How Graham Arnold’s shambolic Socceroos ended up on the brink of World Cup disaster

Not qualifying for the World Cup later this year in Qatar isn’t an option for the Socceroos.

Sadly, due to a litany of reasons, it’s odds on to be the outcome players, coaches and fans will have to endure.

The early signs were promising.

After starting Group B with three straight wins, they have recorded just one victory in their last five matches.

Now they have to beat the two teams above them, Japan and Saudi Arabia (away) within the space of six days to automatically qualify. 

The question on many people’s lips is – how did the Socceroos end up in this sorry mess?

How did Uruguay-born Bruno Fornaroli, 34, become a viable selection option for Australia? 

And how is Sydney FC captain Alex Wilkinson, at the ripe old age of 37, legitimately in the mix for Graham Arnold’s starting XI? 

The ever-consistent Mat Ryan will captain the Socceroos in their must-win match versus Japan

If coach Graham Arnold can spring an upset and beat Japan in Sydney on Thursday, it will be one of his greatest achievements

If coach Graham Arnold can spring an upset and beat Japan in Sydney on Thursday, it will be one of his greatest achievements

In a bizarre move, Arnold is poised to hand Uruguay-born 34-year-old Bruno Fornaroli his Socceroos debut on Thursday night

In a bizarre move, Arnold is poised to hand Uruguay-born 34-year-old Bruno Fornaroli his Socceroos debut on Thursday night

Additionally, where are the promising juniors from Europe, Asia or the A-League  demanding to be picked based on previous performances?

The truth is, none banged the selection door down.  

Injuries have played a significant part, with Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic, Stoke City’s Harry Souttar and rising star Riley McGree all unavailable to face Japan.

If that wasn’t bad enough, Aaron Mooy, Craig Goodwin, Jackson Irvine, Kye Rowles and Nikita Rukavytsya have all been prevented from joining up with the national team because they are either infected with or recovering from Covid-19.

With the raft of first-choice players unavailable, Melbourne Victory’s Matt Spiranovic was Arnold’s first choice earlier this week to play stopper – ahead of Wilkinson.

Spiranovic caught coronavirus and was ruled out – and Melbourne City then refused to release Curtis Good.

Given the importance of the qualifying match against the Blue Samurai, the A-League club’s decision beggars belief. 

Melbourne City were in no mood to be bullied – they didn’t release the 28-year-old on the grounds he didn’t feature on a list of 50 players in contention for national team selection which was issued several weeks ago.

Surely the national team comes first? Apparently not.

Socceroos assistant coach Rene Meulensteen said this week he has never seen a build-up like it in his storied career.

He remains hopeful the underdogs can spring a massive upset and his message was simple – ‘play to be remembered’.

If Australia don’t defy the odds and win at Accor Stadium, the knives will be out for Arnold.

Key midfielder Tom Rogic (pictured right) won't play after he was injured playing for Celtic in Scotland last weekend

Key midfielder Tom Rogic (pictured right) won’t play after he was injured playing for Celtic in Scotland last weekend

Aaron Mooy also won't feature for the Socceroos after he was infected with Covid-19

Aaron Mooy also won’t feature for the Socceroos after he was infected with Covid-19

Melbourne City this week refused to release Curtis Good, much to the dismay of the Socceroos

Melbourne City this week refused to release Curtis Good, much to the dismay of the Socceroos

Given he was unable to follow simple instructions and stay at his home on Sydney’s northern beaches when infected with Covid last weekend, he isn’t a coach who many supporters embrace.

Turns out walking his dog at North Narrabeen beach was more important in his eyes.

It proved to be an expensive stroll on the sand, with Arnold fined $25,000 by NSW Health authorities.

Despite the chaotic preparation, winger Awer Mabil remains confident.

‘Growing up, we’ve watched Tim Cahill do it, we’ve watched Mile [Jedinak] do it also for the last World Cup,’ he said. 

‘So this is our opportunity for us as a group. And I feel a magical night coming up.’

The last time Australia didn’t feature in a soccer World Cup was 2002.

Kick-off is 8.10pm, with Japan only needing a draw to qualify. 

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