Written by Han Bing Similar to the China U22 squad, Australia U22 achieved back-to-back wins with a 6-0 triumph over Timor-Leste. However, their goal difference is an impressive 20, the top figure in the current U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. In their final match, a draw will secure them first place in the group, but their aim is a perfect three wins — Australian national team coach Popovic has stated he is evaluating every player on this team, and those who perform well will have a chance to participate in next year’s USA-Mexico-Canada World Cup.

During the September international window, Popovic called up many newcomers intending to assess the players. As many as seven players might make their national team debut, including last season’s A-League Golden Boot winner Segocic, who was originally slated to play in these qualifiers. Australia’s youth teams have recently excelled: in February, the Australia U17 team won the Hat Trick Cup with consecutive victories over South Korea and Saudi Arabia; in March, the Australia U20 team claimed their first U20 Asian Cup title; the Australian women’s teams also won the Southeast Asian U16 and U23 championships. Against this backdrop, Australia is determined to win their final qualifier.

In the first two matches, Australia left nothing to chance. Even with a 13-0 lead against the Northern Mariana Islands, they scored an additional goal in stoppage time; similarly, against Timor-Leste, they led 4-0 at 90 minutes and then added two more goals during three minutes of added time.

In both games, coach Vidmar made extensive rotations, hoping every player would have a chance to prove themselves. Only four players started both matches consecutively: goalkeeper Beach, right back Laurins, defensive midfielder Varadon, and striker Blair. The formation shifted from a 4-3-3 to a more balanced 4-2-3-1.

Against Timor-Leste, Australia led 3-0 within the first 36 minutes. Center back Bauer scored once in each half, forward Blair converted a penalty, totaling five goals between the two matches. South Sudanese forward Lake scored three goals in two games, and Peruvian winger Hammond netted goals in stoppage time in consecutive matches.

Similar to the June match against South Korea U22, Vidmar broke up the lineup to evaluate the players.

In the opening match versus Northern Mariana Islands, seven players started who also began the goalless draw against South Korea U22 in June: goalkeeper Beach, defender Laurins, midfielders Varadon, Bozinovski, Alagic, and forwards Lake and Dukuri. In the second match against Timor-Leste, four remaining starters from the June 0-0 Korea game—center back Bauer, Pantasopoulos, left back Adamson, and midfielder Grimaldi—started, along with midfielders Simmons and Varatai, who started in June’s 2-0 win over South Korea U22.

Additionally, forwards Pior, Kuol, Ture, midfielders Lopan, Crane, and goalkeeper Cox, who played in June against South Korea U22, were not selected this time, yet Australia remains formidable.

In the first two matches, striker Blair scored five goals. The 21-year-old plays for Perth Glory and represented Western Sydney Wanderers in the 2023/24 New South Wales league season, tallying 13 goals and 1 assist in 10 games. During the 2024 Australia Cup, he scored consecutively against Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City. However, after transferring to Perth Glory last season, he made 16 league and cup appearances without scoring and did not play after March. In this summer’s Australia Cup, he appeared twice without scoring but unexpectedly exploded in this tournament.

In the opener against Northern Mariana Islands, Australia’s attacking trio was Blair (No. 9), Lake (No. 11), and Dukuri (No. 16), who combined for eight goals. They are expected to start against China U22. Lake, standing 1.88 meters tall, has played two seasons in the A-League and is a rotation player at Melbourne Victory. Last season, he performed well with Melbourne Victory U21 in the Victoria State League and contributed an assist in the cup competition at the end of July. Dukuri (of Liberian descent) is also a rotation player in the A-League and scored in the 2-1 victory over Croatia U21 in March.

Furthermore, China U22 should watch out for midfielders Varadon, Bozinovski, and Alagic. This mixed-heritage midfield trio offers both offensive and defensive capabilities, with the latter two scoring three goals in the opener. Also, keep an eye on Peruvian forward Hammond, who could be Australia’s secret weapon, especially during the latter stages of the match when opponents are fatigued, particularly in stoppage time.