Australia’s FIFA World Cup campaign continues against United States at Lumen Field amid Mike Grella criticism
Once again, Tony Popovic has sprung a couple of big surprises in selection. And they do not involve Maty Ryan or Jackson Irvine, who remain on the bench, meaning Patrick Beach and Paul Okon jnr (or Paul Okon-Engstler) retain their spots.
The surprises are up front. Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, the two goalscorers against Turkey, are on the bench. Mathew Leckie and Nishan Velupillay, one of Popovic’s old favourites from Melbourne Victory, come into the starting line-up instead.
Velupillay hasn’t had the best season in the A-League but every time he has been called upon for the Socceroos, he has delivered. This will be his ninth cap.
Irankunda, I would imagine, will come on in the second half and aim to punish the USA’s tiring legs.
United States: Matt Freese; Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman; Sergino Dest, Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi; Folarin Balogun
Australia: Patrick Beach; Jacob Italiano, Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar, Cameron Burgess, Jordan Bos; Mathew Leckie, Aiden O’Neill, Paul Okon-Engstler, Nishan Velupillay; Mohamed Toure
