Australian Socceroos Announce Preliminary World Cup Squad
Mix of veterans and young guns to feature in Brazil
Australian Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has named two uncapped players in his extended 30-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Postecoglou called up 21-year-old defender Bailey Wright and German-based winger Ben Halloran in the preliminary team that will travel to Brazil.
The duo are among a rejuvenated Australia squad that has an average age of 23. The team has an unprecedented blend of youth, experience and domestic based players with 11 currently playing in the A-League. The younger players are meant to prepare the national team for the 2018 World Cup while veterans were still called upon to guide the team with their experience.
Mark Bresciano earned a recall from suspension and joins Tim Cahill, Mark Milligan, Josh Kennedy and Luke Wilkshire among the Socceroo veterans in line for a third World Cup in an otherwise youthful preliminary squad.
"I had some specific criteria - form, fitness and an eye for the future - and I think this squad reflects that," said Postecoglou.
Potential Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak has been declared fit to play in Brazil despite suffering a groin injury while playing for Crystal Palace on the final day of the English Premier League. Josh Kennedy, the scorer of the vital goal that sealed Australia's passage to Brazil has been selected for the first time under Ange Postecoglou and will have to prove himself during the 10 day camp in Gosford beginning Thursday, May 15.
Australia will play South Africa in a friendly in Sydney on May 26 before departing for Brazil two days later. The final 23-man squad will be announced on June 2.
The Socceroos will be facing defending champion Spain, 2010 runner-up Netherlands and Chile in a tough group in Brazil.
Preliminary World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan, Mitch Langerak, Eugene Galekovic and Mark Birighitti.
Defenders: Josh Brillante, Jason Davidson, Ivan Franjic, Curtis Good, Ryan McGowan, Matthew Spiranovic, Alex Wilkinson, Luke WIlkshire, Bailey Wright.
Midfielders: Oliver Bozanic, Mark Bresciano, Ben Halloran, James Holland, Mile Jedinak, Massimo Luongo, Matt McKay, Mark Milligan, Tommy Oar, Tom Rogic, Adam Sarota, James Troisi, Dario Vidosic
Forwards: Tim Cahill, Josh Kennedy, Matthew Leckie, Adam Taggart.