Socceroos Coach Tony Popovic Defends Squad Selections Amidst World Cup Knockout Stage Preparation

The first question Tony Popovic received in the post-match press conference following his side's nil-all draw with Paraguay was about his selections.

He made a record six changes from the side that lost to the USA, with some forced through injury, and others tactical.

The decision to play Cristian Volpato and Nestory Irankunda was warmly received, while Jordy Bos's deployment on the right of defence was successful.

Popovic did not entertain discussion about his selections.

"I know that the big debate for you guys [the media] is why is someone selected every week, but I think if you look back on where we started. Over 70 players have played since we've been here for the Socceroos," he said.

"All 26 players are here to play a role. It's not 11 players only."

Popovic's selections before the Socceroos' opening game against Türkiye were lauded as his side went on to win two-nil, but a week later, the coach was in the crosshairs after a lacklustre opening half against the USA left Australia's World Cup in the balance.

"Before the first game, you would have told me you were surprised with the selection, and if we didn't get the result, you'd be the first one saying, 'Why did I select them?'," Popovic said.

"Then we leave a couple out of 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."

No one is entitled to the shirt

Australia's progression to the knockout stage has been assured, with the Socceroos to play in Dallas on July 3 local time.

Popovic has eight days to prepare his players for the game, which is the longest gap between games his side has had since facing Mexico prior to the tournament commencing.

He made one thing abundantly clear in his opening answer.

"Every player is important, no one is entitled to the shirt, and each game is different, and different circumstances and different situations for each game at a different time," Popovic said.

It's unlikely Jacob Italiano will be fit for Australia's next game, so the experiment of playing Bos on the right could well continue, while Volpato did his chances of a second start no harm with a confident performance on the wing.

The beginning of a 'special group'

Volpato's emergence, along with the brilliance of Bos and the development of other young players like Irankunda, Patrick Beach and Lucas Herrington hints at a bright future for Australian soccer.

At 18, Herrington is the youngest Socceroo to start a World Cup game, while Bos is the oldest of the group at 23.

For Popovic, seeing them play in more competitive leagues is crucial for their development.

"In four to eight years, it should be a special group," he said.

"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.

"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."

Australia will find out its round-of-32 opponent on Friday evening local time, when New Zealand faces Belgium in Vancouver, and Iran play Egypt in Seattle.

For now though, the Socceroos can rest knowing they have done what no other Australian side has done - made it through to the knockout rounds in back-to-back tournaments.