Could we see the likes of A-League Men trio Jake Brimmer, Jason Cummings and Garang Kuol at the FIFA Men’s World Cup? Tim Cahill is tipping Australia to spring some surprise selections for the Qatar showpiece.
The Socceroos will finalise a 26-man squad for the World Cup by November 13 and Graham Arnold can name a provisional roster of up to 55 players before that deadline.
Scottish-born Central Coast Mariners star Cummings has long been touted as a potential Socceroo given his performances in the Isuzu UTE A-League, while Melbourne Victory midfielder Brimmer is the reigning Johnny Warren Medallist as teenage sensation Kuol continues to take the competition by storm.
Western United head coach John Aloisi has also said Ben Garuccio is knocking on Arnold’s door for a ticket to Qatar 2022.
“This will be a tough selection process for a lot of the players,” former Melbourne City star and Socceroos legend Cahill.
“In reality, players are now playing, it’s the start of the (European) season… now it’s just about them getting as many minutes to be able to compete.
“But to be honest with you, I think there will be some surprises because there’s always injuries, there’s always things that happen at the 11th hour.
“I was fortunate enough to be able to be selected for four World Cups but there’s no guarantee.
“Even if you did score the winner to take you to this World Cup, it comes down to whatever methodology and future philosophy that they have – not only for this World Cup but even into (2023) Asian Cup which is soon after, so preparing for the future, not just this.”
Cahill expects to be involved in some capacity in Australia’s campaign, given his inside knowledge of host country Qatar.
The 42-year-old is based in Doha as the chief sports officer for the Aspire Academy, where Australia will be based for the World Cup starting on November 20.
“I will be involved in some shape or form but officially nothing yet,” Cahill told AAP. “Trying to help Australia in any shape or form is an absolute pleasure.”
Australia scraped into the World Cup with a play-off win against Peru on penalties in Qatar, when Cahill was consulted by team hierarchy.
The Socceroos will play reigning champions France, Tunisia and Denmark in Group D at the World Cup.
“For me, it comes down to your identity of the national team squad, of what you present on the football pitch as a group,” Cahill said.
“Yes, we know we’re hard working. Yes, we know we never give up.
“It’s one thing to set that mentality… but then it’s up to the players on the pitch to produce.
“There needs to be a strong mentality and I hope that Australia can have that… there’s three very difficult games.
“But at the same time I will always be optimistic that we can do something special in a World Cup because it’s going to be the same for every team: to try and be fearless to go through their group.”
