Toure has been one of the Socceroos’ form players at club level, scoring 10 goals in 12 games for Norwich City since his mid-season transfer to the English Championship club, a productive stint that was interrupted by a groin injury. It would be a serious blow if he were not fit to play Australia’s first Group D fixture, as Toure is expected to be a key part of coach Tony Popovic’s game plan, using his pace to hit Turkey on the counter-attack and get in
behind their defensive line. Natural striking options in the squad are limited, with Tete Yengi – who made his international debut in the 1-1 friendly draw against Switzerland – the only genuine No.9. However, Mathew Leckie and Nestory Irankunda are both capable of playing up front, with the former a logical back-up option given the intensity of the occasion, even though he hasn’t played there much of late for Melbourne City.
Alex Toure, Socceroos, World Cup opener, Turkey, Tony Popovic, Norwich City, groin injury, Tete Yengi, Mathew Leckie, Nestory Irankunda, Melbourne City, Group D
Groin injury already?? Great start…
So if Toure can’t play then why not just start the striker they always had? This Turkey game feels cursed already, honestly.
Wait Toure scored 10 in 12 for Norwich but he’s injured now like right before WC? Thought he was already fully healthy. If he’s out, Leckie up top makes sense but didn’t he get injured too? lol
Turkey on the counter sounds cool until you remember our defense will be tired. Also why is the only No.9 Yengi? I swear every article I read says “limited options” like it’s a brand. Popovic better stop relying on pace and actually have a plan if Toure’s groin acts up.