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As it happened ... Re-live all the drama with our blog of the Socceroo's match against Oman. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited
Re-live all the action from what could be a costly draw for the Socceroos against Oman in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier.
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Downtrodden ... not many Socceroos will be happy with their performances against Oman. Source: Paul Miller / AAP
The 35,000 fans at ANZ Stadium on Tuesday night weren't happy with the Socceroos' display against Oman in the 2-2 draw in the FIFA World Cup qualifier.
And neither was Holger Osieck, perplexed by a performance that he said bore no resemblance to what he saw at training during the week.
"It was definitely not what we expected," Osieck said after the match.
"We had different hopes going into the game. Unfortunately the first half did not go according to plan."
When asked what went wrong, Osieck said: "you can work on stuff, but the transferral (onto the pitch) is another issue. That was not what I wanted to see."
Oman's dream start, capitalising on some leaden-footed defending from Michael Thwaite, allowed them to sit back and absorb Australia's attack, while frustrating them with a little gamesmanship as well.
Add to that tactical stand-off a tepid first half display by the home side, lacking tempo and incisiveness, prompting Osieck to bemoan the lack of technique, accuracy and concentration of his players.
While all the usual platitudes about fighting spirit are true, as the side salvaged the woeful prospect of dropping three points at home to come back from two goals down and salvage a point, the opening-half performance will have Osieck scratching his head as to what went wrong.
Indeed, it's fitting that after Fox Sports spent the week picking Australia's most important footballers, Tim Cahill almost carried the country on his shoulders. The New York Red Bulls man had a number of headers saved in an exceptional display by Omani goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi.
So where did it go wrong? We run the rule over the Socceroos' display. Let us know what you think.
DEFENCE - 4/10
We entered the game debating how a new-look centre-back pairing would go, and we got a pretty grim answer straight away.
The simple ball played in behind Thwaite shocked everyone and rattled the side, and the home side looked vulnerable whenever the Omanis were running at them on the break.
To be fair to the pair, they scrambled well at times in the second period, but overall, didn't look comfortable.
"It's always a problem (throwing two new guys in)," Osieck said. "They've never played together in a competition like this.
"They need a bit more time. They just had recently playing time in friendlies but this is a different ball game.
"It's my responsibility because I thought they were the right players for that position."
Matt McKay and Luke Wilkshire tried to offer width going forward, but a lot of the balls aimed at Cahill had him under pressure and not close enough to the six yard box.
| Group B | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 13 |
| 2 | Australia | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| 3 | Oman | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | -3 | 6 |
| 4 | Iraq | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -1 | 5 |
| 5 | Jordan | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -7 | 4 |
MIDFIELD - 5/10
A really disappointing part of Australia's performance. Mile Jedinak had a rare off night: his passing radar was off, he couldn't dictate the tempo, struggled to organise the side and looked a shadow of his normal self. At one point, Osieck rose from his seat to castigate the Crystal Palace skipper.
While Osieck was okay with the shape of the side, he - like a lot of fans and media - was bemused by the midfield's inability to turn plenty of possession into meaningful passages of play.
A lot of times, be it through the heart or on the flanks, excellent Omani structure and shape forced the home side backwards. The ball into the centre wasn't quick enough, the side lacked penetration because of that and it prompted Osieck to urge his troops to be far more positive in the second period.
James Holland couldn't assert himself either, and admitted after the match he tried to force the issue at times when it might not have been on.
The choice of Holland and Jedinak together backfired, but in a blow for Osieck, Mark Bresciano only lasted a few minutes before succumbing to injury as the coach rolled the dice to change the game.
Out wide, Alex Brosque and Robbie Kruse tried, and had better luck bursting to the byline in the second half, but for the most part were well contained by Paul Le Guen's side. Combination play down the flanks with their left and right backs was not effective, either.
GROUP A:
Korea Republic
Iran
Uzbekistan
Qatar
Lebanon
GROUP B:
Australia
Iraq
Jordan
Oman
Japan
Socceroos' schedule:
June 8, 2012: Oman 0 Australia 0 (away)
June 12, 2012: Australia 1 Japan 1 (home)
September 11, 2012: Jordan 2 Australia 1 (away)
October 16, 2012: Iraq 1 Australia 2 (away)
March 26, 2013: Oman (home)
June 4, 2013: Japan (away)
June 11, 2013: Jordan (home)
June 18, 2013: Iraq (home)
UP FRONT 6/10
Two big names delivered two vital goals, but overall, it was a struggle finding that incisiveness, movement and penetration you'd ideally like to see at home.
Brett Holman was chosen centrally and although he put himself about, he couldn't quite find space, shrug defenders or drop between the lines like we're used to.
But boy did he deliver when the pressure was on. His long-range drive brought back memories of Serbia in Nelspruit. A clutch shot, if there ever was one.
Cahill was a huge force, but had to furrow it alone with individual brilliance, shrugging off Oman defenders to pepper Al Habsi's goal. But he shouldn't have had to do it alone.
After the match, he noted that he was having to header from so deep, an impossible task when hassled by a number of cheeky Oman defenders. He also rued that the side's games plan resorted to using him as a battering ram, adding that he wants the side to play football - something that will only come in time.
Cahill was often seen dropping exceptionally deep to kick start a movement - symptomatic of the struggles the midfield were enduring against a stubborn Omani defence, who only tired late in the second half.
OVERALL
The second half spirit is a redeeming factor, but that is countered by a game at home, against a team ranked 105th in the world, with so much on the line.
It's not acceptable for the national side to only perform once the chips are down, especially in front of expectant home fans. It's becoming an ugly, but familiar trait.
Picking two defensive central midfielders didn't work, the central defensive pair struggled and the combination play amongst the side's four offensive players wasn't fluent.
Holger Osieck couldn't hide his disappointment, but as Tim Cahill offered - there needs to be patience around this team.
But there's not that much more room for error. An away game against Japan is followed by home games against Jordan and Iraq.
Tonight is a warning shot, but if Australia is not good enough to in those two home games, they don't deserve to go to Brazil. And Osieck promises the side not die wandering in Japan, either.
After a week spent debating Australia's best on foxsports.com.au, two familiar faces vindicated their rankings. But what of the others?
There's a lot of work to be done.
Agree with our take on the performance? Let us know by joining the conversation by leaving a comment below.
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Go get him ... Sheedy wants Franklin to turn orange. Source: Chris Scott / News Limited
Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy has urged the Giants to up the ante in their pursuit of Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin in a bid to boost the fledgling club and AFL in the region.
Franklin has put off contract negotiations until the end of the year, leaving the door ajar for the cashed-up Giants to make a huge play for the brilliant forward.
Hawthorn have publicly stated that they expect to retain Franklin, but there is an expectation that either the 26-year-old or a couple of key teammates will be squeezed out.
Sheedy, speaking on AFL 360, has told the Giants to be ready to pounce if Franklin looks to continue his career elsewhere.
"I would think it would be a great opportunity if Franklin is thinking of leaving Hawthorn," Sheedy said.
"It would be enormous, absolutely enormous."
Asked by AFL 360 co-host Mark Robinson if Franklin commanded $1.2-$1.3 million per season, Sheedy said: "If that's what it takes to get him to Sydney I believe this team would blossom with another great player in it."
Sheedy was excited by the prospect of possibly adding Franklin to a forward line containing young guns Jonathon Patton and Jeremy Cameron.
The salary cap space cleared by Israel Folau's defection to Super Rugby will be spent, Sheedy declared, and Franklin would be the top ticket item.
"If it was my advice and it was on the table, I would say go after him.
"He's kicked over 500 (529) goals in about a 150-160-game (161) career.
"Kurt Tippett has played just over 100 (104) games and kicked maybe 180 (188) goals.
"I think Franklin is a better player than Tippett.
"Therefore, if you've got a package of money there left after (Israel) Folau then you get it right and you might have a (Tony) Lockett.
"And that injection into Sydney would be fantastic."
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Open and honest ... Gary Ablett chats with Mike Sheahan. Source:FOX SPORTS
Gold Coast skipper Gary Ablett has downplayed speculation that he will seek a return to Geelong when his lucrative Suns contract expires at the end of 2015.
Cats fans - and some former teammates - hold out hope that the brilliant midfielder will pull on the blue and white hoops again before his stellar AFL career ends.
"It's hard to say because I don't know where I'll be," Ablett told Open Mike on FOX FOOTY.
"I'm loving it at the Gold Coast at the moment and I really want to win a premiership up there."
Ablett, 28, was relaxed and refreshing in his 30-minute chat with Mike Sheahan.
He went into detail about his father's career - and battle with depression - and said he gave up footy as a teenager due to the pressure of carrying the famous Ablett name.
Ablett confirmed reports that after the 2006 season senior Geelong players, led by Cameron Ling, sat the Brownlow medallist down and had a frank discussion about his lack of training intensity.
He admitted "it was hard to take", but reflected on the moment as a turning point.
"When I first got to the club I just used to go through the motions a bit," he said.
"I didn't realise how hard you had to train to make it. I thought I was going to make it off the talent I had and I kind of went along like that for three or four years."
The Cats' leaders told Ablett: "Look mate, you're not training hard enough, you're not working hard enough, it's just not acceptable."
One year later Ablett led the Cats to a drought-breaking flag, won his first of four AFLPA MVP awards, and the first of four club best-and-fairests.
In the interview, Ablett also:
-Admitted he was homesick for his first year at the Gold Coast, but adamant he made the right decision to walk away from Geelong.
-Tried to talk brother Nathan Ablett out of quitting Geelong.
-Rated his father as the best to ever play the game.
-Revealed he had enjoyed a laugh with Mark Thompson since their feud in 2010.
Dropped the ball ... Demetriou says AFL should have acted earlier. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou admits the league should have acted much earlier on concerns about the growing influence of sports scientists at some clubs.
Demetriou said that was one issue he was referring to at last week's season launch when he confessed to "some recent errors of judgment".
"One specific example, definitely ... (was) talking about the influence sports scientists were having at football clubs," he told FOX FOOTY's On The Couch.
"We should have intervened a lot earlier.
"When I came out and talked about that, there was outrage from some quarters about sports scientists (having) a place.
"They may well have a place and there are some very fine ones.
"But there were certain things going on, certain practices, particularly with marginalising our club doctors, which was unacceptable."
A year ago, Demetriou said the league would issue heavy fines if it could prove club medical staff were being overruled on player health.
"Phys-edders don't overrule doctors," was Demetriou's blunt warning at the time.
Sports science is now a massive issue not only in the AFL, but Australian sport in general.
Essendon are now under a joint Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and AFL investigation for supplement use last season.
The Bombers have also commissioned an independent investigation to look into "irregular practices" at the club.
The Australian Crime Commission has released a report expressing concerns about performance enhancing drugs and organised crime in sport.
Meanwhile, Demetriou also said on Monday night that he could understand why the league's findings against Melbourne Demons had confused fans.
The league suspended Dean Bailey and Chris Connolly, as well as hitting the Demons with a $500,000 fine, but cleared the club of tanking.
"I can give you lots and lots of cases where there's insufficient evidence and insufficient proof, people do get frustrated by the outcome," Demetriou said.
"All I will say to you is based on the evidence that could be sustained ... that was all that could be supported.
"I tell you what, if you don't have evidence, then you don't go down that track and pinging guilt on people.
"You know where you'll end up? You'll end up in the High Court or somewhere else."
Sparkling form ... Gordie says Tyrone Roberts could keep Kurt Gidley out of the Knights team. Source: News Limited
In his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts and predictions on round three of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.
Storm vs Bulldogs, AAMI Park
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The grand final replay certainly didn't disappoint. I expected Melbourne to win comfortably but Canterbury were gritty and brought a game plan that caused Melbourne plenty of defensive issues. The battle of the halves was an entertaining one. Josh Reynolds continues to be the Bulldogs back bone. He is creating plays and steering the side around while Cooper Cronk was brilliant once again. His kicking game was pin-point and the way he targeted Tony Williams with set plays were executed with precision.
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It was a terrible opening 25 minutes by Parramatta. With the competition as tight as it is this year, you cannot afford to make as many errors as they did early. The Tigers looked like a more controlled side. They had a game plan which saw Chris Lawrence work toward Chris Sandow as often as they could, with the ploy working a treat. The Eels did their best to make a game of it in the second half but it was their mistakes and poor defensive reads which ultimately hurt them.
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The Gold Coast beat Manly at their own game. It was a physical battle filled with tight defence. This Titans side is a massive unit and if they can get even possession of the ball they will challenge any side. Their halves combination is coming along nicely, not only in attack but in defence, Albert Kelly made some strong defensive plays. It was a gutsy win to back up an easy win over the Raiders last week.
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What an effort to keep Brisbane scoreless. Roosters coach Trent Robinson should take a bow. The Broncos had ample opportunity to trouble the Roosters but they were not able to trouble them. Mitchell Pearce's kicking game was strong while Sonny Bill Williams continues to improve each week as he builds match fitness. Their attack will only get better as their combinations grow. The Broncos will need to turn things around very quickly. They face Melbourne this week and will need to find a way to score points.
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It was another emotional match for the Sharks in Shane Flanagan's return. The Sharks were on a mission which was led by Andrew Fifita and backed up by his skipper Paul Gallen. Todd Carney was at his brilliant best. He was able to pick and choose his plays and did so with precision. They only leaked four points which is a credit to their mental strength to not switch off with the game all but wrapped up at half time. Michael Gordon has been a revelation for the Sharks at fullback. Hopefully things begin to right themselves at the Shire club. The Warriors need to address their defensive issues before they can move forward.
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Sometimes when teams face the Rabbitohs they are content with competing with them but this was not the case from Ivan Cleary's men who dug deep in a back and forth style match. It was an end to end game but the extra class that South Sydney has ultimately won them the game. Sam Burgess returned from suspension, Greg Inglis had some brilliant touches and Nathan Merritt bagged a hat trick of tries. I think Maguire will be pleased with the win and their ability to score points but will be disappointed by how many points his team did leak.
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The hoodoo continued in a low scoring first half. It was a great defensive effort from both sides in the opening 40 minutes. Both sides were asked to defend some great attacking plays. This win eases some pressure on the Raiders. As an assistant coach it was great to get our first win and while there wasn't a massive crowd in attendance they were very vocal and I think that helped get us home. Reece Robinson was brilliant in attack while Brett White lead by example as did Glenn Buttriss in terms of leadership. There is now plenty of pressure on the Dragons to get a result against Cronulla in Saturday night's local derby.
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It was the best Newcastle Knights we've seen in a couple of seasons, says Gordon Tallis. Man of the Match Jarrod Mullen was outstanding for the Knights. His short and long passing game precise and his kicking was pin-point. The halves have been problematic for Knights recently, but these two could keep Kurt Gidley on bench. I think Gidley is the best 14 in the competition. The Cowboys looked frustrated. Everything they did lacked direction.
Their forwards looked pedestrian and the hooker and halves aren't combining well at all.
Under the spotlight ... will Fernando Torres return home? Source: Darren Walsh / AAP
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has seemingly opened the door for a possible return of Fernando Torres.
Torres has endured a torrid stay at Stamford Bridge since joining from Liverpool in January 2011 for £50million.
In 74 league games he has scored just 14 times, which is a shadow of his Liverpool form where he hit 65 goals in 102 Premier League appearances.
The 29-year-old began his career with Atletico Madrid and is still revered by their fans, and now Simeone has refused to rule out a possible return.
"Fernando Torres is currently playing for another team. We have to wait for the season to finish and decide which of the available players could come here and do a good job," Simeone told Onda Cero.
"Fernando knows about the club's history, what it means to play here and I don't need to speak about his ability.
"We were team-mates. I know how important he can be."
Simeone admits he does not know if a deal could be struck, adding: "It's complicated. I wouldn't like to say yes or no. He's a player who always performs and we have to respect his choice."
With Chelsea being strongly linked with Atletico's Radamel Falcao - a player-swap plus cash deal has long been mooted.
Simeone was also quizzed about the future of the Colombian, and said: "I'm not Falcao and I'm not his agent. I'm the manager and have the utmost respect for him, because he gave me so much at River Plate and has done the same here.
"He always gives his all and I really respect players who do that. But everyone makes their own decisions in life. Every person is different, and we have to respect each other. Those who stay are always going to be the best."
Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/8592305/Diego-Simeone-has-refused-to-rule-out-a-bid-for-Fernando-Torres
Flanno's return ... Sharks players and staff celebrate their win. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited
In his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts and predictions on round three of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.
Storm vs Bulldogs, AAMI Park
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The grand final replay certainly didn't disappoint. I expected Melbourne to win comfortably but Canterbury were gritty and brought a game plan that caused Melbourne plenty of defensive issues. The battle of the halves was an entertaining one. Josh Reynolds continues to be the Bulldogs back bone. He is creating plays and steering the side around while Cooper Cronk was brilliant once again. His kicking game was pin-point and the way he targeted Tony Williams with set plays were executed with precision.
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It was a terrible opening 25 minutes by Parramatta. With the competition as tight as it is this year, you cannot afford to make as many errors as they did early. The Tigers looked like a more controlled side. They had a game plan which saw Chris Lawrence work toward Chris Sandow as often as they could, with the ploy working a treat. The Eels did their best to make a game of it in the second half but it was their mistakes and poor defensive reads which ultimately hurt them.
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The Gold Coast beat Manly at their own game. It was a physical battle filled with tight defence. This Titans side is a massive unit and if they can get even possession of the ball they will challenge any side. Their halves combination is coming along nicely, not only in attack but in defence, Albert Kelly made some strong defensive plays. It was a gutsy win to back up an easy win over the Raiders last week.
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What an effort to keep Brisbane scoreless. Roosters coach Trent Robinson should take a bow. The Broncos had ample opportunity to trouble the Roosters but they were not able to trouble them. Mitchell Pearce's kicking game was strong while Sonny Bill Williams continues to improve each week as he builds match fitness. Their attack will only get better as their combinations grow. The Broncos will need to turn things around very quickly. They face Melbourne this week and will need to find a way to score points.
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It was another emotional match for the Sharks in Shane Flanagan's return. The Sharks were on a mission which was led by Andrew Fifita and backed up by his skipper Paul Gallen. Todd Carney was at his brilliant best. He was able to pick and choose his plays and did so with precision. They only leaked four points which is a credit to their mental strength to not switch off with the game all but wrapped up at half time. Michael Gordon has been a revelation for the Sharks at fullback. Hopefully things begin to right themselves at the Shire club. The Warriors need to address their defensive issues before they can move forward.
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Sometimes when teams face the Rabbitohs they are content with competing with them but this was not the case from Ivan Cleary's men who dug deep in a back and forth style match. It was an end to end game but the extra class that South Sydney has ultimately won them the game. Sam Burgess returned from suspension, Greg Inglis had some brilliant touches and Nathan Merritt bagged a hat trick of tries. I think Maguire will be pleased with the win and their ability to score points but will be disappointed by how many points his team did leak.
The hoodoo continues in a low scoring first half. It was a great defensive effort from both sides in the opening 40 minutes. Both sides were asked to defend some great attacking plays. This win eases some pressure on the Raiders. As an assistant coach it was great to get our first win and while there wasn't a massive crowd in attendance they were very vocal and I think that helped get us home. Reece Robinson was brilliant in attack while Brett White lead by example as did Glenn Buttriss in terms of leadership. There is now plenty of pressure on the Dragons to get a result against Cronulla in Saturday night's local derby.
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Better, but still not there ... Thomas Broich was not happy post game. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP
When the stakes rise, so too do great players.
Entrants must be 18 or over and hold a current full Australian driver's licence.
The competition commences on, 27 January 2013 at 8:30pm AEDT and closes on 5 April 2013 at 5:00pm AEDT and is divided into 10 weekly periods.
Each weekly period opens on Sunday at 8:30pm AEDT and closes on the following Friday at 5:00pm AEDT.
One entry per weekly entry period.
This competition is authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/13/00440, ACT TP13/00141, Victorian Permit No. 13/117 & SA Licence No. T13/61.
Thomas Broich's glorious goal against Melbourne Heart is one of the goals of the season, but after the match, Brisbane Roar's talisman vented his disgust at the way his teammates clocked off in the final moments of the game.
"I think we were quite ill-disciplined and selfish and I'm disappointed with some of the boys," Berisha told Fox Sports after the match.
"Very complacent, lazy … overshadows the great first-half."
Coach Mike Mulvey agreed with his captain, declaring much improvement was needed ahead of next round's do-or-die blockbuster against Sydney FC at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.
"If we're serious about achieving anything this season … then if we play the way we did in the second-half we'll be giving opposition chances," Mulvey said.
It was a stark contract to passages in the first period, which prompted Fox Sports commentator Robbie Slater to declare: "the champions turned up today".
Despite opening the scoring via a dubious penalty, which earned the wrath of Melbourne Heart coach John Aloisi, the Roar should have been a couple up on the back of some of their first-half football.
Broich's goal is a genuine contender for the goal of the season – but so too are the two other nominees for this week's astoundingly good goal of the week.
Perth's display against Melbourne Victory was full of top-class highlights; Danny Vukovic's save kept them in the game, but Chris Harold and Josh Risdon's goals are ready-made for the highlights reels for years to come.
Check them out in the video at the top of the page and then follow the prompts below to enter the Goal of the Week competition.
To enter, simply visit our competition page here each week to vote for your favourite goal and submit your details below.
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Who is No.1 ... we come up with the Socceroos pecking order. Source:FOX SPORTS
Welcome to the Socceroos Power Rankings - your chance to play the role of Holger Osieck and scour the globe and debate the pecking order of Aussie players vying for a spot in the national squad on the road to Brazil.
To kick-start the countdown to the first big game in 2013 – Tuesday night's qualifier against Oman in Sydney – a Fox Sports football roundtable of Simon Hill, Andy Harper and Robbie Slater have ranked their top-50 Australian footballers.
It's subjective, it's opinionated and it's going to provoke great debate.
Their criteria was simple: if you are the coach, who are the first names on your team sheet right now, based on form and fitness?
Join the debate and don't forget to join us again Friday morning for the next batch of squad contenders.
Will he or won't he ... Chris Herd. Source: AFP
35. Chris Herd: will he, or won't he? The Aston Villa utility could provide a quality option for the Socceroos in midfield or as an alternative across the backline, but each time he's been called up, he's been injured. Until he makes his debut, there will be conjecture that he will opt to represent Scotland.
34.Trent Sainsbury: Graham Arnold has a terrific track record bringing youth into the A-League via the Mariners, and Sainsbury is top of the class this season. A classy, poised centre-back, he could be one to keep any eye on as an option – perhaps sooner rather than later. Has represented Australia at U-17 and U-20.
33. Luke DeVere: A terrific impression over 65 caps at Brisbane saw De Vere leave the A-League for Gyeongnam FC. The move hasn't thrust him into Socceroos colours just yet, but if we are to have depth at centre-back beyond Lucas Neill, De Vere is one of the players we need to reach the potential he showed in the A-League and get regular game time.
32. Richard Garcia (18 caps): thrown to the wolves against Germany at the 2010 World Cup in Durban, Garcia fell off the Socceroos radar after a knee injury ruled him out of the 2011 Asian Cup. But he returned to the squad for the East Asian Games qualifiers and the former Hull City man's sharp form and leadership for Melbourne Heart sees him back in contention and an experienced option should Osieck need him.
Left-foot ... Rukavytsya Source: AP
31. Adam Taggart (3): one of the real bolters in the Socceroos ranks. The Newcastle Jets striker was one of the real beneficiaries of the East Asian Games qualifiers – scoring twice. Definitely on the radar as a lively, high quality player up front with an eye for goal. Pace, skill, confidence - he's highly rated by a number of our panel.
30. Jade North (39): a decade in the national team is testament to North's versatility and reliability despite his lower profile. A return to the A-League after a spell in Asian club football should see him get regular game time – and with that, you'd expect him to be on the cusp of selection, jostling for that second centre-back spot or providing cover on either flank. In line for a start on Tuesday night.
29. Nikolai Topor-Stanley (2): you could have been ridiculed for mentioning this a few years back but Topor-Stanley has been a revelation at Western Sydney Wanderers and has a bullet next to his name in the eyes of our Power Ranking selectors. Gone is the clumsy giant at the back, replaced by a mobile, consistent and towering presence. His left-foot adds another string to his bow and it's easy to see him creeping into the squad over the coming months.
Highly rated ... Aaron Mooy. Source: News Limited
28. Eugene Galekovic (6): our Save of the Week catalogue is almost a Galekovic showreel. The Adelaide United custodian has been outstandingly consistent since moving to Hindmarsh Stadium and his call-up for the Oman game is due recognition of that. An amazing shot-stopper, Galekovic has every chance to pip one of our overseas contingent to make our top three keepers and go to his second World Cup.
27. Aaron Mooy (2): Mooy was one of Western Sydney Wanderers' key signings, returning home after a two-year spell with St Mirren in Scotland. He hasn't disappointed, showing a tremendous range of passing and discipline in his role in the middle of the park. He hogged the headlines at the East Asian Games qualifiers with two stunning free-kicks.
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26. Michael Thwaite (10): The Perth Glory centre-back's return to the Socceroos ranks is a feel good story – and a great A-League yarn. The highly talented defender has been singled out by Osieck as someone he trusts and is a huge shout of forging his way into Osieck's first-choice pairing. Thwaite made his debut back in 2005, but after some difficult times abroad, he is finally back where he belongs.
25. Robert Cornthwaite (6): talk about being at the right place at the right time. The former Adelaide United defender stepped in at short notice against South Korea last year and hasn't looked back, popping the odd goal in for fun and becoming one of Osieck's favourites. Can he maintain it? He needs to get back into the side at Chunnam Dragons if he is serious about becoming a first-choice centre back.
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24. Nikita Rukavytsya (11): the flying left-footer is someone the public has had its eyes on since he burst onto the scene at Perth Glory in 2007, but the 25-year-old hasn't been able to quite nail a spot in the Socceroos squad. He was in Pim Verbeek's plans, and made it onto the pitch in South Africa, but game time and goals at Mainz in the Bundesliga is vital if he wants to return to the frame for the big games.
23. Brett Emerton (95): the much loved veteran, who made his debut way back in 1998, isn't completely out of the reckoning despite a few struggles at Sydney FC since his return home. He led the way at the East Asian Games qualifying and scored a superb winner against Hong Kong. If Osieck needs another wise head, Emerton has never let the Socceroos down and would love to bring up the century of caps.
22. Adam Federici (8): The No.2 in South Africa still appears to hold that mantle, although injury keeps him out of the current squad. He has worked his way back into Reading's first team after a shaky start to life in the Barclays Premier League, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds should The Royals slip back into the nPower Championship. His headlines a line of deputies who should be able to provide sound cover for Mark Schwarzer.
21. Matt Spiranovic (16): the 24-year-old's selection here is a curious one, perhaps more on hope than results. Now at Al Arabi in Qatar, Spiranovic was the next big thing when he made his debut in 2008 while playing in Germany for FC Nuremberg. He hasn't kicked on since, nor found the consistency, but at his best is a poised, ball-playing centre-half who should, in theory, complement Lucas Neill.
The country's quest to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil re-starts on Tuesday night. Australia are locked in a dogfight with Oman, Iraq and Jordan for the second automatic spot in Group B, eight points behind Japan. You can watch this vital clash live and in stunning HD from 6.30pm (EDT) on Fox Sports 1 HD, with kick-off from 7pm.
