by
After scathing criticism from several Socceroos greats, Tony Popovic said he would not change the starting XI he picked for Australia’s 2-0 World Cup loss to the United States in Seattle.
Speaking to the media ahead of Australia’s all-important final group game against Paraguay in Santa Clara, the Socceroos boss was grilled on what he will do what the starting line-up for Friday’s clash.
Zayas v Ennis | Sunday June 28 from 8am AEST | New York City plays host to a scintillating matchup at super welterweight, as unified champion Xander Zayas looks to defend his WBO and WBA titles against pound-for-pound star Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
Goal scorers against Türkiye, Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, were benched in favour of Mathew Leckie and Nishan Velupillay against tournament co-hosts the USA.
That call led to brutal backlash from the likes of former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich and Premier League winner with Blackburn Rovers Robbie Slater.
Bosnich said on Stan Sport that “the game was over before it even started”.
While Slater pointed the finger at Popovic in a column for The Daily Telegraph, writing “you picked Mathew Leckie and Nishan Velupillay who had nothing seasons in the A-League and that’s why you lost, you didn’t give yourself a chance to threaten USA”.
But when asked about the benefits of Irankunda starting rather than being used an impact player of the bench, Popovic doubled down on his starting XI in the last game.
LIVE — Every 2026 FIFA World Cup result, group standings… and how they shape knockout fixtures
“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,” he said.
“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 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.”
READ MORE
WC Live —Minnows cause stir in bonkers game; mixed news for Socceroos knockout hopes
WC Daily — Socceroos rival lodges complaint as image sparks World Cup controversy
Door opens for Aussie shake-up as Socceroos starter, veteran set to miss Paraguay showdown
Changes to be made for Paraguay clash? | 02:33
Popovic will be forced to make at least two changes with Leckie injuring his hamstring against the USA and right wing back Jacob Italiano going down with an adductor injury in training.
Italiano’s replacement is likely to be a makeshift option.
Kai Trewin, Jason Geria and Aziz Behich stand at the potential replacement.
Geria came off the bench at half-time against the USA to replace Cameron Burgess – who conceded the own goal for the Americans’ opener – while Trewin could make his World Cup debut.
Both are predominantly central defenders by trade, however, and would need to be recast on the right.
While Behich, in his third World Cup, is a natural left back but could switch sides.
As for in attack, Irankunda and Metcalfe shape as the likely replacements for Leckie and Velupillay – who was subbed off at half time in Seattle.
But there is a wave of support for Cristian Volpato to start after an eye-catching World Cup debut against the Americans.
In only half an hour on the pitch, the 22-year-old completed five of five dribbles – the most ever by a Socceroo in a World Cup game.
Popovic smirked when Alessandro Circati, who was sitting alongside him in this morning’s press conference, was asked about whether Volpato was now ready to start after joining the Australian camp right at the tournament death knock.
“What you saw against the US, that’s the sort of player he is,” Circati said of his fellow Serie A player.
“I think now that he’s sort of caught up to speed – at the start he was maybe a little bit not ready or not familiar with our set up and how we like to play – he’s had a lot of time and he’s come in just great.”
Popovic also was unwilling to give anything away about who will start against Paraguay.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
“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,” he added.
“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 prepared for this contest by playing friendlies against South American opponents Venezuela and Colombia in the US last November.
The Socceroos lost both those matches and worryingly have a dismal record against South American opponents on the world stage.
The 2005 penalty shootout against Uruguay is arguably the greatest moment in Socceroos history, but outside of that unforgettable night, South American teams have largely caused heartbreak.
The Socceroos have never beaten a South American opponent at a World Cup.
Brazil (2006), Chile (2014), Peru (2018) and Argentina (2022) all triumphed against Australia.
Popovic knows that Paraguay, who defeated Turkiye in their second group game, pose a massive threat.
“We understand they bring a real toughness,” he said.
“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.”
Popovic’s assistant Paul Okon summed up Paraguay’s style of play yesterday by dubbing it “unorganised chaos”.
“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,” Popovic said.
“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 Socceroos have won just nine of 50 games against South American teams over the journey.
But it has not been all bad memories.
The Socceroos have met Paraguay five times in friendlies and are unbeaten with two wins and three draws.
One of those meetings came in Brisbane in October 2006 – where off the back of the nation’s first men’s World Cup campaign in 32 years, Popovic farewelled international football.
The only man to ever coach Australia and play for the nation at a World Cup could not help but bring up that special memory and point towards his fellow centre back sitting next to him.
“When I saw that we’ve got Paraguay, it was a bit, personally, something a little special,” he said.
“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.”
