![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/poster-fallback.png\"\/)
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SOCCEROOS RATINGS: Popa masterstroke as big changes stun; crucial World Cup solution emerges <\/a><\/p>\n TALKING POINTS: Double act we waited generations for; final issue Popa must solve <\/a><\/p>\n SOCCEROOS THROUGH! Aussies book knockouts spot with tense World Cup statement<\/a><\/p>\n Asked about the changes against Paraguay, Popovic had a firm answer that turned the torch back on analysts in Australia. <\/p>\n \u201cI 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),\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not 11 players only, because before the first game, you would have told me you were surprised with a selection, and if we didn\u2019t get the result, you\u2019d be the first one saying, why did I select them? <\/p>\n \u201cThen we leave a couple out the second game, then you ask why are those two not selected?<\/p>\n \u201cAnd now we make six changes, and now you ask me again, why are those six in and the other ones out?<\/p>\n \u201cThat will continue because that\u2019s the analysis that we have back home.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not going to go into that.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat I will say is that every player is important.<\/p>\n \u201cNo 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.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd for this game, this is a team I believe needed to play. That\u2019s it. And I\u2019ll always back my decision.\u201d<\/p>\n In his post-match press conference, Popovic was also asked if played for a draw given it was all Australia needed to advance.<\/p>\n \u201cYou 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n \u201cObviously a fantastic manager, great experience, and I\u2019m sure as we are feeling euphoria and joy as a nation, I\u2019m sure Paraguay as well is. So I wish them well going forward.\u201d<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n While Popovic also cast his mind forward to the future and the exciting times ahead of his young squad.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got to be careful how I answer this. I obviously trust them to put them in,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThey created chances against the US, gave nothing away. And when you think of young players without experience, you think that it\u2019s quite easy to fall away and feel sorry for yourself. So they\u2019re showing they\u2019re ready now.<\/p>\n \u201cWill they get better in the future? I believe naturally they should, once they\u2019re all playing, hopefully in big leagues and playing 50-60 games a year.<\/p>\n \u201cIn four to eight years, it should be a special group. But I\u2019ve always said why can\u2019t it be a special group now?<\/p>\n \u201cTheir 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\u2019ve 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\u2019re a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n Earlier, Popovic begged Australians to \u201cget up early\u201d for next week\u2019s Round of 32 clash after the men in green and goal qualified for the knockouts of the FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n