GEPA/USA TODAY Sports
With a successful conclusion to their World Cup qualifying campaign, the Australian national team coach Helger Osieck has taken a decision to experiment with new faces for upcoming friendlies against France and Canada in October.
The German coach is planning to give an opportunity to Australian youngsters that have gone uncapped while maintaining the core of the team, so as to not ruin the chemistry already developed. Giving playing time to youngsters that could potentially make the World Cup squad will ultimately improve the team’s chances for future qualification to the tournament as the players that currently form the core are on their last leg altogether at the club and international level.
One youngster who has contributed to the campaign this year has been 21 year-old Tommy Oar, who plays his club football in Holland with Utrecht. He made headlines with his wonder goal against Japan when the midfielder shot at goal without looking and the ball managed to float over an Eiji Kawashima who was off of his line. Oar has become a staple on team-sheets this year for the Socceroos, and looks to be the future leader for years to come. Look out for a big move in the near future for him as well.
Some uncapped players called up have been Jackson Irvine of Kilmarnock (Scotland), Oliver Bozanic of Luzern (Switzerland), and Mitchell Langerak of Borussia Dortmand (Germany). Langerak is likely to start as usual first-choice goalkeeper Mike Schwarzer was not called up.
The young Australian coincidentally made his Champions League debut against Napoli last week after Roman Weidenfeller was sent off. He ended the match with a few missing teeth after being incapable of stopping a Lorenzo Insigne free kick goal and continuing to face plant on the far post. He only lost a few front teeth though.
It’s a move in the right direction for the Soccerooos as they are likely field the oldest squad at next year’s World Cup, and starting to provide the young internationals with opportunities will give the Australian delegation a likelier chance to continue qualifying for the world’s largest sporting event.
