IT’S official. Four players have been dealt the ultimate footballing heartbreak as Bert van Marwijk revealed the 23 Socceroos who will be living their World Cup dream in Russia. James Troisi, Fran Karacic, Nikita Rukavytsya and Josh Brillante have been informed that their services won’t be needed at the world’s biggest tournament, meaning that Tim Cahill will head to an incredible fourth World Cup and teen sensation Daniel Arzani will also be on the plane. The inclusion of late arrival Jamie Maclaren in the final group is easily the biggest surprise in the final round of cuts, with the poacher completing the ultimate redemption after an initial snubbing in the 26-man squad. Brillante is no stranger to the misery of a last gasp snub, having been left on the cutting room floor at the same stage four years ago. While Troisi is perhaps the unluckiest of the quartet, with a knack of scoring big goals for his country over his 37 caps not enough to save him from the chop. Tellingly, each of the four players left out failed to see the field in Friday night’s warm up clash with the Czech Republic after Van Marwijk revealed there was no room for experimentation in personnel for the match. The squad is now locked in, with the Socceroos to play once more– against Hungary on June 10 AEST – before making their way to Russia. Here are the winners and losers from the Socceroos final squad for the World Cup… WINNERS: DANIEL ARZANI The selection every Aussie fan wanted to see. Van Marwijk may only be with the side for the Cup run, but by selecting the 19-year-old he’ll leave a long term legacy with the national team. Arzani becomes the youngest Aussie ever to go to a World Cup, and his selection shapes as a major nod to the A-League after his exploits with Melbourne City drew rampant calls for an international call-up. Daniel Arzani of Australia enters the field Source: Getty Images Regardless of if he sees the field in Russia – which he could well do – the experience of being in the squad shapes as a massive boost to the teen’s career. Massimo Luongo and Mark Milligan, both now mainstays with the Socceroos, have both travelled to World Cups to not see the field, and have spoken extensively on the benefits of even just being around the group at such a major tournament. JAMIE MACLAREN The ultimate U-turn. Just weeks after being left out of the 26-man squad to massive public outcry, striker Jamie Maclaren has been included in the final 23. Recalled owing to an injury complaint for Tomi Juric, the Hibernian front man has apparently done enough in an incredibly short time in camp to prove himself worthy of a spot on the plane. His inclusion boosts Van Marwijk’s strike stocks and hands him a real point of difference up front. Maclaren’s poaching instincts and penchant for getting in behind defences provides a diverse option at No. 9, with Juric, Andrew Nabbout and Tim Cahill the other three players vying to lead the line. Socceroos Jamie Maclaren with eyes on the ball during the friendly game between the Socceroos and Czech Republic Source: News Corp Australia TIM CAHILL He’s done it. Despite concerns over his fitness and lack of game time, a 38-year-old Tim Cahill will head to a fourth World Cup and get the chance to join an exclusive group of players to have scored at four iterations of the world’s biggest tournament. He might not be as dangerous as he once was, but no one is as credentialed at scoring massive Socceroos goals than the nation’s greatest ever scorer. Cahilltex is heading to Russia. LOSERS: JAMES TROISI Clearly the most unlucky of the four omissions, James Troisi played 331 minutes on the road to Russia but falls at the final hurdle. James Troisi of Australia controls the ball Source: Getty Images The midfielder has been a long term member of the national team set up and scored the goal that won the Aussies the Asian Cup in 2015, but that mattered little to Van Marwijk who had already axed mainstays Bailey Wright and Mitch Langerak. Ultimately there was no space in the squad for the Melbourne Victory man, who was unable to compete with Jackson Irvine as a backup to first choice No. 10 Tom Rogic nor for a central midfield or wide berth considering Australia’s riches in those areas. Fellow A-League star Dimitri Petratos is a major beneficiary of the decision. JOSH BRILLANTE It’s an awful sense of déjà vu for Josh Brillante, after he felt the anguish of having his World Cup dream cruelly snatched from him for a second time. Four years ago, Ange Postecoglou decided against taking him to Brazil and now his successor Van Marwijk has ended his hopes of a seat on the plane to Russia. Socceroos player Joshua Brillante Source: AAP Thought of as a contender to play right back due to his versatility, the defensive midfielder was unused against the Czech Republic as Milos Degenek was called upon to deputise at right back – it was a telling decision. At just 25, there’s still time for Brillante to get his chance at the World Cup, but its hard not to feel for the Sydney FC man as he feels football’s biggest heartbreak again. FRAN KARACIC Plucked from obscurity to bolster the troublesome right back position, Fran Karacic was a real contender to make the final squad but reports suggest he just didn’t do enough to impress at the team’s training camp in Antalya. His lack of English was reportedly a big obstacle, and ultimately centre-back Degenek is preferred as the back-up option to Josh Risdon in Russia. The 21-year-old may be regretting his decision to select Australia rather than his native Croatia as his international nation. Fran Karacic was cut from the final squad. Source: News Corp Australia Pick your Socceroos XI with our Team Selector! (Can’t see it below? Click here)<doc-sep>Australia’s 2018 World Cup squad: Who made the Socceroos 23-man squad? The green and gold are heading to a fourth straight World Cup, but which players secured their spot on the plane to Russia? It was by no means a straight forward route to Russia, but Australia are heading to the 2018 World Cup and will put a relatively fresh-faced squad to the test on the biggest stage. Much like the Socceroos quest to qualify for the World Cup, Bert van Marwijk's selection process for the tournament was particularly drawn out with 32 players eventually reduced to 23. With France, Denmark and Peru awaiting Australia in Russia, Goal takes a look at the Socceroos set to take on the world's best. Who made Australia's 23-man squad? In goal, Mat Ryan, Brad Jones and Danny Vukovic have all been picked as possible number ones, with Ryan favourite to retain his spot between the sticks after a strong first season in the English Premier League with Brighton and Hove Albion. At the back, Trent Sainsbury is certain to make up one part of the centre back pairing with Mark Milligan, Milos Degenek and Matt Jurman all vying to partner him. Along the defensive flanks, Aziz Behich and Josh Risdon are near certain of starting spots with Millwall's James Meredith providing back up. Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak has predominantly played as a holding midfielder for Australia but don't rule out the Aston Villa man playing alongside Sainsbury in defence. Jedinak's possible switch comes with Aaron Mooy, Massimo Luongo, Jackson Irvine and Tom Rogic all providing attractive central midfield options after strong clubs seasons in Europe. On the wings, Mathew Leckie has made the right his own, while Robbie Kruse is close to locking down the left. Potential competition looms in the form of A-League duo Daniel Arzani and Dimitri Petratos , with both capable of providing a spark on either flank if called upon. Up top, Tomi Juric has been named but is battling to overcome a knee injury with Jamie Maclaren called in as back-up. Also looking to bang in the goals are Andrew Nabbout, who can also play out wide, and Socceroos veteran Tim Cahill. Despite a lack of club minutes, Cahill has secured selection for a fourth World Cup and should he score in Russia will become just the fourth player in history to do so at four World Cups. Who didn't make the Socceroos squad? Long seen as Ryan's back-up in goal, Mitch Langerak missed out on Russia after a poor stint in Spain with Levante. Bailey Wright played a big part of Australia's defence during World Cup qualification but was cut by van Marwijk after failing to impress during March friendlies. Plucked out of Croatia, right back Fran Karacic didn't make the grade with utility Josh Brillante also deemed surplus to requirements. Midfield duo James Troisi and Nikita Rukavytsya had been Socceroos regulars under Ange Postecoglou but were cut loose late by van Marwijk. Apostolos Giannou was another favoured by Postecoglou but not so by van Marwijk, who couldn't find room for him in his attacking stocks. Long shots who missed out Young defenders Alex Gersbach and Aleksandar Susnjar undoubtedly have bright futures in the green and gold but this World Cup was deemed to have come too soon for the duo. On the other end of the age spectrum, Alex Wilkinson can count himself somewhat unlucky that two great seasons with Sydney FC didn't see him return to the national set up. Rhys Williams cruelly missed out on the 2014 World Cup through injury and again has his slim hopes of making it this time around ruined by injury. Midfielders Dario Vidosic and Tommy Oar were both in the squad for Brazil, but solid seasons with their clubs couldn't see them stake a convincing claim for Russia. Adam Taggart was also in the squad for the 2014 World Cup, and though looking sharp on his return for Perth Glory, had his hopes of consecutive tournaments ruined by a poor run of injuries. Australia's World Cup 2018 squad in full Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan, Brad Jones, Danny Vukovic Defenders: Trent Sainsbury, Mark Milligan, Josh Risdon, Aziz Behich, James Meredith, Milos Degenek, Matt Jurman Midfielders: Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic, Massimo Luongo, Mile Jedinak, Jackson Irvine, Robbie Kruse, Mathew Leckie, Dimitri Petratos, Daniel Arzani Article continues below Forwards: Tomi Juric, Jamie Maclaren, Andrew Nabbout, Tim Cahill Australia will begin their Group C campaign against France on June 16, before fixtures against Denmark and Peru. The Socceroos are at long odds of getting out of a tough group in Russia, but should they scrape through in second, a round of 16 clash against Argentina likely awaits.<doc-sep>Thirty-eight year old Tim Cahill has been selected in Australia's final World Cup squad Yes, he's still playing Australia announced their 23-man World Cup squad yesterday. Some names are instantly recognisable for Premier League fans. You'll hopefully remember Mile Jedinak for his heroics at Crystal Palace before he moved on to Aston Villa, Aaron Mooy of Huddersfield and Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan. Advertisement Fans north of the border will know what Tom Rogic can bring to the squad too; the Celtic midfielder has a knack of popping up with big goals. But it's up top where the Socceroos really lack depth. Long gone are the days or Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell, but one of the old guard is still knocking around. Millwall and Everton legend Tim Cahill has been called up for one last tournament at the age of 38. Australia's full squad is as follows: Goalkeepers: Brad Jones (Feyenoord), Mat Ryan (Brighton), Danny Vukovic (Genk). Defenders: Aziz Behich (Bursaspor), Milos Degenek (Yokohama F. Marinos), Matthew Jurman (Suwon Samsung Blue Wings), James Meredith (Millwall), Josh Risdon (Western Sydney), Trent Sainsbury (Grasshopper Zurich). Midfielders: Jackson Irvine (Hull City), Mile Jedinak (Aston Villa), Robbie Kruse (VfL Bochum), Massimo Luongo (QPR), Mark Milligan (Al-Ahli), Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield), Tom Rogic (Celtic). Advertisement Forwards: Tim Cahill (Millwall), Daniel Arzani (Melbourne City), Tomi Juric (Luzern), Mathew Leckie (Hertha Berlin), Andrew Nabbout (Urawa Red Diamonds), Dimitri Petratos (Newcastle Jets), Jamie Maclaren (Hibernian). Cahill showed his class at the last World Cup with a beautiful volley against the Netherlands that was nominated for the Puskas award, but four years later, his form has taken a slight dip, so don't expect to see a repeat of that goal. Cahill is still a threat in the air though, despite not scoring for Millwall since his return in January. He has scored 50 goals for Australia in 105 appearances and will be hoping to cap off a long international career with another tournament goal. Unless of course I'm being presumptuous and he rocks up in Qatar at the age of 44, still banging headers in for fun in the Australian third division. Advertisement<doc-sep>
Jamie Maclaren is going to Russia after all, as Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk named the Hibernian striker in his final 23-man squad for the World Cup early on Sunday morning. Maclaren had been omitted from the provisional 26 picked for Van Marwijk’s intensive two-week training camp in Turkey, but was called up when Tomi Juric became an injury doubt, and has done enough to impress the Dutch coach after coming off the bench in Friday’s 4-0 win over the Czech Republic. A-League bolter Daniel Arzani also keeps his place, as Nikita Rukavytsa, Josh Brillante, James Troisi and surprise call-up Fran Karačić were the four left out. None had featured against the Czechs. Maclaren’s original omission had been greeted with dismay by many fans, after his late burst of form for Hibs since arriving on loan from German club Darmstadt seemed to offer a possible solution to the Socceroos’ chronic reliance on Tim Cahill for goals. Other than Cahill, who has 50 international goals from his 105 appearances, only Mile Jedinak in the current squad has reached double figures for Australia. The departure of Brillante and Troisi leaves Arzani, Dimitri Petratos and Josh Risdon as the only three players from the A-league in the squad. Only six players survive from Australia’s 2014 squad, including veterans Cahill and Mark Milligan, who will both be going to their fourth successive World Cup. Cahill is bidding to become only the fourth player in World Cup history to score in four tournaments. Full squad: Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan (Brighton, England), Brad Jones (Feyenoord, Netherlands), Danny Vukovic (Genk, Belgium) Defenders: Josh Risdon (Western Sydney Wanderers), Trent Sainsbury (Grasshopper Zurich, Switzerland), Matthew Jurman (Suwon Samsung Bluewings, Korea), Aziz Behich (Bursaspor, Turkey), Mark Milligan (Al Ahli, Saudi Arabia), Milos Degenek (Yokohama F Marinos, Japan), James Meredith (Millwall, England) Midfield: Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield Town, England), Tom Rogic (Celtic, Scotland), Massimo Luongo (QPR, England), Mile Jedinak (Aston Villa, England), Dimitri Petratos (Newcastle Jets), Jackson Irvine (Hull City, England), Mathew Leckie (Hertha BSC, Germany), Daniel Arzani (Melbourne City) Forwards: Tim Cahill (Millwall, England), Tomi Juric (Luzern, Switzerland), Jamie Maclaren (Hibernian, Scotland), Andrew Nabbout (Urawa Red Diamonds, Japan), Robbie Kruse (Bochum, Germany)