Socceroos World Cup group announced, South Melbourne crowned Champions & Huge A-League Drama

This week on the Aussie Game Podcast we break down a massive stretch in Australian football: Socceroos news, Australian Championship glory, Aussies Abroad, and a hectic A-League weekend.

Socceroos & World Cup Talk

• Group D update: Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo to join Australia, USA & Paraguay.
• What the North America games mean for World Cup prep.
• Mike Grella calls USA v Socceroos a “layup” — we respond.
• Paraguay preview: defensive, low-scoring, key stars (Almirón, Gómez, Alderete).
• European playoff picture + who the Socceroos should play in the March window.

Australian Championship

• South Melbourne beat Marconi 2–0 to win the inaugural title.
• Goals: Aguek + Jankovic (also MVP).
• South now head to the OFC Pro League on Jan 18.
• Dredon Kelly named Championship MVP.
• Our reflections on the competition’s first season.

Aussies Abroad

• McGree scores for Boro; Burgess helps Swansea break their losing run.
• Gauci benched in FA Cup; Peupion scores in the Netherlands.
• Kuol continues to build minutes; Hrustic, Irvine, Bos all impact overseas.
• J-League season ends — key Aussies face uncertain off-season before the World Cup.

A-League Round-Up

• Victory 0–0 Macarthur: goalscoring woes continue.
• Perth 1–0 Wanderers: Despotovski scores, Sutton stars; should Griffiths stay long-term?
• Auckland 3–1 Phoenix: Derby drama, Oluwayemi saves two pens, huge crowd.
• Jets 0–1 City: Rashmani (18) scores; Beach brilliant.
• Mariners 1–2 Sydney FC: late winner from Campuzano; weather chaos.

Team of the Week

Beach, Politidis, Jankovic, Stensness, Grove, Quintal, McGree, Baccus, Aguek, Despotovski, Peupion.

Super Sub: Stamatelopoulos.

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