguing and a result in this one, it gives you a springboard or a platform to then go on. Because the other thing that we haven't discussed is third place teams can qualify the best third place team. So I think it was. Is it eight of the 12 third place teams will go through, so that's another factor.

33:38 So, you know, does that mean teams are going to shut up shop early or are they going to do things a little bit differently that they wouldn't do at other World Cups? Probably the case, you would say. But I, I'm very much looking forward to this Turkey side is red hot. And I, I think they're, as you said, they're. They're a dark horse to. To go quite deep in this tournament. But it all more or less has to begin with this game against us in the group stage. So what they can do, let's find out, I guess. And Adam, do you. What are your thoughts on Turkey? Oh, look, I do think they're a formidable opposition. Their world ranking does not reflect where they really, really are. I think they're coming to the 41st or something like that, which is. Which is ridiculous that they are much better than that. What, What I do find fascinating as well is that it seems like it's all in a way and slightly totally made for the Socceroos because eventually that Keenan Yildas is.

34:42 Is injured. It seems to be that all three of Australia's group opponents have got star players that are in doubt. Uh, Chris Richards, uh, is. Is in doubt for the usa that they're uh, they're very tough captain and defender and also Julian Ciso for. For Paraguay, who I think is. I think he will miss the World World cup, which is a shame because he is a. He is a hell of a player. So look, this is hard to har. To think of something coming Australia lose a bottle player on the e. But or. Or during. While he. This. This first game. But. But certainly as well. I do think that it'll be. I think both teams be playing not to lose in this open in this open game. I do say the same about your USA and Paraguay as well because I do think that with four teams are relatively similar sort of in strength and capabilities, five points might be enough to win. Might be enough to win the group. So it's more.

35:38 Might be more of a case of let's not. Let's not lose rather than risk, you know, open yourself up and potentially losing. Try chasing win on that point. Alex. Winning this group is imperative, isn't it? Because you can win this group. You stay on the west coast all the way through as far as you progress, whereas if you finish second or third, you start to venture more back towards the middle of the United States. So if you can. If you can win the group, you basically stay in the same Time zone, same climate. It's a massive advantage. Obviously it's a. It's a host nation advantage. But if you're able to finish top of the group, whoever the one of these four teams does it, that's a massive advantage. Just to stay where you are basically is as long as you progress. That's another really good point. Yeah. Yeah. So you really want to be gunning for it, obviously. Usa, the pressure's on them and they're almost expected to well, go through at the very least in this group considering.

36:29 And you know, with all the trash talking they've been doing, it's more or less a given according to them, but we'll let them talk about that. That's fine. Paraguay, I guess, are an interesting prospect as well. I think you could probably say they're in a similar playing style to us. Very defensive, but have some wonderful creative players. As you said in ciso, if he's fit, hopefully he's for. For Paraguay's sake. But then you've got Diego Gomez, another Brighton player and you've got. I think I'm missing someone else there. Oh, Miguel Almiron, of course, of Newcastle Fame. Former Newcastle Fame. But he's now an MLS player so he knows the conditions quite well there in Northern America. So very interesting. But yeah, injury clouds over all of our pool opponents, so that's quite interesting.

37:15 So I guess Scott, I might put you on the spot. Do Australia get through the pool? Yeah, I think we can get through this group. I think it's a case where I think everybody will win a game and everybody will lose a game and I think it's going to be so tight. So we're going to come down to the very final games and does simultaneous kickoffs in this group. I think it'll be very interesting, but I do. Yeah, I think Australia will get. We'll get out of the group. I've got them getting out in second place. Oh, okay. All right. And Adam, what about for you? So do I think. I think second place. I. But I do agree it's going to come down to the final group games. I. I think Paraguay the one and miss out like in CISO is a huge loss for them. He. He is their. He is their quarterback. He. He is their.

37:56 Their orchestrator. Him missing really sort of, I think. And it's those foreign margins. I. I do think that Turkey will win the group. Just. I do think USA will finish third in that. But they will progress. Yeah. Okay. Interesting, interesting. So, yeah, and I should also mention Diego Gomez had a Bit of an injury towards the end of the Premier League season. So he's. What his level of fitness is. Is probably a little bit unknown as well. So, yeah, for me, I do think that Australia will get through. Of course, a bit of bias where they go through. It's probably either second or third. I don't see them topping the group. I think it's Turkey is to win just given the quality of their team all across the pitch.

38:43 Stumbling into the first place in the group somehow by some, they could have them stumbling into first place. Yeah, it could go genuinely either way. Yeah, it really could. I think USA are either going to crash and burn in the group stage or they're going to get through somehow. But I don't think it's going to be pretty. I just don't see it, particularly with Richards if he's not fit. He's so key to their defensive unit. If he's out. Yeah, they're in big trouble, I think personally, particularly. Yeah. In that defense. As you said earlier, Adam, that. That goal. Not reading the book. This is a layup and it's a home run. It's a touchdown. It's everything. Yeah, it is, isn't it? Yeah, home run. All that garbage. But yeah.

39:25 Anyway, we'll let them keep talking. We'll let them keep talking. Now, Adam, I'm going to put you. Well, I was going to say put you on the spot. We did this pre show. We, we. We went through the predictor that Scott so kindly got us. So Adam, who's your World cup winner? Yeah, so I did, I did the predictor and I ran a couple of runs. The first one didn't turn out very realistic that way. But, but the, the predictor, the one that I'm running with for the record as well is I actually do think even without. I thought would be the case and I do have Spain winning. I actually, actually in the. I had a final four of.

40:09 Just bring it up now. Spain defeating Portugal in the final and then the semi finalists, Brazil beating Mexico and a fourth. Fourth place. That was. That was a shock as well. Some notables. Some notables just as far as sort of in. In the knockouts as well. I think we're planning to post these all on some. One of our social media so you can go have. So listeners can have. Have a bit of a laugh. Socceroos go out in the mouth there too. Losing to Egypt. Our good friends England go out in the round of 16.

40:51 They beat Iraq in the. They beat Iraq in the two and then Mexico tail Them up in Mexico City. So that and Argentina, the defending champions, they go out to Portugal in the quarterfinals on penalties. So that's a sum of the, of the results as well. USA, just quickly where we have them. Yeah. USA, go 16. Yeah, they were at the round of 16 as well. Oh, okay. Interesting. Some interesting predictions, but probably not surprising with Spain winning it. But what about Scott? Have you got any surprises for us in your prediction couple? I'll save my winner till the end.

41:41 In the group order, I had usa, Australia, Paraguay and then Turkey was my order for the group. In terms of our friends across the Dutch, I've got them finishing third in group G and just missing out as one of the teams who don't get through. And I also had the same fate for Graham, Arnold Durac, so unfortunately I don't have either of those getting through to the knockouts. Australia, I think they will beat Egypt in the round of 32 and then they will lose to Lionel Messi's Argentina once again in the round of 16. Ironically, I had the exact same score. Argentina 2, Australia 1. So hopefully that doesn't happen again, but that's where I had it. Adam mentioned our good friends in England. I know it's not coming home. They're going to lose to Spain in the round of 16, so it's going to be leaving England once again. My final four, I have Spain defeating Germany in one semifinal, Brazil defeating Argentina in the other. In fact, I've actually have Messi v. Ronaldo in the quarterfinals also. That'll be quite entertaining as well. But my final is Spain 3, Brazil 2.

42:40 That's my prediction. I think Argentina will finish third but Spain to become a two time world champion for me. Okay, interesting. I left it till the end because it was the same as Adam. So I just wanted to break it up a little bit. Yeah, thank you for that, Scott. I appreciate that. So yeah, interesting that we basically all have the same final, but I'll, I'll get to my final and. Well, that means it's definitely not going to happen, doesn't it? Probably. Probably, yeah. Three spins, eight happening. Yeah. Where's. Where's the octopus? What is his name again? Actually, before you go, I'm looking at James's prediction as well. He also has the same final as well. So. Okay, there we go. Very interesting. It just seems to be the way that the draws worked out, hasn't it? So. So yeah, Australia's fate. I had us getting through to around 32, but we were matched up with Senegal and Senegal beat us in Fact, Senegal go all the way through to the semi finals.

43:35 I'm predicting that they're going to do the Morocco. I just. That that Senegal team is very strong and. And probably a little bit slept on, in my opinion. I think same fate for you guys with England knocked out by Spain in the round of 16. But a tasty matchup in the quarterfinal between Spain and Mexico. But Spain get over them on that side of the draw and then on the other side of the draw, Brazil go through. They recreate that was it the quarterfinal from four years ago when Croatia beat them? I have them beating Croatia this time. And then that lines up with a game against Portugal. But before that, Ronaldo beats Messi in the quarterfinal. Portugal beating Argentina there. Brazil versus Portugal. I've got Brazil beating Portugal and the Brazil Spain final, but I've got Brazil winning it.

44:35 Don Ancelotti at it again. Master class. This time doing it on the world stage. Bit of. A. Bit of a gamble because Brazil's backline is a bit worrying if you think about it, but I just think Ancelotti will get the best out of Vinnie Jr. And that will do enough to get Brazil that trophy yet again. They haven't even qualified for. Sorry, Bold. Speaking of Tainan in a tournament they haven't even bought. I know. I know what Italy would do for a coach like Ancelotti. I mean, even he probably couldn't fix them, though, to be fair. They're that broken. But yeah. Yeah. I just think Ancelotti's incredible. I think he'll work his magic with that Brazil team. It just needs something. It just needs something. And I think it's Ancelotti 2002, isn't it, that I've just. Everyone's writing them off.

45:26 They're a team you've got to keep an eye on. Sorry, Adam. Yeah. As you say, you made a number of Brazilian friends of mine very, very happy, even though they don't believe in it. So. Wow. Okay. They do think that they still have recovered from 2014, so when. When Germany pretty much murdered modern Brazilian football. So they still haven't recovered. Yeah, that's. That's probably pretty fair. Pretty fair thing to say too, because they just haven't looked the same. But I think there's still the quality there, and I think Ancelotti is the guy that can get it out of them. But let's see if any of these bold predictions come true. They probably won't. And it'll be some left field team, perhaps, or usa, if you want to believe everything that's coming out of their country.

46:13 Anyway, lads, thank you very much for joining us, for joining me for the first episode of this World cup coverage. And we'll be back every after the Socceroos games to to wrap them up and give them to you on a platter. Our analysis and hopefully we'll be doing this for many, many weeks as the Socceroos get deeper and deeper into the tournament across everything. I think it's a very exciting Socceroos side. Hopefully we can get the Shackles off and we can get some three points to get us deeper and deeper into that tournament. Adam, one more time I'll get you to plug the Brisbane Football review, please. Yep, you can find us on Facebook, the raw review of Brisbane Football Review on Twixball, Instagram and threads.

46:58 Brisbane Football Review. Drop us an email brisbane football reviewmail.com and you can buy us on podcast platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Thank you very much, Adam. All right, that's it. And thank you very much, Scott and Adam. Really appreciate it up the Socceroos and let's hope we can get something out of the Tokyo game. Sam.