Uncapped Volpato, Yengi named in Australia's World Cup squad

MELBOURNE, May 31 : Former Italy under-20 international Cristian Volpato's last-minute decision to switch allegiance to Australia has paid off with inclusion in Tony Popovic's World Cup squad.

The Italy-based playmaker, who turned down a chance to play for Australia at the 2022 World Cup, is one of two uncapped players in the squad, along with Japan-based striker Tete Yengi who was a surprise call-up to the team's pre-tournament camp in Florida.

Volpato only joined the squad early on Saturday, a day after his decision to ditch Italy was confirmed by Football Australia.

Yengi, the younger brother of fellow Australia forward Kusini Yengi, was selected after missing the 1-0 friendly loss to World Cup co-hosts Mexico at the Rose Bowl on Saturday.

Popovic had telegraphed the core of his squad from his selections at the Sarasota camp but had a few hard choices to make after the Mexico defeat.

He ultimately decided on Patrick Beach as his third goalkeeper at the expense of Joe Gauci, with captain Mat Ryan to start in the Socceroos goal and Paul Izzo to deputise.

Yengi's inclusion meant no place for forward Brandon Borrello, while winger Martin Boyle was also cut four years after an injury ruined his hopes of playing at Qatar 2022.

Defender Kye Rowles also missed out on the 26-man squad.

"Some difficult decisions had to be made – that’s the nature of major tournaments," Popovic said in a statement.

"But it’s also a credit to all the players involved over the past few weeks who worked extremely hard during an extended and challenging pre-camp."

The squad includes 17 World Cup debutants, including 18-year-old defender Lucas Herrington and 21-year-old Sydney FC midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler who was rewarded for good form in the A-League.

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