The Socceroos stand on the verge of a significant milestone, aiming for a place in the World Cup knockout stages for just the third time in history.
“It’s a wonderful challenge, it’s what we’re here for,” stated coach Tony Popovic as the team prepared for their match in Santa Clara, positioned in the southeastern part of the San Francisco Bay Area. “We know it’s in our hands, and we know what a win does for us tomorrow.”
A draw would suffice for Australia to secure a favorable matchup in the last-32 against either Belgium, Iran, Egypt, or even New Zealand in Dallas, with a week’s rest in between. A victory would bolster their confidence after a lackluster first half against the USA.
“Overall, we’ve had three very good halves of football. We had one bad half of football and we got punished for that,” Popovic reflected. “That’s the World Cup, and that’s the detail of the World Cup.”
The complexities of this tournament are vast and intricate. Even a loss for the Socceroos might not eliminate them from the knockout rounds, as they could still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams—provided the margin of defeat is not severe. However, facing a prominent team from Group E (already claimed by Germany), Group I (currently led by France), or Group K (presently Colombia) would present a formidable challenge.
Recent results have added layers to the qualification scenario. Scotland’s 3-0 defeat to Brazil left them in third place in Group C, finishing with three points and a goal difference of -3. For Australia to drop below Scotland, they would need to lose by four goals, and with draws affecting the standings in other groups, many third-placed teams may struggle to accumulate even three points. Following the conclusion of the first three groups, data agency Opta projected Australia’s chances of qualification at over 93% in various simulations.
Despite these scenarios, the Socceroos are focused solely on their game strategy. “Look, we haven’t thought about the game in that way at all,” Popovic emphasized. “We’re going into the game tomorrow to win. I expect they’ll be doing the same.”
Paraguay’s coach, Gustavo Alfaro, characterized the upcoming match as a “Of course we understand we are the team ranked lower by Fifa, but that doesn’t mean I feel inferior to them,” for his squad. “There will be little spaces in the match, it will be complex to find the space to move up where you have a high density of players in certain parts,” he asserted.
During a pre-match press conference that lasted over 40 minutes, Alfaro addressed the gathered Paraguayan media, which outnumbered their Australian counterparts significantly. He discussed the unique challenge posed by Australia compared to their other group opponents, Turkey and the USA, and noted the strengths of the Socceroos, particularly their physicality and defensive organization.
“You need patience and more patience.” Alfaro detailed. “They play an important part, like so many relationships that we are trying to build on the field,”
Popovic spent less time at the press conference, departing after approximately 20 minutes. He confirmed that right full-back Jacob Italiano would be absent due to an adductor injury sustained during training but refrained from commenting on potential replacements.
Assistant coach Paul Okon had previously mentioned that Jordy Bos, Australia’s dynamic left-wingback, had to expend extra energy during the first half against the USA due to American attacks down that side. This situation raises anticipation about whether Australia can dominate the flanks, especially with the enforced change on the right resulting from Italiano’s injury.
However, Popovic downplayed the narrative surrounding the significance of wingbacks within his tactical setup. “I wouldn’t put them above any other position.” he explained. “You need to play keeping yourself a bit aware of that, but you can’t let that affect your match,”
In central defense, both Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati—like Bos—have accumulated one yellow card each, putting them at risk of suspension from the last 32 match if they receive another against Paraguay. “Because I think – at least myself – I’d rather go past the round and get a yellow card than not pass at all.” Circati noted. “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. Nestory plays a big part in that of course.”
The greatest scrutiny will be directed towards Popovic’s forwards, particularly after he opted to bench Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, both of whom scored against Turkey, for the match against the USA. There are also lingering concerns about striker Mo Toure’s fitness. The 22-year-old has a history of soft tissue injuries, has not completed a full match since November, and showed signs of cramping during his first game against Turkey.
Popovic sought to quell any speculation surrounding his lineup choices, asserting that he would maintain the same squad that faced the USA. “When I saw that we’ve got Paraguay [in the World Cup draw] it was personally something a little special. Well, I also scored in my last game. I don’t score many, so I have to remind you of that,” he concluded.
The former Socceroos defender remained composed and candid with the press, refraining from revealing too much. However, he displayed warmth when discussing his final appearance for the national team, which was marked by a goal against Paraguay in 2006.
“Then to think that all these years later that I’d be the head coach and [we would be] up against Paraguay is quite special. That was a great day, hopefully tomorrow will be a wonderful, wonderful day for Australia against Paraguay once more.”
he recalled with a smile.
“Then to think that all these years later that I’d be the head coach and [we would be] up against Paraguay is quite special. That was a great day; hopefully tomorrow will be a wonderful, wonderful day for Australia against Paraguay once more.”
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