With 100 days to go until the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ kicks off in Russia, Caltex Socceroos Head Coach Bert van Marwijk has named a 29-player preliminary squad for this month’s important international friendly fixtures against Norway in Oslo, and Colombia in London.
The Hyundai A-League is well represented with four current players in contention to feature in the Dutchman’s final squad to be confirmed next week. James Troisi from Melbourne Victory is joined by Western Sydney Wanderers FC’s Josh Risdon, Sydney FC’s Joshua Brillante, as well as uncapped Newcastle Jets attacker Dimitri Petratos. Andrew Nabbout, who joined Japanese giants Urawa Red Diamonds from Newcastle Jets on Monday, has also been selected.
“Since my appointment with the Socceroos, my staff, scouts and I have monitored over 100 Australian players in the Hyundai A-League, as well as in leagues across Europe and Asia,” said van Marwijk.
“We are pleased with the initial 29 players we have picked for our upcoming games against Norway and Colombia and will finalise the squad next week.
“There are still a couple of weeks before the group gathers in Oslo, so we will continue to monitor the health and fitness of all the players in the preliminary squad, as well as those on our longer list of potential World Cup squad members.
“Our upcoming matches against Norway and Colombia will provide a great chance for the players selected to press their claims for Russia, however the door remains ajar for all players not picked for the March window,” concluded van Marwijk.
The Caltex Socceroos will convene in Oslo on Monday, 19 March 2018. The squad will take on Norway at the Ullevaal Stadion on Friday, 23 March, before shifting to London on Saturday, 24 March. On Tuesday, 27 March Australia will play Colombia at Craven Cottage in west London.
Both friendly matches will be broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and Network Ten.
Match Details:
Norway v Caltex Socceroos
Date: Friday, 23 March 2018 (local time)
Venue: Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway
Kick-off: 6pm (local) / 4am AEDT (Saturday, 24 March 2018)
Broadcast: Live in Australia on FOX SPORTS and Network Ten
Colombia v Caltex Socceroos
Date: Tuesday, 27 March 2018 (local time)
Venue: Craven Cottage, London, England
Kick-off: 8pm (local) / 6am AEDT (Wednesday, 28 March 2018)
Broadcast: Live in Australia on FOX SPORTS and Network Ten
