Matthew Spiranovic
Encyclopedia
Matthew Thomas Špiranović (born 27 June 1988) is an Australian football (soccer) player who currently plays for J. League
club Urawa Red Diamonds
.
before earning a scholarship
with the VIS
. He then graduated to the AIS
in 2006. He had trialled for Melbourne Victory
, having played for them in a World Club Championship qualifier when he was 16, but was not offered a contract by its coach Ernie Merrick
who believed that Špiranović was too good to play in the A-League
. On 5 October 2006, it had been reported in that Špiranović was signed to 1. FC Nuremberg upon a successful two week trial with the club's first-team.
, he had been substituted on for the last few minutes of the game replacing fellow Australian Michael Beauchamp
. On 2 February 2007 Špiranović made his full club debut in the Bundesliga in a win against FC Bayern Munich
, although he was replaced at half time due to a corked
thigh. Špiranović’s performance had impressed many supporters, especially in such a big game against one of the giants of German football. He played his first two full 90-minute-games in late April and early May against VfL Wolfsburg
and FC Schalke 04
acting as a "special enforcer" against the teams' dangerous creative midfielders Marcelinho
and Lincoln
. His performance in those two games lead a Nuremberg tabloid to give Špiranović the nickname of "Nuremberg's fiercest watchdog". By this time, there were three other Australian's at FC Nuremberg: Josh Kennedy
, Michael Beauchamp
and Dario Vidosic
. Špiranović also took part in the DFB-Pokal 2006–07 where which Nuremberg won 3–2 against Stuttgart in the final. Due to Nuremberg's cup win, they had qualified for the early stages of the 2007–08 UEFA Cup where they would secure a spot in the tournament due to a 2–2 second-leg draw in their favour against Rapid Bucureşti where which Špiranović had taken part in.
's boss had targeted Špiranović for a transfer by offering £1million but it was not eventuated. Špiranović would then extend his contract for another two seasons. Špiranović would spend some time playing with the Reserve team of Nuremberg while regaining his fitness. He made 8 appearances for the first-team as Nuremberg would finish in third place in the 2. Fußball-Bundesliga
re-gaining promotion for the 2009–10 Bundesliga season.
ese club Urawa Red Diamonds
on loan until the end of 2010. He scored his and Urawa's first goal in a 4–1 victory against Shonan Bellmare
on 21 August 2010, by that time having played 11 times for Urawa, he had comfortably cemented his spot in the first-team by starting in 7 consecutive games which earned him a call up for two international friendlies.
in March, Špiranović returned to Australia as the J-League had been suspended until April 2011. On 22 June 2011, Špiranović returned from a one-match suspension, due to receiving consecutive yellow cards in two separate games, and played a full game in defence as Urawa Red Diamonds claimed a much-needed 3–0 victory over Avispa Fukuoka
. His efforts in defence drew praise from under-pressure Urawa boss Zeljko Petrovic
, as Urawa were stuck in mid-table for most of the J-League season. On 15 July, two days after Urawa beat fifth placed side Kawasaki Frontale
2–0 at home, it was published by FourFourTwo Australia
that Špiranović was delighted to finally be enjoying regular injury-free first-team action, however, admitted his frustration by the struggles of his club during the J-League season as Urawa had only recorder just three J-League wins at the time. Špiranović continued his fine form playing 90 minute games in defence as Urawa would record three wins in the same week. A 2-0 win to Ventforet Kofu
on 23 July, a 2-1 J. League Cup
win to Montedio Yamagata
on 27 July and a 1-0 away victory to Kawasaki Frontale
on 30 July ensured Urawa's winning streak where which the side had been undefeated for nine consecuitive games.
squad where which he participated in a South American tour under coach Ange Postecoglou
, he would then go on to play in the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Cup
held in Peru
. In a team with Kaz Patafta
, Nathan Burns
and David Williams
, Špiranović started in all three group stage games which saw Australia finish in third place after losing 1–0 to Turkey, 3–0 to Mexico and winning 2–1 against Uruguay. Prior to his signing with 1. FC Nuremberg in 2006, Špiranović represented the Australia U-20
side in the AFC Youth Championship 2006
held in India. After reaching the quarter-finals Australia would lose 2–1 to Korea Republic as they failed to qualify for the eventual 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup
which was to be held in Canada
. At that point, despite Australia's unsuccessful qualification campaign, Špiranović's status attracted the attention of the Croatian Football Federation
. This was due to his parents' heritage which made him eligible to represent either Australia, England
(the birth place of his father) or Croatia
. On 4 April 2007, Špiranović publicly announced his intention to play for Australia
on SBS's football program The World Game. By 2008 he was selected to represent the Australia U-23
squad at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, playing in all three group matches against Serbia
, Argentina
and Cote d'Ivoire
, team finished third in their respective group. After Spiranovic stated his intention to play for Australia he was called up to the national side for a friendly against Uruguay
which was held on 2 June 2007. Špiranović did not play in the defeat against the South Americans and surprisingly missed out on a spot in Australia's 2007 Asian Cup Squad where which only five recognized defenders were selected. Špiranović made his senior international debut for the Socceroos on 23 May 2008, coming on as a substitute against Ghana
, followed by a start in the World Cup Qualifier against China on 22 June 2008. Despite the public's faith that Špiranović would make the 2010 FIFA World Cup
squad, as well as being transferred to Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds
in order to gain more playing time, he ultimately missed out on selection. After a lengthy absence from the national team, Spiranovic played a full 90 minutes in a 0–0 draw against Switzerland on 5 September 2010. During this time which had followed Craig Moore
's retirement from the national team, Špiranović was labelled as Australia's central defender for the next decade as coach Holger Osieck
noticed his potential before selection for the 2011 Asian Cup
.
. He is the son of Michael Špiranović, an English
born former footballer for North Geelong Warriors
. Špiranović grew up in Geelong's South-West suburb Wandana Heights
. He attended St. Robert's Primary School of Geelong and St Joseph's College from 2001 to 2005. Špiranović has two younger sisters, Amelia, who play for South Melbourne
in the Women's Victorian Premier League
, and Laura
, who plays for Melbourne Victory
in the W-League
. He shares a strong friendship with former 1. FC Nuremberg teammate Dario Vidošić
, the pair having played together for the Australia U-20
squad before signing professional terms with the German
club.
. Former Socceroo's coach Graham Arnold
was informed of Špiranović's decision by phone and therefore included him in the national side prior to the 2007 Asian Cup
and 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
. Arnold stated that the FFA
, as well as the Australian national team's staff, were in danger of losing the defender as Špiranović's parents received phone calls from Croatia in the middle of the night which applied much pressure on Špiranović to make his final decision.
1Includes DFB-Pokal
and Emperor's Cup
.
2Includes J. League Cup
.
3Includes UEFA Europe League.
J. League
The or is the top division of and is the top professional association football league in Japan. It is one of the most successful leagues in Asian club football and the only league given top class 'A' ranking by the AFC. Currently, J. League Division 1 is the first level of the Japanese...
club Urawa Red Diamonds
Urawa Red Diamonds
are a professional association football club playing in Japan's football league, J. League Division 1. One of Japan and Asia's best supported teams, the club has been able to boast the highest average crowds for thirteen of the J-League's twenty season history...
.
Career
Špiranović played junior football in Geelong and MelbourneMelbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
before earning a scholarship
Scholarship
A scholarship is an award of financial aid for a student to further education. Scholarships are awarded on various criteria usually reflecting the values and purposes of the donor or founder of the award.-Types:...
with the VIS
Victorian Institute of Sport
The Victorian Institute of Sport is the government-funded sporting institute of the Australian state of Victoria. It runs a number of programs for sports training. The headquarters are located in Melbourne. The inaugural executive director of the institute was Frank Pyke....
. He then graduated to the AIS
Australian Institute of Sport
The Australian Institute of Sport is a sports training institution in Australia with world class facilities and support services. The Institute's headquarters is situated in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. The 66.0 hectare site campus is in the northern suburb of Bruce, but some of the...
in 2006. He had trialled for Melbourne Victory
Melbourne Victory
Melbourne Victory Football Club is an Australian professional football club based in Melbourne, Victoria, that plays in the A-League....
, having played for them in a World Club Championship qualifier when he was 16, but was not offered a contract by its coach Ernie Merrick
Ernie Merrick
Ernest 'Ernie' Merrick is the Scottish former head coach for the Australian A-League football team, Melbourne Victory.-Melbourne Victory:...
who believed that Špiranović was too good to play in the A-League
A-League
The A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
. On 5 October 2006, it had been reported in that Špiranović was signed to 1. FC Nuremberg upon a successful two week trial with the club's first-team.
2006–07 season
On 30 January 2007 Špiranović debuted for Nuremberg in a game against Borussia MönchengladbachBorussia Mönchengladbach
Borussia Mönchengladbach is a German association football club based in Mönchengladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia. The team plays in the Bundesliga and is one of the country's most well-known, well-supported, and successful teams. Borussia Mönchengladbach has over 40,000 members and is the sixth...
, he had been substituted on for the last few minutes of the game replacing fellow Australian Michael Beauchamp
Michael Beauchamp
Michael Francis Beauchamp is an Australian football player. He currently plays for Sydney FC. He was a member of the Australian 2006 World Cup squad.-Club career:...
. On 2 February 2007 Špiranović made his full club debut in the Bundesliga in a win against FC Bayern Munich
FC Bayern Munich
FC Bayern Munich , is a German sports club based in Munich, Bavaria. It is best known for its professional football team, which is the most successful football club in Germany, having won 22 national titles and 15 cups....
, although he was replaced at half time due to a corked
Charley horse
A charley horse is a popular North American colloquial term for painful spasms or cramps in the leg muscles, typically lasting anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours. Also known as a "Tommy Horse"...
thigh. Špiranović’s performance had impressed many supporters, especially in such a big game against one of the giants of German football. He played his first two full 90-minute-games in late April and early May against VfL Wolfsburg
VfL Wolfsburg
VfL Wolfsburg is a professional German association football club based in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, who play in the Bundesliga football competition. Wolfsburg have won the Bundesliga once in their history, in the 2008–09 season, and were DFB-Pokal runners-up in 1995. The current head coach is Felix...
and FC Schalke 04
FC Schalke 04
Fußball-Club Gelsenkirchen-Schalke 04, commonly known as simply FC Schalke 04 or Schalke , is a German, association-football club originally from the Schalke district of Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia. Schalke has long been one of the most popular football teams in Germany, even though major...
acting as a "special enforcer" against the teams' dangerous creative midfielders Marcelinho
Marcelinho
Marcelo dos Santos , better known as "Marcelinho Paraíba" or simply "Marcelinho", is a Brazilian footballer currently playing for Sport Recife, in the Brazilian Série B....
and Lincoln
Lincoln (footballer)
Lincoln Cássio de Souza Soares , commonly known as Lincoln, is a Brazilian football Attacking midfielder who is currently playing for Avaí in the Brazilian Série A, on loan from Palmeiras.-Atlético Mineiro:...
. His performance in those two games lead a Nuremberg tabloid to give Špiranović the nickname of "Nuremberg's fiercest watchdog". By this time, there were three other Australian's at FC Nuremberg: Josh Kennedy
Joshua Kennedy
Joshua Blake Kennedy is an Australian professional football player who plays as a striker for the Australia national association football team and Nagoya Grampus.- Club career :...
, Michael Beauchamp
Michael Beauchamp
Michael Francis Beauchamp is an Australian football player. He currently plays for Sydney FC. He was a member of the Australian 2006 World Cup squad.-Club career:...
and Dario Vidosic
Dario Vidosic
Dario Vidošić is an Australian football player who currently plays for A-League club Adelaide United.- Club career :- Early life :...
. Špiranović also took part in the DFB-Pokal 2006–07 where which Nuremberg won 3–2 against Stuttgart in the final. Due to Nuremberg's cup win, they had qualified for the early stages of the 2007–08 UEFA Cup where they would secure a spot in the tournament due to a 2–2 second-leg draw in their favour against Rapid Bucureşti where which Špiranović had taken part in.
2007–08 season
Nuremberg would finish second in their respective group of the 2007–08 UEFA Cup and proceed to the knock-out stages. They were then eliminated by Benfica at the round of sixteen stage as the Portuguese giants would go through due to a 1–0 first leg win (having drawn 2–2 Germany). Špiranović would occasionally be included, having made the bench on various occasions but not being included in the playing squad. As the 2007–08 Bundesliga season came to a close, Nuremberg had finished 16th and would be relegated to the German Second Division.2008–09 season
In November 2008 Špiranović picked up a long-term hamstring injury and ruptured an ankle tendon which restricted him to just eight appearances for the club in the 2008–09 season, despite this, in June 2009, FulhamFulham
Fulham is an area of southwest London in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, SW6 located south west of Charing Cross. It lies on the left bank of the Thames, between Putney and Chelsea. The area is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London...
's boss had targeted Špiranović for a transfer by offering £1million but it was not eventuated. Špiranović would then extend his contract for another two seasons. Špiranović would spend some time playing with the Reserve team of Nuremberg while regaining his fitness. He made 8 appearances for the first-team as Nuremberg would finish in third place in the 2. Fußball-Bundesliga
2. Fußball-Bundesliga
- Changes in division set-up :* Number of clubs: currently 18. From 1974 to 1981 there were two conferences, each of 20 teams. In 1981–91 it had 20...
re-gaining promotion for the 2009–10 Bundesliga season.
2009–10 season
On 17 November 2009, it had been reported that Špiranović would be loaned to another club by January 2010 in order to gain more game time. It was insisted by Nuremberg sport director Martin Bader that Špiranović should gain some valuable game time as he had missed a large number of games due to injury. It was also due to the fact that by November Špiranović had only made one appearance during the 2009–10 season in a 4–0 loss against Bayer Leverkusen on 3 October.2010 season
On 7 January 2010, Špiranović joined JapanJapan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese club Urawa Red Diamonds
Urawa Red Diamonds
are a professional association football club playing in Japan's football league, J. League Division 1. One of Japan and Asia's best supported teams, the club has been able to boast the highest average crowds for thirteen of the J-League's twenty season history...
on loan until the end of 2010. He scored his and Urawa's first goal in a 4–1 victory against Shonan Bellmare
Shonan Bellmare
are a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 2. The team is located in Hiratsuka, in the west of Kanagawa Prefecture; their home stadium is Hiratsuka Athletics Stadium in Hiratsuka. The name Bellmare is derived from the Latin "bellum" for "war" and "mare"...
on 21 August 2010, by that time having played 11 times for Urawa, he had comfortably cemented his spot in the first-team by starting in 7 consecutive games which earned him a call up for two international friendlies.
2011 season
On 11 December 2010 Špiranović joined Urawa on a permanent basis after the Japanese club bought out his contract after a very impressive first season in J1 despite frequent injuries. Due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
The 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, also known as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, or the Great East Japan Earthquake, was a magnitude 9.0 undersea megathrust earthquake off the coast of Japan that occurred at 14:46 JST on Friday, 11 March 2011, with the epicenter approximately east...
in March, Špiranović returned to Australia as the J-League had been suspended until April 2011. On 22 June 2011, Špiranović returned from a one-match suspension, due to receiving consecutive yellow cards in two separate games, and played a full game in defence as Urawa Red Diamonds claimed a much-needed 3–0 victory over Avispa Fukuoka
Avispa Fukuoka
For the record label, see Avispa. is a Japanese professional football club, currently playing in the J. League Division 1 having been promoted from J. League Division 2 in the 2010 season. The team is located in Hakata, Fukuoka. "Avispa" means "wasp" in Spanish.-In Fujieda:The club was founded as...
. His efforts in defence drew praise from under-pressure Urawa boss Zeljko Petrovic
Željko Petrovic
Željko Petrović is a retired Montenegrin footballer and was the technical coach of Feyenoord Rotterdam in the 2004/2005 season.-Club career:...
, as Urawa were stuck in mid-table for most of the J-League season. On 15 July, two days after Urawa beat fifth placed side Kawasaki Frontale
Kawasaki Frontale
is a J. League Division 1 association football club. The team is located in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo. Their home stadium is Todoroki Athletics Stadium, in Nakahara Ward, in the central area of Kawasaki.-History:...
2–0 at home, it was published by FourFourTwo Australia
FourFourTwo (Australia)
FourFourTwo is a football magazine published by Haymarket Group's Australian operations. It takes its title and layout from the UK magazine of the same name.-History:...
that Špiranović was delighted to finally be enjoying regular injury-free first-team action, however, admitted his frustration by the struggles of his club during the J-League season as Urawa had only recorder just three J-League wins at the time. Špiranović continued his fine form playing 90 minute games in defence as Urawa would record three wins in the same week. A 2-0 win to Ventforet Kofu
Ventforet Kofu
are a Japanese football club from Kofu. They compete in the J. League Division 1, and their home ground is the Kose Sports Stadium.The word "Ventforet" is coined combining two French words Vent and Forêt...
on 23 July, a 2-1 J. League Cup
2011 J. League Cup
The 2011 J. League Cup, also known as the 2011 Yamazaki Nabisco Cup for sponsoring purposes, is the 36th edition of the most prestigious Japanese soccer league cup tournament and the 19th edition under the current J. League Cup format...
win to Montedio Yamagata
Montedio Yamagata
Montedio Yamagata is a professional association football club based in Yamagata Prefecture in Japan. The club plays in J. League Division 1.Montedio is a coined word combining two Italian words Monte and Dio .-History:...
on 27 July and a 1-0 away victory to Kawasaki Frontale
Kawasaki Frontale
is a J. League Division 1 association football club. The team is located in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo. Their home stadium is Todoroki Athletics Stadium, in Nakahara Ward, in the central area of Kawasaki.-History:...
on 30 July ensured Urawa's winning streak where which the side had been undefeated for nine consecuitive games.
International career
In 2004 Špiranović was selected for the Australia U-17Australia national under-17 football team
The Australia national under-17 association football team, more commonly known as the Joeys, is controlled by Football Federation Australia and represents Australia in international Under 17 or youth football competitions.-FIFA U-17 World Cup:...
squad where which he participated in a South American tour under coach Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou
Angelos "Ange" Postecoglou is a former Australian football player and manager of Brisbane Roar.-Club career:Postecoglou played 193 games from 1984 to 1993 for South Melbourne in the National Soccer League, where he was involved in their 1984 and 1990–91 titles, the latter as captain, before moving...
, he would then go on to play in the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Cup
2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship
The 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship was held in the cities of Lima, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Piura and Iquitos in Peru between 16 September and 2 October 2005. Players born after 1 January 1988 could participate in this tournament...
held in Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
. In a team with Kaz Patafta
Kaz Patafta
Kaz Phonesak Patafta is an Australian professional football player of Laotian and Croatian descent. Patafta formerly played as an attacking midfielder for the Newcastle Jets in the A-League...
, Nathan Burns
Nathan Burns
Nathan Burns is an Australian international football player currently playing as a right winger for AEK Athens F.C. in the Greek Super League.-Adelaide United:He formerly played for Parramatta Eagles and trained at the AIS....
and David Williams
David Williams (footballer)
David Williams is an Indigenous Australian professional football player who is currently playing for Hyundai A-League club Melbourne Heart.-Youth career:...
, Špiranović started in all three group stage games which saw Australia finish in third place after losing 1–0 to Turkey, 3–0 to Mexico and winning 2–1 against Uruguay. Prior to his signing with 1. FC Nuremberg in 2006, Špiranović represented the Australia U-20
Australia national under-20 football team
The Australia national under-20 association football team, more commonly known as the Young Socceroos, is controlled by Football Federation Australia and represents Australia in international Under 20 or youth football competitions....
side in the AFC Youth Championship 2006
AFC Youth Championship 2006
The Asian Football Confederations AFC Youth Championship 2006 was the 32rd instance of the AFC Youth Championship. It was held from October 29 to November 12, 2006 in India. It was the first time for India to host this tournament...
held in India. After reaching the quarter-finals Australia would lose 2–1 to Korea Republic as they failed to qualify for the eventual 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup
2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup
The 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup was the sixteenth edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup , hosted by Canada from June 30 to July 22, 2007. Argentina defeated Czech Republic in the title game by the score of 2–1, thus managing a back-to-back world title, its fifth in the past seven editions, and sixth...
which was to be held in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. At that point, despite Australia's unsuccessful qualification campaign, Špiranović's status attracted the attention of the Croatian Football Federation
Croatian Football Federation
The Croatian Football Federation is the governing body of association football in Croatia. It was originally formed in 1912 and is based in the capital city of Zagreb. The organisation is a member of both FIFA and UEFA, and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the game of football in Croatia...
. This was due to his parents' heritage which made him eligible to represent either Australia, England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
(the birth place of his father) or Croatia
Croatia national football team
The Croatia national football team represents Croatia in international football. The team is controlled by the Croatian Football Federation, the governing body for football in the country, and has been managed since 2006 by former player Slaven Bilić...
. On 4 April 2007, Špiranović publicly announced his intention to play for Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
on SBS's football program The World Game. By 2008 he was selected to represent the Australia U-23
Australia national under-23 football team
The Australia Olympic football team, more commonly known as the Olyroos, is controlled by Football Federation Australia and represents Australia at association football in the Olympic Games...
squad at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, playing in all three group matches against Serbia
Serbia
Serbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
, Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
and Cote d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire
The Republic of Côte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa. It has an area of , and borders the countries Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea. The country's population was 15,366,672 in 1998 and was estimated to be...
, team finished third in their respective group. After Spiranovic stated his intention to play for Australia he was called up to the national side for a friendly against Uruguay
Uruguay national football team
The Uruguayan national football team represents Uruguay in international association football and is controlled by the Uruguayan Football Association, the governing body for football in Uruguay. The current head coach is Óscar Tabárez...
which was held on 2 June 2007. Špiranović did not play in the defeat against the South Americans and surprisingly missed out on a spot in Australia's 2007 Asian Cup Squad where which only five recognized defenders were selected. Špiranović made his senior international debut for the Socceroos on 23 May 2008, coming on as a substitute against Ghana
Ghana national football team
The Ghana national football team, popularly known as the Black Stars, is the national association football team of Ghana and is controlled by the Ghana Football Association...
, followed by a start in the World Cup Qualifier against China on 22 June 2008. Despite the public's faith that Špiranović would make the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
squad, as well as being transferred to Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds
Urawa Red Diamonds
are a professional association football club playing in Japan's football league, J. League Division 1. One of Japan and Asia's best supported teams, the club has been able to boast the highest average crowds for thirteen of the J-League's twenty season history...
in order to gain more playing time, he ultimately missed out on selection. After a lengthy absence from the national team, Spiranovic played a full 90 minutes in a 0–0 draw against Switzerland on 5 September 2010. During this time which had followed Craig Moore
Craig Moore
Craig Andrew Moore , is a retired Australian soccer defender.Moore is best known for his two spells with Scottish Premier Division / Scottish Premier League club Rangers...
's retirement from the national team, Špiranović was labelled as Australia's central defender for the next decade as coach Holger Osieck
Holger Osieck
Holger Osieck is a German football coach and current coach of the Australian national association football team. Prior to the Australian role, he most recently managed J.League club Urawa Red Diamonds, where he won the 2007 AFC Champions League. He served as an assistant coach of West Germany...
noticed his potential before selection for the 2011 Asian Cup
2011 AFC Asian Cup
The 2011 AFC Asian Cup finals were held in Qatar on 7–29 January 2011. It was the fifteenth time the tournament has been held, and the second time it has been hosted by Qatar, the other being the 1988 AFC Asian Cup...
.
Personal and family life
Špiranović was born in Geelong, VictoriaVictoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
. He is the son of Michael Špiranović, an English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
born former footballer for North Geelong Warriors
North Geelong Warriors
The North Geelong Warriors Football Club, , is a Croatian backed football club from the regional Victorian city of Geelong. The club continues to have strong links to and support from the city’s large Croatian community. The club is a regular participant in the Australian-Croatian Soccer...
. Špiranović grew up in Geelong's South-West suburb Wandana Heights
Wandana Heights, Victoria
Wandana Heights is a residential suburb of Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Suburban development of the suburb commenced in the 1980s which due to the current high property prices in Australia, and the fluctuation of prices in previous years housing development has been sporadic with periods where...
. He attended St. Robert's Primary School of Geelong and St Joseph's College from 2001 to 2005. Špiranović has two younger sisters, Amelia, who play for South Melbourne
South Melbourne FC
South Melbourne FC is a football club based in South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.Considered the most successful association football club in Australia, they have won four national championships, a string of Victorian State League titles, and represented Oceania in the 2000 FIFA Club World...
in the Women's Victorian Premier League
Victorian Premier League
The Victorian Premier League is the highest State level association football competition in Victoria, Australia, and second highest nationally after the A-League...
, and Laura
Laura Spiranovic
Laura Spiranovic is an Australian football player currently playing for W-League club Melbourne Victory. She is the sister of Matthew Spiranovic.-Career:...
, who plays for Melbourne Victory
Melbourne Victory FC W-League
The Melbourne Victory Womens Football Club are an Australian women's association football club affiliated with Melbourne Victory FC. Founded in 2008 this team represents Melbourne in the Australian Women's National football League, the W-League....
in the W-League
W-League (Australia)
The W-League is the preeminent women's semi-professional football league in Australia. Established in 2008, it is composed of eight teams - seven of them are affiliated with seven of the Australian clubs currently in the A-League, with the eighth team based in Canberra...
. He shares a strong friendship with former 1. FC Nuremberg teammate Dario Vidošić
Dario Vidosic
Dario Vidošić is an Australian football player who currently plays for A-League club Adelaide United.- Club career :- Early life :...
, the pair having played together for the Australia U-20
Australia national under-20 football team
The Australia national under-20 association football team, more commonly known as the Young Socceroos, is controlled by Football Federation Australia and represents Australia in international Under 20 or youth football competitions....
squad before signing professional terms with the German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
club.
National team decision
By 2007 it was clear that Špiranović was to play for Australia when he officially rejected an offer from the Croatian Football FederationCroatian Football Federation
The Croatian Football Federation is the governing body of association football in Croatia. It was originally formed in 1912 and is based in the capital city of Zagreb. The organisation is a member of both FIFA and UEFA, and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the game of football in Croatia...
. Former Socceroo's coach Graham Arnold
Graham Arnold
Graham James Arnold is a former coach of the Australian national football team. He was appointed to work as an assistant to Frank Farina in 2000. The two replaced Raul Blanco, who was the interim coach in charge after Terry Venables decided not to renew his contract with Soccer Australia after...
was informed of Špiranović's decision by phone and therefore included him in the national side prior to the 2007 Asian Cup
2007 AFC Asian Cup
The Asian Football Confederation's 2007 AFC Asian Cup finals were held from July 7 to July 29, 2007. For the first time in its history, the competition was co-hosted by four nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The tournament was won by first-time champions Iraq, who defeated Saudi...
and 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
The qualification competition for the 2010 FIFA World Cup was a series of tournaments organised by the six FIFA confederations. Each confederation — the AFC , CAF , CONCACAF , CONMEBOL , OFC , and UEFA — was allocated a certain number of the 32 places at the tournament...
. Arnold stated that the FFA
Football Federation Australia
Football Federation Australia is the governing body for the sport of football in Australia. Before 1 January 2005, it was known as the Australian Soccer Association , which succeeded Soccer Australia in this role in 2003...
, as well as the Australian national team's staff, were in danger of losing the defender as Špiranović's parents received phone calls from Croatia in the middle of the night which applied much pressure on Špiranović to make his final decision.
Club
Statistics accurate as of match played 3 October 2011| Club | Season | League | Cup1 | League Cup2 | Continental3 | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| 1. FC Nuremberg | 2006–07 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | - | 10 | 0 | ||
| 2007–08 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0 | ||
| 2008–09 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 9 | 0 | |||
| 2009–10 2009–10 Fußball-Bundesliga The 2009–10 Fußball-Bundesliga was the 47th season of the Fußball-Bundesliga, Germany's premier football league. The season commenced on 7 August 2009 with the traditional season opening match involving the defending champions VfL Wolfsburg and VfB Stuttgart. The last games were played on 8 May 2010... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 1 | 0 | |||
| Total | 24 | 0 | 3 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | 28 | 0 | ||
| Urawa Red Diamonds Urawa Red Diamonds are a professional association football club playing in Japan's football league, J. League Division 1. One of Japan and Asia's best supported teams, the club has been able to boast the highest average crowds for thirteen of the J-League's twenty season history... |
2010 2010 J. League Division 1 The 2010 J. League Division 1 season was the 46th season of the top-flight club football in Japan and the 18th season since the establishment of J1 League. The season began on March 6 and ended on December 4.... |
13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | - | 18 | 1 | |
| 2011 2011 J. League Division 1 The 2011 J. League Division 1 season is the 46th season of Japanese top flight football and 19th since the establishment of the J. League. The season began on March 5 and is scheduled to end on December 3, with a planned five-week summer break between June 27–July 29 in order to allow preparation... |
25 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 26 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 38 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | - | 44 | 1 | ||
| Career total | 62 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 72 | 1 | |
1Includes DFB-Pokal
DFB-Pokal
The DFB-Pokal or DFB Cup is a German knockout football cup competition held annually. 64 teams participate in the competition, including all clubs from the Bundesliga and the 2nd Bundesliga. It is considered the second most important national title in German football after the Bundesliga...
and Emperor's Cup
Emperor's Cup
, commonly known as or , is a Japanese association football competition. It has the longest tradition of any football tournament in Japan, dating back to 1921, before the formation of the J. League, Japan Football League and their predecessor, Japan Soccer League...
.
2Includes J. League Cup
J. League Cup
J. League Cup is a Japanese football competition organized by J. League. It is also known as Yamazaki Nabisco Cup or Nabisco Cup because confectionery/bakery company Yamazaki Nabisco have sponsored the competition since its inception in 1992.It is generally regarded as the Japanese equivalent to...
.
3Includes UEFA Europe League.
International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | |||
| 2008 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2009 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2010 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2011 | 5 | 0 | |
| Total | |10 | 0 |
Australia
- OFC U-17 Championship
- Winners: 2005
- AFC Asian CupAFC Asian CupThe AFC Asian Cup is an international association football tournament run by the Asian Football Confederation . It is the second oldest continental football championship in the world after Copa América. The winning team becomes the champion of Asia and automatically qualifies for the FIFA...
- runners-up: 20112011 AFC Asian CupThe 2011 AFC Asian Cup finals were held in Qatar on 7–29 January 2011. It was the fifteenth time the tournament has been held, and the second time it has been hosted by Qatar, the other being the 1988 AFC Asian Cup...
- runners-up: 2011