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‘Always has a surprise’: Will Popovic shake-up Socceroos line-up?
ARLINGTON: Tony Popovic has confirmed he has a fully fit Socceroos squad for the round of 32 match against Egypt as they plot for an Australia side to win a knockout match for the first time.
The path to Dallas was sealed with a 0-0 draw against Paraguay, after a 2-0 win against Türkiye to start the tournament followed by a 2-0 loss against the USA.
Socceroos players celebrate qualifying for the round of 32 AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko
Speaking to reporters on Thursday afternoon (Friday morning AEST), Popovic said apart from Mat Leckie and Jacob Italiano leaving camp earlier, he has a full complement of players to pick from.
With that in mind, the major talking point will be selection among many other factors that will influence whether Australia wins or loses in Texas.
Will Popovic keep it all the same?
The Socceroos coach has kept everyone guessing when it comes to his lineups and there’s no chance of leaks when he’s in charge.
It’s hard to see him changing the back five of Jordan Bos and Aziz Behich as wing backs with Lucas Herrington, Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati in the centre. There’s always the possibility Bos could shift to his preferred position on the left but he showed he’s more than capable on the right against Paraguay.
Aiden O’Neill appears a certain selection in central midfield and hasn’t been dropped once this World Cup. Paul Okon-Engstler and Jackson Irvine have both been picked next to him. Okon-Engstler struggled against the USA with Irvine brought in for the last match. How that selection pans out is anyone’s guess.
The front three is the most hotly contested area of the line-up. Popovic could very easily go with the same combination of Cristian Volpato, Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe.
However, Irankunda looked a lot more comfortable on the wing against Türkiye and many would like to see how Mo Toure would combine with Volpato. That’s not to discredit anything Metcalfe has done though, after his electric performance against Turkiye.
Fitness would be the only issue that stops Volpato from starting considering how obvious his quality has been since joining the squad.
Before the tournament started, Popovic described him as one of the most unfit players in the squad, considering he had to fly from Italy to Sydney then the USA.
But speaking to media during the week, the winger confirmed he’s “all good now”.
The eight-day turnaround should mean any general fitness or workload shouldn’t be an issue.
“Physically and mentally I think the players are in a great position, we’re definitely ready for this game tomorrow. We just want the players to enjoy the moment, be present and continue doing what they’ve shown which is high quality football by a very good team,” Popovic said.
As for the goalkeeping debate between Patrick Beach and Mat Ryan, Popovic hasn’t looked like shifting from the former since the first game. However, he always has a surprise up his sleeve.
Mat Ryan, Pat Beach and Paul Izzo. Getty Images
Will the tactics change?
Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan spoke about Australia playing long balls and was asked frequently about the height advantage in his pre-game press conference.
In the Paraguay match we saw Australia try to use the height of Harry Souttar on corners but to no avail.
Against Paraguay, 13 crosses were attempted, with the number growing to 20 against the USA. In contrast, there were only 14 against Türkiye, with both goals coming from open play.
Popovic was asked about the team’s attack and whether the tournament had seen the full package Australia can offer.
He said it was just a matter of capitalising on the work of others.
“At this stage the details matter, and moments make the difference,” he said.
“I thought we created good opportunities against Paraguay, we didn’t take them but the opportunities were there against a very good team and I’m confident we’ll create them once more tomorrow.”
Jackson Irvine and Harry Souttar celebrate after full-time against Paraguay. Getty Images
As for the height advantage, Hassan had made reference to Maradona and Lionel Messi and their size. He also made the point his side’s playing football, not gridiron.
Popovic agreed.
“It’s football and they’re at this stage because they play good football and we’re definitely at this stage because we play good football,” he said.
The earlier kick-off and stadium change
Much has been made of the weather in Dallas and it being nothing the Socceroos have experienced yet.
That won’t matter with the air-conditioned stadium.
When the squad did a familiarisation walk, Popovic walked out in his Football Australia polo. He put the jacket on within minutes.
In the last two matches, the Socceroos have played in open stadiums while Vancouver had a closed roof.
The air-conditioning was notable in Dallas though, and Aiden O’Neill said it’s “definitely a bonus”.
A general view of Dallas Stadium during the Argentina-Austria clash. Getty
Another challenge for Australia is an an earlier 1pm kick-off.
In Vancouver, the match started at 9pm before a midday start against the USA. The Socceroos were notably sluggish to start their game against the host nation. Did the earlier kick-off play a part? We can only speculate.
In San Francisco they had more time to prepare, with a 7pm kick off, and appeared much more compact and focused.
How will Australia fare if it goes to penalties?
The question of penalties has come up frequently in this week’s round of press opportunities.
It’s become a realistic conclusion considering Morocco and Netherlands reached that stage along with Germany and Paraguay.
Popovic explained he hasn’t changed much in terms of preparation.
“I wouldn’t say we’ve done anything out of the ordinary or unusual in terms of preparing for that. We’d all prefer to win the game in 90 minutes, we’ve seen in the knockout stage already there’s been games go to extra-time and shootouts,” he said.
“We have to be aware and prepare for all scenarios and I’m sure the players will be ready tomorrow.”
Jordan Bos, Lucas Herrington, Connor Metcalfe and Aiden O'Neill. Matt McNulty
O’Neill confirmed the Aussies have practised penalties specifically and will be ready.
Then there’s also the inexperience of the squad if it goes for 120 minutes.
A lot of players in the Socceroos are experiencing their first World Cup and Popovic admitted there is a balance needed between youth and experience.
“I think that’s always been the challenge when you have a young group that don’t have the maturity and experience of playing big games regularly,” he said.
“But it’s also the exciting part, we know the exuberance and fearlessness they bring so we’re managing all of that, and we have a wonderful group that’s together and united.
“And we’re confident we can see that again tomorrow regardless of who plays.
“We know how big this game is and we’re confident the players are ready to deliver.”
The most important question of all: will Australia wake up?
When the Socceroos kick off, it’ll be 2am in Perth, 3.30am in Darwin and Adelaide and 4am in Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart, Canberra and Melbourne. Norfolk Island will be a nicer 5am.
Aussies will have to make a choice to either stay up or wake up. Licenced venues in Victoria and NSW will stay open all night, Queensland venues will serve alcohol until 7am while other states require venues to apply for later trading.
Popovic is chuffed with the support and the relaxing of laws.
“It’s wonderful to see so many embracing that. We all have family and friends that are showing us all those sites back home,” he said.
“Whoever has enabled that (relaxed alcohol laws), we say thank you. That will just enhance that experience for the locals that love a drink and love to watch sport in general in Australia.
“We’ve got pretty much every Australian watching, over 25 million people, young, old, boys, girls, and if this enables our fans to enjoy the live sites with a drink we can only thank whoever has organised that.”
