Cristian Volpato’s Socceroos debut remains on hold after the former Italian youth international wasn’t included in the match-day squad for Australia’s 1-0 loss to Mexico at the Rose Bowl on Sunday.
A first-half header from Mexican defender Johan Vasquez proved the difference in California in the FIFA World Cup warm-up game.
The Socceroos had good chances to score through Mohamed Toure and substitute Ajdin Hrustic, but couldn’t find an equaliser despite an improved second-half display.
All eyes were on the Socceroos’ team sheet before the match to see if Volpato, who had been rushed into Australia’s train-on squad after a late switch of international allegiance from Italy, would be included.
However, Volpato was one of four players from the 30-strong contingent not included in the 26-man match-day squad.
Also not part of the match-day squad were goalkeeper Joe Gauci, and attackers Brandon Borrello and Tete Yengi.
The Socceroos would have been disappointed with the manner of Mexico’s 28th-minute goal, which came from an outswinging Alexis Vega corner that found teammate Vasquez, whose well-placed header was too good for Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan.
Three minutes earlier, skipper Ryan had come to the Socceroos’ rescue, tipping a header from an unmarked Vega over the crossbar.
Toure blew a golden opportunity to equalise for the Socceroos in first-half stoppage-time after being gifted possession by Mexican defender Mateo Chavez.
With goalkeeper Raul Rangel stranded, Toure only had to guide the ball into an empty net after a poor attempt from Chavez to clear the danger.
However, the Norwich City marksman couldn’t guide his shot on target.
The Socceroos had another good chance in the 68th minute but Hrustic had his shot blocked after being fed by fellow replacement Kai Trewin.
Souttar and Leckie start
The Socceroos starting side included returning pair Harry Souttar and Mathew Leckie, as well as teenage defender Lucas Herrington.
It was Melbourne City veteran Leckie’s first national team appearance since June 2024, while star defender Souttar only recently returned for his English club Leicester City after 15 months on the sidelines due to a ruptured Achilles.
“It’s always an honour to put on the shirt. I’ve missed it so much,” Souttar said.
“It’s disappointing to lose but there are plenty of positives to take from it. I thought we were the better side in the second-half but we couldn’t get that goal.”
However, excitement machine Nestory Irankunda was not a starter, and didn’t enter the contest until the 80th minute as a replacement for Toure.
“There are various reasons for the line-up,” Socceroos coach Tony Popovic told Paramount Plus before the game.
“There’s a good mix between players that have been in camp for a while that we’d like to see what they can do who haven’t played for a while, and some senior boys we haven’t seen for a while, and also you’ve got guys like Harry who hasn’t played, and it’ll be nice to see him out on the pitch, and I’m sure he’ll do well.”
Australia’s starting team was Ryan, Jacob Italiano, Alessandro Circati, Souttar, Herrington, Jordan Bos, Aiden O’Neill, Jackson Irvine, Leckie, Connor Metcalfe and Toure.
The Socceroos’ 26-man World Cup squad is set to be announced on Monday, with the Australians’ final warm-up game taking place next Sunday against Switzerland.
“There’ll be disappointed boys that are going to miss out which is a tough thing,” Souttar said.
“It’s a real shame, but that’s football.”
