Vince Rugari
Vince Rugari is a sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.
This Socceroos legend wants to keep the door open for Volpato despite snub
Cristian Volpato is “waiting for Italy” over the Socceroos. But an Australian great says he would welcome the attacker back should he ever change his mind.
- Vince Rugari
Latest
Ante had never set foot in Australia before. Now he’s here to play for the Socceroos
Ante Suto was born and raised in Croatia but has always identified as an Aussie. His first trip to his old man’s homeland could end up with him wearing green and gold.
- Vince Rugari
‘I can’t remember’: Robertson returns to Socceroos, but mystery over exile endures
Why did Alex Robertson spend more than two years away from the Socceroos? And why did Tony Popovic say he was “ineligible” to represent Australia? If only he could tell us.
- Vince Rugari
- Analysis
- Women’s Asian Cup
‘We don’t want this feeling again’: Shattered Matildas put on a brave face
Another public reception after another tournament heartbreak. It’s becoming all-too-familiar for Sam Kerr and her team.
- Vince Rugari
‘Don’t drop your heads’: Montemurro laments Matildas’ latest torment
Joe Montemurro is adamant the Matildas can take away some major positives from their Asian Cup campaign, even though it ended in such emotionally torturous circumstances.
- Vince Rugari
- Analysis
- Women’s Asian Cup
Two home tournaments, no trophies: Matildas might have missed their window of opportunity
They’ve fallen short at the World Cup and now an Asian Cup - both on Aussie soil. We’re just going to have to remember these Matildas as one of the best teams never to win something.
- Vince Rugari
Heartbreak for Matildas as Japan seal narrow win in the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup
The Matildas have the chance to win the Asian Cup title for the first time since 2010 but face one of the world’s best women’s sides in Japan. Kick-off is at 8pm AEDT; follow all the action live.
- Vince Rugari, Frances Howe and Emma Kemp
Flies, bees, flowers and honey: Meet the man behind Japan’s fearsome Nadeshiko
Nils Nielsen, the zany Greenlandic-Dane in charge of Japan’s women’s national team, is sometimes blown away by what he sees from his players in training and during games.
- Vince Rugari
‘I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do’: Popa takes swipe at Segecic over Socceroos defection
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has wished Adrian Segecic well after his decision to play for Croatia over Australia – then explained why he wouldn’t cross one of his red lines for him.
- Vince Rugari
Matildas v China as it happened: Sam Kerr-inspired Matildas book spot in Asian Cup final
The Matildas will face Japan or South Korea in Saturday night’s final at Accor Stadium after a gritty 2-1 win over China, highlighted by a textbook Sam Kerr goal.
- Vince Rugari