Australia World Cup 2022 squad, predicted line-up versus Argentina and star players

Who will Socceroos boss Graham Arnold pick for their round of 16 clash against Argentina?

Australia are getting ready for their first round of 16 appearance since 2006 in the World Cup as they are set to face the mighty Argentina.

The Socceroos' best performance in the competition is getting to the round of 16 in Germany in 2006.

They will be hoping to do better this time around after beating Tunisia and Denmark in the group stages.

Head coach Graham Arnold will be relying on experienced players such as Mathew Ryan and Aaron Mooy to lead the way, but there are some exciting youngsters coming through as well who could make an impact.

ALSO READ:World Cup 2022 Group D: Fixtures, results, standings, squads & full details

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    GOALKEEPERS

    Mathew Ryan is both the captain of the team and top choice between the sticks.

    Andrew Redmayne was the penalty shoot-out hero that helped Australia beat Peru in the qualifiers, while Danny Vukovic has experience from the previous World Cup.

    Name

    Club

    Mathew Ryan

    FC Copenhagen

    Andrew Redmayne

    Sydney FC

    Danny Vukovic

    Central Coast Mariners

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    DEFENDERS

    Aziz Behich boasts plenty of experience and gets the nod for Qatar, with Bailey Wright and Milos Degenek also making the cut.

    Harry Souttar, Joel King and Nathaniel Atkinson represent younger, but promising options in defence.

    Trent Sainsbury, however, was somewhat surprisingly left out.

    Name

    Club

    Milos Degenek

    Columbus Crew

    Nathanial Atkinson

    Hearts

    Joel King

    OB

    Fran Karacic

    Brescia

    Bailey Wright

    Sunderland

    Harry Souttar

    Stoke

    Kye Rowles

    Hearts

    Aziz Behich

    Dundee United

    Thomas Deng

    Albirex Niigata

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    MIDFIELDERS

    There's no looking past Aaron Mooy in midfield, with the talented playmaker having proven that he has what it takes to shine at the highest level.

    Ajdin Hrustic and Jackson Irvine have also shown what they're capable of in Europe, with a number of less experienced options keen to break into the team, too.

    Tom Rogic did not make the cut following his controversial decision not to make himself available for selection for the decisive qualification play-offs.

    Name

    Club

    Aaron Mooy

    Celtic

    Craig Goodwin

    Adelaide United

    Jackson Irvine

    St. Pauli

    Cameron Devlin

    Hearts

    Riley McGree

    Middlesbrough

    Ajdin Hrustic

    Eintracht Frankfurt

    Keanu Baccus

    St Mirren

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    ATTACKERS

    Mathew Leckie offers experience out wide, while Awer Mabil represents another strong option on the wings.

    Jamie Maclaren, meanwhile, will fancy his chances of seeing game time as well, having impressed through the middle previously.

    A lot of eyes will be on Garang Kuol, with the promising youngster recently earning a move to Newcastle United after enjoying a bit of a breakthrough season at Central Coast Mariners.

    Name

    Club

    Mathew Leckie

    Melbourne City

    Marco Tilio

    Melbourne

    Jamie Maclaren

    Melbourne City

    Craig Goodwin

    Adelaide United

    Mitchell Duke

    Fagiano Okayama

    Jason Cummings

    Central Coast Mariners

    Garang Kuol

    Central Coast Mariners

    Awer Mabil

    Cadiz

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