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Green and Gold FC

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Rating
★★★★★
5
from
1 reviews
Categories
This podcast has
75 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2025/01/20
Latest episode
2026/10/11
Average duration
60 min.
Release period
9 days

Description

Green & Gold FC covers Australian football across the Socceroos, Matildas, A-League, Australia Cup, Australian Championship and NPL. Each episode examines the decisions and issues shaping the game, with insight from scouts, analysts and figures across football. Join the discussion at greenandgoldfc.com.

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Check latest episodes from Green and Gold FC podcast


#75 – 2026/27 A-League Preview: Contenders, Predictions & Young Players to Watch
2026/10/11
In this episode of Green & Gold FC, Graham and Alex preview the new A-League season, assess the title contenders and make their ladder predictions, before hearing from supporters and exploring the young Australians to watch with A-League Youth. The discussion begins with the Socceroos’ performances against Brazil. Has a more adventurous approach changed the debate around Tony Popovic? Graham and Alex consider Australia’s struggles against defensive opponents, Alex Robertson’s withdrawal and the midfield options needed ahead of the Asian Cup. From there, it is a club-by-club look at the A-League. Melbourne City’s squad makes them Alex’s favourites, while Graham backs Macarthur to upset the established contenders. They examine the strengths and weaknesses of Auckland, Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC, Newcastle’s changing attack, Adelaide’s developing talent and Central Coast’s youthful rebuild, alongside the prospects for Western Sydney, Wellington, Brisbane and Perth. Supporters of the Mariners, Jets and Roar then join Graham to discuss their own clubs, weighing up recruitment, coaching concerns and whether there is more reason for optimism than the preseason mood suggests. Finally, A-League Youth joins Graham for a detailed look at the next generation. The conversation covers emerging talent across the competition, the importance of regular senior minutes and which players could progress to Europe and the Socceroos, including James Overy, Akol Akon, Dylan Scicluna, Max Caputo and Medin Memeti. Join the discussion: https://greenandgoldfc.com Follow on X: https://x.com/fcgreenandgold
#74 – 2026 Australian Championship Preview (feat. Perkovic, Carrozza & Cvetkovski)
2026/10/09
Graham previews the Australian Championship with Sutherland Sharks coach David Perkovic, Adelaide City president Angelo Carrozza and Preston Lions president David Cvetkovski. Perkovic explains Sutherland's rise, the club's documentary and the challenge of its first national campaign. Carrozza reflects on Adelaide City's return to the national stage and why the original full home-and-away league proposal was too great a financial risk for the club at the time. In a separate conversation, Cvetkovski discusses what could come next for the Championship, including a longer national season and a possible pathway to the A-League. Graham also asks him about Preston's supporter sanctions, matchday security and the cost of hosting large crowds. Cvetkovski then weighs in on the new penalty-shootout bonus point. Graham returns to Perkovic and Carrozza for their squads and signings, including Adelaide City's approach for Mario Balotelli. They then preview the four groups, offer their own views on the bonus point and make their Australian Championship predictions. Join the discussion: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenandgoldfc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fcgreenandgold⁠
#73 – South Melbourne v Victory: More Than a Final (feat. Patrick Clancy, Mike, Pete & Alex Nanfra)
2026/10/04
In this episode of Green & Gold FC, Graham is joined by Melbourne Victory supporters Patrick Clancy and Alexander Nanfra, and South Melbourne supporters Mike and Pete, to preview an Australia Cup final that means far more than a trophy. With South Melbourne and Melbourne Victory set to meet at a sold-out AAMI Park, the panel asks why this fixture has captured so much attention. For South supporters, it is a chance to win a national trophy against the club that emerged as the NSL ended. For Victory fans, it is a major final against an opponent with history, ambition and a sizeable following of its own. The conversation explores the old soccer and new football divide, the difference between fierce supporter rivalry and unity in the game’s leadership, and whether opening pathways beyond the A-League could create more occasions like this. Alexander brings the perspective of a younger Victory fan who did not live through the transition from the NSL. From there, the panel turns to the match. They discuss the clubs’ shared history, Harrison Sawyer facing his former side, the players each team fears most and where South Melbourne might trouble Victory despite the gap between their competitions. There is also a look at South Melbourne’s OFC Pro League experience, Victory’s squad depth and Asian campaign, the atmosphere expected at AAMI Park, and the uncertainty around coach Sinisa Cohadzic’s future. The episode finishes with score predictions from both sides. Join the discussion: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenandgoldfc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fcgreenandgold⁠
#72 – The Australian Football Club 13,000km From Home (feat. Jeffrey Gomez)
2026/09/29
In this episode of Green & Gold FC, Graham is joined by Aussie FC co-founder Jeffrey Gomez to explore an Australian football story unfolding more than 13,000 kilometres away in Quito, Ecuador. Jeffrey explains how he and his brother built a club that brings together their Australian upbringing and Ecuadorian heritage. From its green-and-gold colours and kangaroo crest to its focus on education and community, Aussie FC was created to give young people opportunities that extend beyond football. The discussion then turns to Ecuador’s fiercely competitive football pyramid, where around 250 clubs compete for just two promotion places. Jeffrey describes the financial pressures facing clubs outside the top two tiers, why relegation can mean disappearance, and how those realities have shaped Aussie FC’s ambitions. Graham and Jeffrey also explore the club’s Australian connections, including sponsorship, potential relationships with Australian clubs and opportunities for Australian semi-professional players to test themselves in South America. From there, the conversation examines how Ecuador produces players such as Moisés Caicedo and William Pacho. Jeffrey discusses the country’s football culture, access to senior opportunities and investment in youth development, while Graham asks what Australia could learn from a system that helps talent move from local clubs towards the highest levels of the game. There is also a discussion about the trade-offs of exporting young players, the standard of Ecuadorian football and falling domestic crowds. Graham and Jeffrey compare the challenges facing both countries, including how promotion and relegation, supporter backing, sponsorship and transfer income can shape a club’s chances of survival. Finally, Jeffrey outlines what success would mean for Aussie FC: building an institution that lasts for generations, helps young people on and off the pitch, and strengthens the connection between Australian and Ecuadorian football. Aussie FC on Instagram: @aussiefcoficialAussie FC on Facebook: Aussiefc_oficial Join the discussion: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenandgoldfc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fcgreenandgold⁠
#71 – U20 Failure, Australia Cup Final & Socceroos Squad (feat. Petar Petrov)
2026/09/20
Graham is joined by football recruitment consultant and data analyst Petar Petrov to examine what Australia’s failure to qualify for the U20 Asian Cup reveals about the A-League and the development of the country’s best young players. They discuss the lack of senior experience within the squad, player-release problems, the domestic calendar and whether visa places are preventing young Australians from receiving more opportunities. The conversation also covers Newcastle Jets’ 7-1 continental defeat, the changing gap between the A-League and NPL, and South Melbourne’s chances against Melbourne Victory in the Australia Cup final. The second half features a position-by-position Socceroos squad analysis, including Kasey and Jordy Bos, Kealey Adamson, Yaya Dukuly, Marcus Younis, Eli Adams, Zach Sapsford, Alex Robertson, Paul Okon-Engstler, Aiden O’Neill, Patrick Yazbek and Dylan Leonard. A detailed discussion about Australia’s youth pathways, the future of the A-League and the growing depth of the Socceroos. Join the discussion: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenandgoldfc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fcgreenandgold⁠
#70 – How the A-League Lost Its Way (feat. Simon Hill)
2026/09/11
In this episode of Green & Gold FC, Graham and Alex are joined by Simon Hill, the voice behind some of Australian football’s defining moments, to retrace the game’s journey over the past two decades and ask how its once-unstoppable momentum was lost. The discussion begins with Simon’s arrival in Australia during the final years of the NSL. He recalls the hostility football faced in the mainstream media, the persistent idea that the Socceroos were somehow less Australian than other national teams, and the political divisions he encountered as the game prepared for the transition to the A-League. Simon then takes Graham and Alex inside the commentary box for Australia’s unforgettable 2005 World Cup play-off against Uruguay. He explains how he prepared for one of the most important nights in Australian sporting history, why the famous broadcast felt chaotic from behind the microphone, and what it taught him about the commentator’s place in a great sporting moment. The conversation moves through the A-League’s golden period, from Ange Postecoglou’s Brisbane Roar and the arrival of Alessandro Del Piero, Shinji Ono and Emile Heskey to the birth of Western Sydney Wanderers. Simon reflects on the Wanderers’ extraordinary AFC Champions League triumph, Australia’s 2015 Asian Cup victory and the opportunities the game failed to convert into lasting growth. From there, the episode examines the breakdown in relations between administrators and active supporters. Simon discusses the response to the Rebecca Wilson article, the collective punishment of fans and why attempts to sanitise the matchday experience damaged one of the A-League’s greatest assets. There is also a detailed look at expansion. Simon contrasts the early success of Western Sydney Wanderers and Auckland FC with the struggles of North Queensland Fury, Gold Coast United, Macarthur and Western United, while giving his account of the decisions that shaped the league. He also considers whether future expansion should come through established NPL clubs such as South Melbourne. Finally, Simon assesses the A-League’s current period of austerity and what it will take to rebuild. The discussion covers crowds, media coverage, private investment, the APL’s record since the competition was unbundled, and why recovery must begin with clubs giving people a reason to return to the stands. Join the discussion: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenandgoldfc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fcgreenandgold⁠
#69 – Socceroos Identity, Private Academies & Taking On FIFA (feat. Craig Foster)
2026/08/26
In this episode of Green & Gold FC, Graham is joined by former Socceroo, Australian captain and broadcaster Craig Foster for a wide-ranging conversation about football in Australia and the global game. The discussion begins with the Socceroos and Australia’s playing identity. Craig explains why his belief in proactive football has not changed, why the debate should extend beyond Tony Popovic, and why Australia needs a consistent long-term approach capable of shaping players, coaches and national teams across generations. Craig then reflects on the progress made through improved coaching education, the national curriculum and A-League academies. He discusses Australia’s increasingly technical young players, recent success at youth level and why the country should be optimistic about the next generation. The conversation turns to the cost of junior football and the rapid growth of private academies. Craig explains how poorly paid coaching roles have created the wrong incentives, why fee-based development can exclude talented players and how private academies may be discouraged from giving families an honest assessment. He also recalls meeting a family who said they had spent $100,000 over five years pursuing their son’s football pathway. Graham and Craig examine Australian football’s federated governance model, the competing interests of state bodies and the need for a coherent national strategy. They also discuss promotion and relegation, the impact of the Australia Cup and Australian Championship, and the financial foundations required to connect the pyramid sustainably. The final part of the episode turns to FIFA, Gianni Infantino and the governance of the global game. Craig addresses corruption, political interference and the attempted commercial sell-off of parts of the World Cup. He argues that former players must be prepared to challenge FIFA, while supporters should organise globally and use their collective leverage when football’s institutions cross ethical lines. As Craig puts it, “We are the game.” The episode finishes on a more optimistic note, reflecting on the progress of the Matildas and Socceroos, Australia’s emerging generation of players, and the culture of excellence, accountability, evidence and ambition Craig believes can take Australian football forward. Join the discussion: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenandgoldfc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fcgreenandgold⁠
#68 – Why A-League Players Rejected the APL’s Offer (feat. Beau Busch)
2026/08/11
In this episode of Green & Gold FC, Graham is joined by PFA chief executive Beau Busch for an in-depth discussion about the negotiations shaping the future of professional football in Australia. Beau explains why the players did not accept the APL’s proposed collective bargaining agreement, what remains unresolved, and why the PFA believes “no deal is better than a bad deal”. The conversation covers the possibility of the A-Leagues beginning the season without a new agreement, the prospect of industrial action, and the players’ demand for greater confidence in the direction of the competition. The discussion then turns to the A-Leagues’ financial reality. Beau addresses player wages, declining broadcast revenue, reduced club distributions and the accelerated loss of talent overseas, while explaining why the PFA does not believe player payments are responsible for the league’s financial problems. Graham and Beau also examine whether the salary cap remains fit for purpose, the possibility of a luxury-tax model, and why the PFA believes independent governance is needed to prevent individual club interests from dictating the direction of the league. There is also a detailed look at the A-League Women, the latest offer from the APL, the pathway towards full-time professionalism, and the opportunity to bring leading Matildas back to Australia later in their careers. From there, Beau responds to claims about limits on player community appearances, discusses what a National Second Tier must deliver, and explains the PFA’s position on professional standards, NPL players and the development of a stronger football pyramid. Finally, Beau reflects on the PFA’s role in Australian football history, the transition from the NSL to the A-League, and why the “old soccer versus new soccer” division caused lasting and unnecessary damage to the game. A detailed discussion on the A-Leagues’ CBA negotiations, player wages, league governance, women’s football, the National Second Tier and healing Australian football’s historic divisions. Join the discussion: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenandgoldfc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fcgreenandgold⁠
#67 – 80,000 Fans for Chelsea v Tottenham… So Why Not the A-League? (feat. Danny Graystone)
2026/08/04
In this episode of Green & Gold FC, Graham and Alex are joined by Danny Graystone to unpack FIFA’s reported plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits, Australia Cup cupsets and the challenge of turning football’s big moments into lasting support for the game. The discussion begins with Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s proposed private investment model and the fierce pushback from UEFA and other football bodies. The panel also debates a possible 64-team World Cup, what it could mean for the value of qualification and whether football risks oversaturating its biggest tournament. The conversation then turns to a huge Australia Cup round, with Queensland Lions, South Melbourne, Sydney United and Preston Lions all producing major results. Graham, Alex and Danny ask whether NPL clubs are improving, A-League clubs are slipping, or whether the gap is finally beginning to close. From there, they preview the Round of 16, including Lions FC against Melbourne City, Sydney United versus APIA Leichhardt, Macarthur against SD Raiders and the remaining Australia Cup clashes. There is also a look at the winter festival of football, 80,000-plus crowds for Premier League friendlies, and why Australian football repeatedly fails to convert that attention into stronger A-League crowds and memberships. Finally, the panel run through the latest Aussies abroad news, including Marcus Younis, Lucas Herrington, Cammy Devlin, Patrick Beach and Paul Okon-Engstler, as well as the reports surrounding Cristian Volpato. A wide-ranging episode on FIFA, the Australia Cup, NPL ambition, A-League marketing and the next generation of Socceroos. Join the discussion: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenandgoldfc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fcgreenandgold⁠
#66 – Socceroos World Cup Fallout, Australia Cup Cupsets & On the Ball Returns
2026/07/24
In this episode of Green & Gold FC, Graham and Alex look back on the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign and ask whether Tony Popovic is the right man to lead Australia into the next cycle. The discussion begins with Alex’s case for the prosecution: Australia’s lack of attacking structure, questionable selections, the handling of key players including Cristian Volpato and Alex Robertson, and whether Popovic’s club-management approach translates to international football. They also examine Australia’s struggles at set pieces under Mile Jedinak. Graham and Alex then run through the latest Australian football news, including Patrick Beach and Paul Okon-Engstler’s moves overseas, reported Socceroos friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay, and the future of Canberra United following new ownership of the women’s side. From there, they break down the opening Australia Cup results, with Preston Lions’ comeback against Newcastle Jets, Perth Glory’s loss to Queensland Lions, Sydney FC’s young talent and the wider rise of NPL clubs. They also discuss the difficult balance between dealing with offensive supporter behaviour and avoiding over-policing football crowds. Finally, Graham is joined by Angelo Picca to discuss the possible return of Official OnTheBall_Live. They talk through the show’s legacy, its plans for a new mainstream television home, the potential return of familiar faces, and why Australian football needs more hard-hitting media coverage. A wide-ranging episode on the Socceroos, the Australia Cup, A-League ownership, football media and the future of Australian football.
#65 – Forget the World Cup, Australia Cup Knockouts Are Here (feat. SMFC Mike & Pete)
2026/07/10
In this episode of Green & Gold FC, Graham is joined by SMFC Mike and SM Pete for an Australia Cup round of 32 preview.The boys start with the headline NPL v A-League ties, including Preston Lions v Newcastle Jets, Sydney United v Central Coast Mariners, and South Melbourne v Adelaide United. Mike and Pete break down which NPL clubs look ready to cause damage, how South Melbourne’s recent signings could change the Adelaide tie, and why some of these matches may not feel like cupsets at all.From there, they look across the country: New South Wales v Victoria bragging rights, Sydney Olympic’s ambition, Queensland’s strong contingent, Peninsula Power v APIA Leichhardt, Queensland Lions v Perth Glory, and whether Queensland clubs need to be louder about their national ambitions.The episode also covers Heidelberg’s return after last year’s run, White City v North Sunshine, Albany Bayswater’s cup magic, Kingborough flying the flag for Tasmania, Azurri United in the Northern Territory, and the Northern NSW sides looking to make a mark. Join the discussion: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenandgoldfc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fcgreenandgold⁠
#64 – The Bigger Problems Behind the Socceroos’ World Cup Exit (feat. @DanielTalksFtbl)
2026/07/07
Australia’s World Cup run is over after a flat knockout exit against Egypt, and Graham, Ahmed and DanielTalksFtbl unpack where it went wrong. The boys discuss Popovic’s defensive approach, the Patrick Beach substitution, Irankunda playing through the middle, the penalty shootout, and whether the Socceroos left too much out there. From there, the conversation turns bigger picture: Australia’s lack of football identity, the cost of junior football, broken pathways, the missing National Youth League, the need for a proper second tier, and why promotion and relegation could matter for player development. They also look ahead to the Asian Cup, including what Popovic needs to fix, Irankunda liking a post critical of Poppa's tactics, the need for a right wing back, and why the Socceroos should stop thinking like underdogs in Asia.
#63 – Group D Decoded, Socceroos Through & Egypt Next (feat. Coach Rory)
2026/06/28
In this episode of Green & Gold FC, Graham is joined by Ahmed and Coach Rory to unpack Australia reaching the World Cup knockouts after a conservative but crucial draw with Paraguay. The discussion begins with the feeling around the Socceroos’ group stage, Popovich’s defensive approach, and whether Australia should have pushed harder after beating Turkey. Graham and Ahmed also look at the wider AFC picture, the role of Australian football media, and how much criticism is fair when the team is still getting results. The conversation then turns to the positives from the Paraguay game, including Cristian Volpato’s first start, Jordy Bos looking dangerous on the right, and 18-year-old Harrington stepping up in a huge World Cup moment. From there, Coach Rory joins the show for a tactical breakdown of Group D, looking at what went wrong for Turkey and Paraguay, why the USA caused so many problems, and what Australia’s mid-block actually does well. Finally, the episode previews the knockout clash with Egypt, including the threat of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, where Egypt may be vulnerable, and how the Socceroos can give themselves a real chance. A Socceroos-focused episode on Paraguay, Popa Ball, Volpato, tactical details, and the road ahead against Egypt. Join the discussion: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenandgoldfc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fcgreenandgold⁠
#62 – Popovic Got It Wrong, USA Fallout & Paraguay Decider
2026/06/20
In this episode of Green & Gold FC, Graham is joined by Ahmed to unpack Australia’s World Cup defeat to the USA and what it means for the Socceroos heading into the final group game against Paraguay. The discussion begins with the mood after the loss, including whether the occasion, the Seattle crowd, the pre-game talk and the emotional high from the Turkey win all played a part in Australia’s flat start. Graham and Ahmed then break down Tony Popovic’s starting XI, the decision to bench Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, the limits of “Popperball” against a fast USA side, and why Australia seemed to lose key pathways to goal from the opening whistle. The conversation also looks at the goals conceded, Jacob Italiano’s positioning, Cameron Burgess’ own goal, the danger of the USA’s pace, and the frustration around several refereeing and VAR decisions that could have changed the game. From there, the episode shifts to Cristian Volpato’s competitive Socceroos debut, what his technical quality adds to Australia’s attack, and the broader question of whether Australian football is producing enough players ready for the highest level. Finally, Graham and Ahmed preview the Paraguay match, discussing possible changes, why Irankunda, Metcalfe and Volpato could all have major roles to play, and how Australia can reset mentally with qualification still in their hands. A Socceroos-focused episode on the USA loss, Popovic’s tactics, Volpato, refereeing frustration, and the must-get-right Paraguay decider. Join the discussion: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenandgoldfc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fcgreenandgold⁠
#61 – Socceroos Stun Turkey, Popovich’s Crazy XI & USA Preview
2026/06/17
In this episode of Green & Gold FC, Graham and Alex look back on Australia’s win over Turkey and preview the Socceroos’ next World Cup group game against the USA. The episode starts with Alex explaining the wild fallout from his post-match tweet after the Turkey game, including how a football meme spiralled into thousands of replies, threats, media coverage and a very strange few days online. The conversation then turns to the Socceroos’ performance against Turkey, with Graham and Alex breaking down Tony Popovic’s structure, the surprise midfield pairing of Aiden O’Neill and Paul Okon Jr., Patrick Beach’s huge display in goal, and how Australia managed to shut down Turkey’s danger areas. From there, the focus shifts to the attacking side of the performance, including Nestory Irankunda, Mohamed Toure, Connor Metcalfe, Jordy Boss and the signs that Australia may now have more than one route to goal. Finally, Graham and Alex preview the USA match, looking at America’s pace in transition, Anthony Robinson’s overlapping threat, Australia’s pressing triggers, possible starting XI changes, and whether Christian Volpato should come into the side for the biggest game of the group. A Socceroos-focused episode on Turkey, Popovic’s tournament football, Australia’s young players, and the tactical challenge waiting against the USA. Join the discussion: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠greenandgoldfc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fcgreenandgold⁠

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