FOOTBALL
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Whether you're a Socceroos veteran like Tim Cahill or uncapped youngster like Ben Halloran - if you're not pulling your weight around the Socceroos 30-strong preliminary squad, don't expect to be on the plane to Brazil.
Coach Ange Postecoglou already showed he is not afraid to make the big calls with his youthful squad selection and he isn't likely to change that attitude heading into the big dance.
While I don't think anyone will be shirking their task over the next fortnight, I wouldn't be surprised if he picks a few of the bolters in his final squad of 23 on June 2 as he builds for the future.
I've played under Ange at two Youth World Cups.
It has been his style to go out there and impress, regardless of how young the squad is.
Meanwhile, Wollongong-born veteran Luke Wilkshire will be hoping to buck the youthful trend and book his ticket to a third Cup and round out an illustrious international career on the sport's biggest stage. It's a credit to his perseverance to even make it this far after he was dropped from Ange's first squad in November last year.
Another selection will surely solidify his position among the region's playing greats.
But while the Socceroos put the finishing touches on their World Cup warm-up, the Matildas gave themselves a massive boost by qualifying for their own World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Vietnam yesterday.
Lake Illawarra star Caitlin Foord will undoubtedly play a central role in their campaign after scoring one of the goals of the Asian Women's Cup tournament.
Former Illawarra Stingrays star Michelle Heyman was also on hand for Monday morning's win.
It's always pleasing to see Illawarra talent at the centre of the national team's resurgence.