SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA STADIUM, CA — Tony Popovic insisted he would not have changed a thing with his line-up for the USA game as attention turns to what his XI will be for Paraguay, which will have at least two forced changes.
Popovic will be without Jacob Italiano (adductor) and Mathew Leckie (hamstring) for the clash in Santa Clara against a Paraguay outfit that he knows will fight tooth and nail for the three points needed to leapfrog the Socceroos into second place.
In 24 hours, all eyes will be on the Socceroos XI and whether or not Popovic has any more surprises in store. We know there will be a new right wingback, but after surprise in both Vancouver and Seattle, he gave little away in the bowels of the stadium at his press conference at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
After a week of intense scrutiny on the XI he chose to face the US, Popovic said he would do it again. On the two hottest topics amongst supporters, he smiled when Alessandro Circati was asked about Cristian Volpato and leant back and smiled again when asked about Nestory Irankunda.
When asked about the qualities Irankunda provides as a starter, compared to being an impact player, Popovic answered: “We’ll keep that at the basic level of analysis, which is, people are happy if a player plays and people are unhappy if they see a player they like that doesn’t play.
“We played nine players that played the first match. Only two didn’t play. So we’re more disappointed in the performance, not so much in who played and who didn’t play and and we improved that performance in the second half, which really pleases us, and the players that came on made an impact.
“Whoever starts tomorrow I know can build a strong foundation and whoever comes on can come on and finish what we’ve started. So I’m happy with all the players. Each circumstance or situation is very different.
“We’re very comfortable with the players we chose against the US. I wouldn’t change that.
“I’d only change the performance in the first half, that we could match them a bit better. But I’m sure from that experience we’ll be better against Paraguay. And God willing we get through and we’ll be better again for the next experience. And Nestor plays a big part in that of course.”
It was a packed house for Tony Popovic’s press conference.
Popovic said that it had been a big week of progress for his side since returning from Seattle.
“We’re happy with all the players – it’s a wonderful experience for us so far in particular the US game and (they’ve) responded extremely well in the second half and we’re growing day by day, even quicker than I anticipated.
“So I’m very confident that the boys are well prepared, excited for the opportunity. We’re in this position because we deserve to be here with a game to go and a chance to get to the knockout stages. I know the boys will relish this challenge and they’re ready for it.”
When pressed on what that improvement has been, he said: “In terms of growth, I’m not surprised in terms of the quality of the team. It’s just that these young boys are learning on the go.
“It’s a very quick education and lessons that we are learning.
“I’m seeing them grow as young men, I’m seeing them grow as players and I’m seeing them mature and I’m seeing them enjoying and embracing the greatest challenge of all, which is the World Cup. It doesn’t get greater than this. I’m excited by this group and can’t wait for tomorrow.”
Popovic was famously part of the squad that beat Uruguay in 2005 and said farewell to international football against Paraguay a year later. But at a World Cup, Australia is yet to beat a South American nation.
“We understand they bring a real toughness.
“Their qualifying in South America is very difficult. They know how to get a result. They showed that in the last match, scoring early, ten men, and they’re really resilient and tough. (They have a) fantastic manager, a lot of experience and it’s a wonderful challenge, that’s what we’re here for. We love the position we’re in, that we can go through to the next stage, to the knockout stages and we know it’s in our hands and we know what a win does for us tomorrow.”
Paraguay started fast in game two, Australia did not.
With a side that thrives in what Australia assistant coach Paul Okon described as “unorganised chaos”, how do the Socceroos prepare to combat that?
“Unorganised chaos is really a credit to them; it seems that way at times, but they’re very organised, they know what they’re doing in each moment of the game, in each phase. And we’ve been preparing the players for that to understand what is coming.
“Lessons, you always learn lessons from games and it’s different opposition as well, different circumstances, situation from six days ago to now. Six days later, we’re better again. And I’m sure we’ll show that tomorrow.”
The last time Popovic faced Paraguay, he scored a goal before being applauded off in his last game of international football.
Reminiscing on that, it was a chance to see a more relaxed side of the Australian coach ahead of what might well be the biggest game of some of his players’ careers.
“When I saw that we’ve got Paraguay, it was a bit, personally, something a little special.
“I also scored in my last game, I (didn’t) score many, so I remind you of that also for Ale, that I did score against Paraguay!
“So it was a special way to end my international career.
“And then to think that all these years later I’ll be the head coach and we’re up against Paraguay is quite special.
“So that was a great day and hopefully tomorrow will be a wonderful, wonderful day for Australia against Paraguay once more.”