Australia names uncapped Yengi and Volpato in World Cup squad
Livingston striker Tete Yengi and Sassuolo winger Cristian Volpato, both uncapped, have been included in Australia’s 26-man squad for the World Cup. They were late additions to head coach Tony Popovic’s pre-tournament training squad. Hibernian forward Martin Boyle, with 41 caps, was left out. Yengi was loaned from Livingston to Japanese club Machida Zelvia in January, scoring six goals in 22 appearances as his new side finished third in Japan’s East Region. Volpato’s switch of national allegiance was ratified by FIFA on Friday. Goalkeeper Mat Ryan and forward Mathew Leckie are set to equal the national record by appearing at a fourth World Cup. Australia faces Switzerland in a final pre-tournament friendly on Saturday before opening their World Cup campaign against Turkey on June 14.
What’s reported
Tete Yengi and Cristian Volpato are uncapped players named in Australia’s 26-man World Cup squad.
Yengi was on loan from Livingston to Machida Zelvia in January, scoring six goals in 22 appearances.
Volpato’s switch to Australia was ratified by FIFA on Friday.
Martin Boyle (41 caps) was omitted from the squad.
Mat Ryan and Mathew Leckie could equal the national record by being selected for a fourth World Cup.
Aziz Behich and Jackson Irvine are on track to appear at their third World Cup.
Cammy Devlin and Harry Souttar are among those selected for their second World Cup.
Australia plays Switzerland on Saturday and opens World Cup play against Turkey on June 14.
Key figures
Tete Yengi (Livingston/Machida Zelvia forward)
Cristian Volpato (Sassuolo winger)
Tony Popovic (Australia head coach)
Martin Boyle (Hibernian forward, omitted)
Mat Ryan (Levante goalkeeper)
Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City forward)
Aziz Behich (Melbourne City defender)
Jackson Irvine (St Pauli midfielder)
Cammy Devlin (Heart of Midlothian midfielder)
Harry Souttar (Leicester City defender)
Sources: BBC News
