As the Socceroos prepare for their sixth straight World Cup appearance, we’re inevitably drawn to moments gone to help us dream about what moments might come next.
The mythology feels strongest when we look back deepest in this unbroken sequence. The 2006 Socceroos might not have Australia’s best record at the tournament (that honour sits with Graham Arnold’s 2022 team), but they remain our Golden Generation. This was a team littered with players mixing it in the best leagues of world football.
Kewell, Schwarzer, Cahill, Viduka, Aloisi, Emerton, Neill, Bresciano, Popovic.
In the same way that Shane Warne made it borderline impossible for spinners that followed or Andrew Johns rendered all future NSW halfbacks inferior due to his greatness, the 06 Socceroos cohort has set a high bar.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say this Socceroos squad is the most anonymous list Australia has ever sent to a World Cup. And yet, it is a group teeming with potential. Nestory Irankunda plays like a rockstar and can dance like Michael Jackson. Mo Toure has been compared to Erling Haaland. What about Lucas Herrington? The 18-year-old will become the youngest Socceroo to play at a World Cup if, as expected, he is picked against Turkiye.
The golden generation was 2006. Herrington was born 2007.
That underscores how young this group is. One of the most vital defenders wasn’t even alive to see coach Tony Popovic impose himself in the exact same role, in the greatest team Australia has ever seen.
The team might not carry as many household names, but it does carry great stories. Captain Mat Ryan cost Australia dearly against Argentina in 2022, he will be seeking redemption in his fourth straight tournament. With his wardrobe of vintage football shirts, hipster threads, a penchant for eyeliner, Jackson Irvine is among the coolest cats going round. Cristian Volpato’s last-minute decision to prioritise Australia over Italy and represent the Socceroos at this tournament might be the biggest selection story in our nation’s World Cup history. Aziz Behich is the son of Turkish immigrants and (if selected) will face that nation in the tournament opener.
The second game against the United States in Seattle looms as the blockbuster. American pundits have been quick to denigrate the Australians; the Socceroos were listening. It looms as the match that will define the campaign.
There is much reason for optimism about this group, the question to be answered is whether the youthful core is ready for this World Cup or the next one.
They’re playing Switzerland Saturday morning in their last warm-up game.
