With the Socceroos set to play their final Group D match in Santa Clara against Paraguay, Socceroos legend Mark Schwarzer and Scott McDonald have handed in their starting squad predictions.
Speaking on Stan Sport’s Added Time, Schwarzer predicted that if head coach Tony Popovic compiled a team similar to the squad for the Socceroos victory against Türkiye, Australia’s pace would “frighten” Paraguay into defeat.
“It really depends on who (Popovic) picks, right? So like if he picks Irankunda and Tuure up front, if he goes back to (a) similar team that he played against Türkiye, I’m confident enough to say…two one to Australia,” said Schwarzer.
“If the right players are on the pitch, and give us every opportunity to play out, to hold the ball up and to really frighten the life out of Paraguay with a pace that we have in our team.”
Schwarzer also doubled down on his blunt call to replace Patrick Beach with captain Mat Ryan in goal for the crucial game.
“Referring back to the goalkeeping position, I’ve said it over the last couple of days, Patrick Beach has done a fantastic job and I just feel in those big games, in a big game now, we want someone in there that has real experience, real composure,” he said.
“Not that Patrick Beach hasn’t shown composure, but I just feel that Matty’s gonna be a little bit better for this occasion.
“I think his (Ryan’s) communication amongst the players … looks better. And I feel that it’ll be better suited for the way we want to play against Paraguay.”
McDonald agreed with the former Socceroos goalkeeper, saying, “Beach has done unbelievably well, but I think he’s your captain, he’d your leader. He should play in the biggest game of the World Cup, thus far.”
Jason Geria in the Socceroos’ first game against Turkey. Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP