Football gets a shock as Tony Popovic announces the team for his first match as coach

Tony Popovic has revealed his first team as Socceroos coach after midfielder Massimo Luongo came out of international retirement.

Popovic was named as Australia coach on 23 September, three days after Graham Arnold’s resignation was announced.

Popovic’s first games are against China next Thursday night in Adelaide and against undefeated group leader Japan in Saitama on October 15.

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Arnold, who had held the post since 2018, stepped down after two disappointing results – a scoreless draw in Indonesia and a shock 0-1 defeat to Bahrain in the Gold Coast in September.

Those results have jeopardized Australia’s chances of direct qualification as Canada, Mexico and the United States begin the third phase of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

The 51-year-old announced his 26-man squad for the two fixtures on Friday, with Luongo being a surprise inclusion.

The 32-year-old, who won the MVP award in Australia’s victorious 2015 Asian Cup tournament, retired from international football at the end of last year.

(Photo by Brian Lennon/Getty Images)

The attacking midfielder has returned to the national team with a group of players, including a trio of Melbourne Victory stars who played under Popovic in the A-League.

Nishan Velupilli has won his first call-up to the Socceroos, joining Victory teammates Daniel Arzani and Jason Geria, who earned his first Australian cap eight years ago.

Popovic says the entire team will be in Adelaide from Wednesday, leaving a short timeframe to prepare for China.

“This time in camp will be important as we lay the foundation that will not only help us be successful in this window but will also set the path for our future ambitions,” Popovic said.

His selection was limited due to injuries to defender Alessandro Cercati and striker Cusini Ynggi.

20-year-old Cercati was forced to miss a lengthy spell on the field after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during training with his Italian club Parma a week ago.

Portsmouth’s Yengi has suffered a groin injury but is suspended for the China match due to his red card in the Bahrain defeat.

australia squad

Goalkeepers: Matty Ryan, Joe Gauci, Paul Izzo.

Defenders: Aziz Behich, Jordi Bos, Cameron Burgess, Thomas Deng, Jason Geria, Lewis Miller, Kay Rowles, Harry Souter, Gianni Stenness.

Midfielders: Keanu Backus, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irwin, Massimo Luongo, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O’Neill.

Forwards: Daniel Arzani, Mitchell Duke, Craig Goodwin, Nestori Irankunda, Sam Silvera, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, Nishan Velupilli.

© AAP