Craig Foster is predicting that Australian fans will see a whole new starting XI again when the Socceroos face Paraguay on Friday.
Tony Popovic has made several big calls in his first two games with the team at the World Cup, but only one of those starting line-ups managed to end in a win.
The US exposed flaws within Australia’s attack and defence. A win or draw against Paraguay is now needed to ensure that the Socceroos get out of the group stage.
And while many fans will be calling to see certain young faces start on Friday, Foster is unsure that all those calls may be answered.
“You never quite know with Popa,” Foster told Nine’s Today.
Tony Popovic’s Socceroos starting XI against the USA. Getty Images
“Both line-ups were very surprising in different ways and one paid off.
“He rightly got amazing credit here in Australia. He was being spoken about as an amazing leader, which was great because that is coaching.
“He made some big calls leaving (Nestory) Irankunda and (Connor) Metcalfe off, it didn’t pay off. But that is what coaching the Socceroos is like.
“It wasn’t just that because the USA did do a job on us. If we can get that second half in the first half, we will be in a great position.
“I think we will see a different line-up in the third game.”
A second-place finish will be the most ideal spot for the Socceroos to be, with round of 32 opponent set to be either Iran, New Zealand or Belgium.
If they finish third, they could be tasked with a fierce European nation.
“If we finish third, we will get one of the best eight which could be Portugal, France – who we’ve just had enough of in World Cups – or Germany,” Foster added.
“(Second in the group) is a great position to be in. All we need is a draw or a win, which will make it certain.”