<\/p>\n
All the talk in the build-up to the Socceroos\u2019 final group stage game against Paraguay on Friday is centred on what manager Tony Popovic should do next with the starting XI.<\/p>\n
The only man to represent Australia at a World Cup as a player and a coach has rolled the dice so far this tournament and he is currently operating at a 50 per cent success rate. <\/p>\n
Paro v Crocker | Wednesday June 24 from 7pm AEST | Liam Paro gets his long awaited title shot against IBF welterweight champion, Lewis Crocker, plus ex-NRL beasts collide as Nelson Asofa-Solomona faces George Burgess. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports<\/a>.<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n Popovic had jaws on floors across the country when the line-up was announced before Australia\u2019s 2-0 win against Turkiye in Vancouver.<\/p>\n Captain Mat Ryan was dumped for young goalkeeper Patrick Beach.<\/p>\n Experienced midfielder Jackson Irvine was also sent to the bench in favour of another youngster in Paul Okon-Englster.<\/p>\n Both gambles worked wonders as Australia\u2019s second ever win in a World Cup opener gave the Socceroos a massive headstart in their quest to reach the knockouts for a third time ever.<\/p>\n But every gambler rides the highs and lows and Popovic\u2019s punts flopped against the USA.<\/p>\n The decision to bench goal scorers from the Turkiye win, Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, backfired when Australia failed to mount a serious threat on the counter-attack in the first half and then looked like a whole new team when that duo combined with Cristian Volpato in the final half an hour.<\/p>\n Australia were the better team after half time in Seattle, but the damage was already done with the Americans scoring twice in the first half.<\/p>\n The overwhelming consensus in the aftermath was that Popovic made a blunder with his selection and he needed to simplify things against Paraguay.<\/p>\n Pick the best players to start and get on the front foot from the outset is what Australians have been crying out for.<\/p>\n Socceroos coaches fire back at critics | 03:17<\/p>\n But the more the experts are spending time pondering over what the Socceroos\u2019 line up should be in Santa Clara, the cloudier the picture is becoming.<\/p>\n Predominantly, what Australia should do with its front three.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to see Volpato, Irankunda, Metcalfe and Toure on the field at the same time,\u201d former Socceroo Tommy Oar said on SBS.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a misconception that you lose defensive stability by having these offensive players on the field.<\/p>\n \u201cThe more time spent in the front third dictating the game, the less defending you have to do.\u201d<\/p>\n Oar\u2019s suggestion would force Metcalfe to drop back into midfield unless Popovic underwent a major change in formation.<\/p>\n Football commentator Daniel Garb pondered those options on social media, saying \u201cboth of which are highly unlikely – one of them has to miss out\u201d.<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/b><\/p>\n \ufeffBehind the ugliest Popa-Roos selection claim of all… and icon\u2019s red flag on star<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n What Socceroos need to make World Cup knockouts as brutal new scenario emerges<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n \ufeff\u2018Who\u2019s saying that?\u2019: Icon bristles in tense presser moment; giant\u2019s option on young gun<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Former Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen believes it simply cannot be Irankunda who starts on the bench.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you set yourself up with that defensive mindset… you put yourself on the back foot,\u201d he said on SBS.<\/p>\n \u201cIn this game, come out, give it everything.<\/p>\n \u201cIrankunda is an X-factor. In this day and age that\u2019s what\u2019s gonna decide games.<\/p>\n \u201cHe can create something out of nothing.<\/p>\n \u201cThat value is higher than the disciplined player that runs back and tracks back and is always in the right position.\u201d<\/p>\n Socceroo legend Harry Kewell believes everyone is missing something when it comes to the 20-year-old sensation who plays for Watford in the English Championship.<\/p>\n \u201cPopa sees [Irankunda] day in, day out. There must be something there that is stopping him from starting,\u201d Kewell said on SBS.<\/p>\n \u201cIn this day and age you need to be able to work off the ball.\u201d<\/p>\n Fellow winger Volpato certainly passed the eye test in his World Cup debut, which was just his second appearance for the Socceroos.<\/p>\n The 22-year-old, who plays for Sassuolo in Italy after making his way in Serie A with Roma, completed five of five dribbles – the most ever by a Socceroo in a World Cup game – in just 29 minutes on the park.<\/p>\n Volpato\u2019s technical ability and class was something rarely seen in the green and gold.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is the most exciting player \u2013 skillset wise \u2013 I\u2019ve seen for Australia since Harry Kewell,\u201d football commentator Brenton Speed told SEN\u2019s Kick Off.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe a Tom Rogic along the journey (as well.)<\/p>\n \u201cHe had more successful dribbles than anyone we\u2019ve seen in an Australian shirt at a World Cup!<\/p>\n \u201cVolpato would be quicker than Rogic, and he is so skilful. Left footer\u2026 he is going to play a lot more for the Socceroos.<\/p>\n \u201cThey did well to get him.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite his high praise, Speed believes Volpato should be the odd man out against Paraguay.<\/p>\n The Sydney born and raised player only committed to Australia at the death knock before this World Cup – having rejected Graham Arnold\u2019s advances four years ago.<\/p>\n The last-minute decision may be the reason why he wears a bib again.<\/p>\n \u201c(Tony Popovic) had most of the players for two months, or six weeks in the build-up. He had them at the US base,\u201d Speed said.<\/p>\n \u201cVolpato committed to Australia late, had to come via Australia to get to the United States to be a part of that squad at very late notice.<\/p>\n \u201cHe hasn\u2019t done the Popovic minutes on the training pitch to be ready for 90 minutes.<\/p>\n \u201cBut he is ready for 30-minute cameos and what have you.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/b><\/p>\n \ufeffWC<\/i>Live \u2014 Superstars shine in scoring spree; howler stuns Arnie after wild scene grinds World Cup to halt<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n WC Daily \u2014 Star\u2019s plea in $817m transfer saga; confusion over Messi act as \u2018peace\u2019 note emerges<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n