Big blow for Socceroos as Adrian Segečić changes allegiance from Australia to Croatia

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/segecic-adrian/zPPIPN4B/"]Adrian Segečić[/a] had reportedly threatened the change of allegiance last year as frustrations grew over his lack of progression into the Socceroos setup, with head coach Tony Popovic selecting him in a wider squad for last year's two-legged series against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/new-zealand/rLctHkpU/"]New Zealand[/a] but not handing him a first team debut.[/p][p]Segečić had made 19 appearances for three [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/australia/xSrf6qMM/"]Australia[/a] underage sides between 2019 and 2024, including the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup, but was unable to make it any further into the national team despite a breakout 13-goal season for [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/sydney-fc/6JsBlXVI/"]Sydney FC[/a] (2024/25) that ultimately prompted his move to Championship club [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/portsmouth/zckREQFJ/"]Portsmouth[/a]. [/p][p]The 21-year-old immediately won Pompey fans over by scoring in each of his first two Championship appearances but, despite scoring a further four league goals, has fallen out of John Mousinho's starting lineup in favour of Englishman [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/chaplin-conor/AV6u8edd/"]Conor Chaplin[/a]. [/p][p]With no fanfare or announcement, FIFA's [a href="https://knowledge.fifa.com/change-of-association-platform" target="_blank"]Change of Association Platform[/a] revealed on Friday night that Segečić had formally cut ties with the Socceroos. [/p][embed guid="033149fe-519f-45c5-a99c-e267f6617e41" url="https://x.com/Socceroos/status/1961609819351290146" social-type="twitter" /]