Dreamt of that moment my whole life. Never have wanted anything more than to have been able to produce and come through for the team and nation in a moment like that. Unfortunately I fell short and am sorry the dream has come to an end as a result. Hurting is an understatement, but I’ll live with it and take the lessons and use them for whatever else life throws at me down the track.
Incredibly proud of the team and my teammates for their performances throughout and once again captivating the nation and creating some memories we’ll all never forget.
To the staff for their commitment to providing the players with all they need to prepare and perform to the best of their abilities.
Lastly to the supporters who are always the ones who make the experiences as special as they are through the ways in which they go about supporting the team. The atmospheres in the stadiums, the footage back home of the live sites and everything in between, making all the triumphant memories all the more special, thank you 🙏🏼.
Proud Aussie 🇦🇺
Mohamed Toure and Nestory Irankunda.
Both born in refugee camps.
Both grew up in South Australia.
Both played for Adelaide United.
Both are Socceroos.
They're making their World Cup debuts together.
💛💚
Australia Hosts Israeli Female Soldiers for a ‘Recovery Retreat’
Australia is facing backlash after hosting Israeli female soldiers under a so-called “recovery” program, despite Israel currently facing genocide allegations at the International Court of Justice over its war crimes in Gaza. Framed as a humanitarian initiative, the visit has been presented in soft, lifestyle-style language, more reminiscent of a wellness retreat than a military-linked program. During their stay in Melbourne, the women reportedly took part in activities such as puppy yoga, a MasterChef-style cooking challenge, school visits, and day trips to the Mornington Peninsula hot springs, wineries, surfing beaches, and Phillip Island, further reinforcing perceptions of a curated, leisure-focused experience. Critics argue this framing obscures a harsher reality: these are active soldiers, some of whom may have participated in operations in Gaza, yet are being received with care and sympathy on Australian soil.
The controversy has intensified accusations of double standards. While Israeli soldiers are granted entry and support, Palestinian civilians facing mass displacement, bombardment, and humanitarian collapse remain largely absent from similar pathways. Observers say this reflects selective compassion and a broader political posture that dehumanises Palestinians by omission. At a time of heightened global scrutiny and calls for accountability, critics argue Australia’s approach exposes a stark disconnect between its humanitarian rhetoric and its actions.