World Cup recap: US coach’s shock Socceroos admission ahead of showdown
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US coach wants his team to be more like Socceroos
US coach Mauricio Pochettino hasn’t been drawn into the war of words between media and fans ahead of his side’s showdown with the Socceroos on Saturday morning (AEST).
Having both notched victories in their openers, a second win in this match will ensure progression through to the round of 32.
Speaking to media ahead of the match, Pochettino said he is envious of the way Tony Popovic has instilled a culture of belief within the Socceroos squad.
“What I can say about Australia, it’s obvious in the way that they play … the mentality, the mindset and the belief – they are a very strong team really believing in what they are doing,” he said.
“When we played them in Denver, it was one of the most difficult games we played.
“We need to believe in the same way that they believe. We want to compete because they compete really well.”
Mauricio Pochettino says he envies the way Tony Popovic has instilled belief in his team. Getty Images
See you tomorrow!
That’s a wrap from today’s World Cup action.
We will be back tomorrow morning to cover the Socceroos taking on America, from 5am AEST.
See you then!
What chance are the Socceroos tomorrow?
Australia enters tomorrow’s game against the US with hopes of springing a massive upset.
But Socceroos legend Harry Kewell is urging fans to temper their expectations, and says he would take a draw with America if possible.
“Honestly, yes,” he says on SBS.
“Because our main goal is to get through these group stages, and if a point is enough to help us get through that, then I’d be taking it.
“We would all love to put America in their place, but it’s going to be very, very tough.”
Former Socceroos goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne says coach Tony Popovic will be looking to do more than draw the game.
The Socceroos celebrate Nestory Irankunda’s goal. Getty Images
“He sounds very positive, he wants to go out and get a win,” Redmayne says.
“I think as an Australian, there has been a lot of chat from the US media, I’d love to... I don’t know how to phrase it nicely.”
The Socceroos have been bashed by members of the US media, most notably former player Mike Grella.
But former Socceroos player Tommy Oar knows America poses an ominous threat tomorrow morning.
“You look at the performances in this World Cup so far, the US in that first game was probably the most convincing performance from any team I’ve seen,” Oar says.
“Nobody expected them to do that. We’re going to have to be at our best tomorrow to get a result.”
The game kicks off at 5am AEST.
Aussie cult hero criticises Korea goalie
Aussie cult hero Andrew Redmayne has torn up South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu for an error which led to the only goal of that game.
Mexico scored when Seung-Gyu failed to clear a ball, jumping over his teammate but then spilling the ball.
Redmayne - who played a few games for the Socceroos - says it was a bad error.
“Oh my god, I just think the goalkeeper has gone a bit soft,” Redmayne says on SBS.
“If both the defender and the goalkeeper go 100 per cent at a ball, it’s going to be a positive outcome defensively.
“The goalkeeper is trying to preserve his defender there. You’ve just got to go through him, body and all.
“He needs to clean that at this level.”
Kim Seung-Gyu. SBS
Mexico holds on in thriller
What a finish!
Mexico somehow holds on to beat South Korea 1-0 despite late chaos.
It looked like Korea had scored a late equaliser but the ball was somehow stopped before fully crossing the line.
Some epic scrambling defence from Mexico, who then broke away and almost scored up the other end.
The host city secures the victory in front of a huge crowd.
Scenes!
Raul Rangel makes a crucial save in the final minutes of Mexico’s match against South Korea. Getty Images
How Mexico fans dressed for this match
There is little doubt Mexicans are some of the most passionate fans in the world, regardless of the sport they’re watching.
As they did for the opener in Mexico City, fans in Guadalajara have dressed up for the occasion.
Mexico fans in the Guadalajara Stadium. Getty Images
The stadium was sold out. Getty Images
Some fans went above and beyond. Getty Images
Not a bad pair of specs. AP Photo/Fernando Llano
Mexico break deadlock after Korean nightmare
DISASTER FOR KOREA!
Minutes into the second half, Mexico has scored off the back of an error from Korean ’keeper Kim Seung-gyu.
There was a cross in from the Mexico wing, and it was defended well by the Koreans. A header went straight up in the air, and Seung-gyu decided to come off his line to grab.
He caught it right in his fingertips, but spilled it when he landed on one of his own players. It bounced perfectly for Luis Romo to bury it in the back of the net.
Luis Romo pounced on an error from the Korean goalkeeper. Getty Images
Korea silencing Mexican crowd
It’s half time in this match between Mexico and Korea, and it’s still nil-all.
Speaking on SBS’ coverage, Socceroos legend Harry Kewell said the Koreans had done a brilliant job of silencing the crowd.
“If we’re looking at the game here, I think Korea would have to be happier,” he said.
“They’re controlling it, they’re silencing the crowd. You can even feel the tension within the crowd.”
Korea and Mexico have reached half-time 0-0. Getty Images
Korean superstar kept out by brilliant bicycle kick save!
We’re 20 minutes into this match between Mexico and Korea, and it’s still 0-0.
Korean superstar Son Heung-min came really close to getting the opener, if not for an acrobatic save.
He was in basically a one-on-one with the keeper, and a lovely chip over the top looked certain to go it, before an Edson Álvarez bicycle kick put it back into the field of play.
Edson Álvarez made a spectacular bicycle kick save. AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo
Simple goal for Mexico in this one
Good morning! Damien McCartney jumping into the blog for this next match between Mexico and South Korea.
The goal for Mexico is simple – win this clash and they’ll top their group having beaten South Africa in the opener last week,
