The A-League Men's elimination finals have provided a mixed bag of results for potential World Cup bolters, with some players shining brightly and others facing disappointment. While the Socceroos' World Cup squad remains a mystery, these matches have offered a glimpse into the form and potential of Australia's rising stars.
One player who has undoubtedly caught the eye is Sydney FC's Paul Okon-Engstler. The 21-year-old central midfielder was a metronomic force on the pitch, providing a steadying influence in a dour and at times tetchy match. His strong domestic form suggests he is poised to stamp his ticket to North America next month, and his performance against Melbourne Victory was a strong case for his inclusion in the Socceroos squad.
However, Okon-Engstler was forced to weather a hairy moment midway through the second half, when he was adjudged to have illegally brought down Victory attacker Santos in the penalty area. Thankfully for Okon-Engstler, the initial penalty decision was overturned on a line-ball VAR review. This decision could have easily gone either way, and it highlights the fine margins that can decide a player's fate.
Another player who has caught the eye is Sydney FC's 16-year-old winger Akol Akon. Akon became the youngest ever player to feature in an A-League Men's final, and he certainly didn't disappoint. He was well up for the challenge, using his head to force a sharp save from Victory shot-stopper Jack Warshawsky in the 41st minute. Akon's performance was a testament to his talent and potential, and he is likely to be involved once more against the Jets next weekend.
In contrast, Melbourne City's World Cup bolter Marcus Younis saw his chances of a fairytale call-up take a hit. Younis has been a revelation for City since arriving on loan from Danish club Bröndby in January, but his team's loss to Auckland on penalties ended his season. While he will now have to hope that his exploits during the regular season will be enough to earn him a place in Australia's attacking arsenal for the tournament beginning in North America in June, his performance against Auckland was not enough to secure his spot.
The A-League Men's elimination finals have provided a mixed bag of results for potential World Cup bolters, with some players shining brightly and others facing disappointment. While the Socceroos' World Cup squad remains a mystery, these matches have offered a glimpse into the form and potential of Australia's rising stars. It remains to be seen who will make the cut, but one thing is certain: the competition for a spot in the Socceroos squad is fierce, and only the best will make the grade.
