Tony Popovic Names First Socceroos Squad

Tony Popovic has unveiled his first Socceroos squad, highlighting the return of midfielder Massimo Luongo from international retirement. Luongo, who had previously stepped away from the national team, is joined by debutant Nishan Velupillay and several players from Melbourne Victory, including Daniel Arzani and Jason Geria, marking a significant reshuffle as the team prepares for crucial World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan. The Socceroos, currently struggling with only one point from two matches, face a challenging start under Popovic's leadership. The coach emphasized the importance of the upcoming camp to establish a foundation for future success. Luongo's return, alongside the inclusion of other fresh faces, signifies a new era as Australia aims to improve its performance in the third round of AFC World Cup qualifiers.