Tony Popovic refused to explain his selection process in a tense press conference moment on Friday after Australia sealed its progression to the World Cup’s knockout stages.
The Socceroos coach made six changes for the draw against Paraguay, which came after heavy criticism back at home for his bold gambles against the USA that didn’t pay off.
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Asked about the changes against Paraguay, Popovic had a firm answer that turned the torch back on analysts in Australia.
“I know that the big debate for you guys (media) is why someone is selected every week but if you look back on where we started, over 70 players (since he took over as head coach),” he said.
“It’s not 11 players only, because before the first game, you would have told me you were surprised with a selection, and if we didn’t get the result, you’d be the first one saying, why did I select them?
“Then we leave a couple out the second game, then you ask why are those two not selected?
“And now we make six changes, and now you ask me again, why are those six in and the other ones out?
“That will continue because that’s the analysis that we have back home.
“I’m not going to go into that.
“What I will say is that every player is important.
“No one is entitled to the shirt. And each game is different. And (there are) different circumstances and different situations for each game at a different time.
“And for this game, this is a team I believe needed to play. That’s it. And I’ll always back my decision.”
In his post-match press conference, Popovic was also asked if played for a draw given it was all Australia needed to advance.
“You can have opinions on how the game was played or or what we both thought we needed but we at no stage felt that we were playing for a draw. I thought we controlled the game quite well, were in control and had the better opportunities,” he said.
“I think we just gave one away at the end from the edge of the box, which was a heart in the mouth moment unfortunately for us. But apart from that we didn’t look like conceding a chance and I thought we looked quite dangerous in around the box. We tried to win the game, in the end a draw is enough for both nations. Congratulations to Paraguay as well.
“Obviously a fantastic manager, great experience, and I’m sure as we are feeling euphoria and joy as a nation, I’m sure Paraguay as well is. So I wish them well going forward.”
Tony Popovic, Head Coach of Australia, celebrates after the 0-0 draw during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Paraguay and AustraliaSource: Getty Images
While Popovic also cast his mind forward to the future and the exciting times ahead of his young squad.
“I’ve got to be careful how I answer this. I obviously trust them to put them in,” he said.
“I said in the press conference yesterday that their growth over these two weeks has been outstanding. I believe the growth from the US game was pivotal for us because the second half performance shows that not only are they talented but they are resilient and they are tough and they are ready to play now because they responded very well in the second half.
“They created chances against the US, gave nothing away. And when you think of young players without experience, you think that it’s quite easy to fall away and feel sorry for yourself. So they’re showing they’re ready now.
“Will they get better in the future? I believe naturally they should, once they’re all playing, hopefully in big leagues and playing 50-60 games a year.
“In four to eight years, it should be a special group. But I’ve always said why can’t it be a special group now?
“Their composure, patience, understanding of what was required today is a credit to them and also the staff for preparing the players so well to have that calmness and belief in themselves to produce a big performance, and we have another chance now. We’ve got eight days to recover, which helps our younger players to get over this euphoria of the win, and then we need to work hard, and we’re a chance.”
Earlier, Popovic begged Australians to “get up early” for next week’s Round of 32 clash after the men in green and goal qualified for the knockouts of the FIFA World Cup.
Australia secured second place on the Group D standings with a 0-0 draw against Paraguay in Santa Clara on Friday afternoon AEST, progressing to the knockouts for just the third time in World Cup history.
“Unbelievable. I’m so proud of everyone involved, the staff and the players and a wonderful young group of men,” Popovic said after the game.
“Now we go to Dallas, and we will try to do something special.”
Australia head coach Tony Popovic. AP Photo/Eakin HowardSource: AP
There were some nervy moments deep in the second half when Paraguay’s Maurício fired a late shot at goal, but Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach held his nerve to make the save.
“The (shot) at the end was the first time that I really looked at the clock and thought, ‘Please blow the whistle,’” Popovic laughed.
He added: “We deserved it. We were very good today, wonderful performance.
“It’s important for us. These boys are building, they are trying to get fitter and stronger, and eight days gives us a chance to recover properly, get them more healthy, strong, available and ready for the next challenge.”
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Australia will face either Belgium, Iran, Egypt or New Zealand in the Round of 32, with kick-off scheduled for Saturday, July 4 at 4am AEST.
“Get up early, please,” Popovic added.
Speaking on ITV, former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou paid tribute to the plucky Australians.
“It’s a great achievement for Australia,” he said.
“It was a tough group and to come second is fantastic for them. It sets them up nicely now.
“It’s another World Cup that they’ve got out of the group stage.
“It’s massive for a country like Australia. We’re at that stage where we’re qualifying for World Cups regularly and now it’s about getting to that next level.
“For a lot of countries like Australia and others at that level, for us to break through we’ve got to get to the knockout stages consistently and win knockout games – that’s the next phase.”