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The biggest World Cup ever is underway<\/a>, and after an extensive preparation, Australia is about to enter the fray<\/a> against Turkiye in Vancouver on Sunday.<\/p>\n This Socceroos squad has a hard act to follow. In Qatar in 2022, the Graham Arnold coached side achieved the Socceroos equal best ever finish at the tournament; bowing out in the Round of 16 after a 2-1 loss to eventual world champions Argentina<\/a>. To eclipse that feat, Tony Popovic will need to achieve a quarterfinal finish and while that alone would undoubtedly capture the attention of a nation, the squad have placed no limits on what they believe they\u2019re capable of.<\/p>\n Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now ><\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Socceroos World Cup prep heating up! | 00:47<\/p>\n CAN THE SOCCEROOS GET OUT OF THE GROUP?<\/b><\/p>\n Perceptions of Group D have changed since the draw was held in December last year. At the time, it was seen as a good draw for Australia, but upon further reflection and with Turkiye getting through the play-offs, it has transformed into the most even group at the tournament. <\/p>\n You could come up with several different finishing combinations and all would look logical. Popovic has been consistent in his messaging around mentality. He wants his players to believe they cannot just escape the group but go on to achieve their best ever World Cup finish. The squad has bought in. <\/p>\n A top-two finish will seal a spot in the Round of 32. Eight of the best third placed teams from the 12 groups also progress. Those equations give Australia a great chance of reaching the knockout rounds, but this will not be an easy task given how evenly matched the teams in Group D seem, on paper, at least.<\/p>\n WHAT HAS THE SOCCEROOS LEAD-UP FORM BEEN LIKE?<\/b><\/p>\n Australia\u2019s preparations began with an intense training camp in the Florida heat. The team is confident it will be the fittest outfit at this World Cup. All the teams will, of course, be in great physical shape, but going into games with that state of mind can\u2019t hurt. The Socceroos had two pre-tournament friendly matches. They lost 1-0 to Mexico in Los Angeles before pulling off a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in San Diego. <\/p>\n There were similar themes in both matches but those themes were carried out by two very different playing groups. It makes working out whether the issue will repeat more difficult. Slow starts have been the main cause for concern for the side, but they seem to be able to turn it around and make tactical shifts after the first water break. Can Australia assert itself earlier in the game and gain a more even share of possession? That will be the big question against Turkiye. Switzerland had the Socceroos under a mountain of pressure in the first half in San Diego and the score could easily have been worse than 1-0 at half-time. <\/p>\n READ MORE<\/b><\/p>\n SOCCEROOS DAILY: Aussie star cagey over striker\u2019s sickness scare <\/a><\/b><\/p>\n