<\/p>\n
The time is now for the Socceroos as Australia finalises its preparations for its crucial final World Cup group game against Paraguay on Friday in Santa Clara, California.<\/p>\n
The equation is simple for Tony Popovic\u2019s team: win, or draw, and you are in.<\/p>\n
\ufeffZayas 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 \u2018Boots\u2019 Ennis. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Three points or one point will secure second place in Group D.<\/p>\n A loss and things get a lot more complicated.<\/p>\n This World Cup\u2019s new 48-team format has created the scenario where the eight best third place finishers from the 12 groups advance to the Round of 32.<\/p>\n The stress of whether or not they fall into that eight is something the Socceroos will be desperate to avoid.<\/p>\n How the clash with Paraguay plays out has many other permeations, however.<\/p>\n Popovic\u2019s legacy will in part be decided by the decisions he makes after nailing his selection calls against T\u00fcrkiye before fluffing his lines against the USA.<\/p>\n The question on every Australians lips is: who makes the starting XI?<\/p>\n It feels like Popovic might throw another spanner in the works.<\/p>\n If he puts his faith in one of the rising stars at the heart of that starting debate, another good performance could force the hand of one of Europe\u2019s biggest clubs.<\/p>\n While Australia\u2019s history in these do-or-die World Cup games could instil confidence in the nation.<\/p>\n Scroll down for the biggest talking points ahead of Australia\u2019s World Cup clash with Paraguay!<\/i><\/p>\n GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT?! Haiti stun | 00:27<\/p>\n LEGACY ON THE LINE FOR POPA <\/b><\/p>\n Crunch time has arrived for Tony Popovic.<\/p>\n The Socceroos boss is going nowhere regardless of what happens against Paraguay and hopefully beyond in this World Cup.<\/p>\n Popovic signed a contract extension through to the end of next year\u2019s Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia before this World Cup campaign began in North America.<\/p>\n Football Australia clearly believes in their man and in the aftermath of Australia\u2019s 2-0 win against T\u00fcrkiye in Vancouver, it was clear to see why.<\/p>\n Popovic rolled the dice with by making big calls in starting youngsters Patrick Beach and Paul Okon-Engstler instead of captain Mat Ryan and vice-captain Jackson Irvine.<\/p>\n Australians love a gambler and often praise rolls of the dice that come up with the numbers we were after.<\/p>\n Especially, when we are the underdog.<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/b><\/p>\n \ufeff\u2018We don\u2019t know\u2019: Popa confirms big Socceroos blow, doubles down on shock WC call<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n \ufeffSocceroos knockouts scenarios: Likely opponent… and teams who\u2019ll want to LOSE<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n \ufeff\u2018I knew\u2019: Guus blunder we all overlooked… and pen detail that still stings 20 years on<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Australians rejoiced earlier this year when Cooper Woods, Josie Baff and Jakara Anthony won Winter Olympic gold in sports athletes from our sun-soaked country have no right to beat Europeans in.<\/p>\n The nation is swept with the same craze during the Summer Olympics and, of course, during the FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n We love our own who are willing to take on the world.<\/p>\n They may not always get it right like when Popovic decided to bench Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe against the USA.<\/p>\n But that willingness to try something different and try to stun opponents is what has held Popovic in good stead to this point.<\/p>\n There is method to his madness.<\/p>\n Any player or staff member that has worked under Popovic says that his squads are incredibly well-drilled and he leaves no stone unturned in his preparation.<\/p>\n His Socceroos assistant Hayden Foxe recently described him as \u201cpart machine\u201d, while Popovic\u2019s 2006 World Cup teammate Vince Grella said this is what he was made to do.<\/p>\n \u201cThe French say physique du role [which roughly translates to looking the part],\u201d Grella told the Sydney Morning Herald<\/a> before the World Cup began.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was like printed on his chest before he even became a coach. He has a lot of the coaching or managerial characteristics. So I\u2019m not surprised about the job he does, because I know the way he works day to day.<\/p>\n \u201cThe way he sets up the football operations in any organisation where he goes … his attention to detail is second to none. He\u2019s unbelievable.\u201d<\/p>\n Now, Popovic has the chance to have other big monikers attached to his name.<\/p>\n Guus Hiddink and Graham Arnold\u2019s names come up in debates about the greatest Socceroos manager of all time.<\/p>\n Popovic would enter the conversation if he becomes the third boss to take the Socceroos to the knockouts.<\/p>\n He may even usurp them if he can become the first to win a knockout match at the World Cup.<\/p>\n More success in this campaign and it could also act a launching pad to coaching club football in Europe.<\/p>\n Popovic could follow in Ange Postecoglou\u2019s footsteps from the A-League to the national team and then to some of the biggest clubs in the world.<\/p>\n Grella certainly believes that is in the pipeline for Popovic.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve met a lot of coaches across the times, when I was doing the player agency work; mate, they can\u2019t lace up his shoelaces,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cPopa, for me, has the potential to coach in the top leagues in Europe. He just needs to be given a chance. Is he any worse than an English coach? He\u2019s up there, he\u2019s in the top [echelon]. Popa is in that field.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/b><\/p>\n \ufeffSocceroos rival lodges complaint… as image sparks World Cup controversy<\/a><\/i>\ufeffShock transfer rumour… as another giant circles star; squeeze to spark fresh Socceroos stunner<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n \ufeff\u2018Who\u2019s saying that?\u2019: Socceroos icon bristles in tense presser moment<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Socceroos defender cops training injury | 03:54<\/p>\n WHO COMES IN FOR INJURED PAIR? <\/b><\/p>\n Jacob Italiano and Mathew Leckie have both already been ruled out of the crucial clash with Paraguay.<\/p>\n They might not be alone in making way from the Australian XI, however.<\/p>\n Mohamed Toure was part of a triple substitution at half time against the USA and reporters in Seattle said they saw the striker hobbling after taking his time to re-emerge from the dressing rooms.<\/p>\n Irankunda replaced Toure up front with Connor Metcalfe and Cristian Volpato operating on either side.<\/p>\n Popovic could opt for that combination again or return to the starting front three from the T\u00fcrkiye victory of Metcalfe, Toure and Irankunda if Toure is fit.<\/p>\n Otherwise, inexperienced striker Tete Yengi, who scored against Switzerland in his lone international appearance to date, is waiting in the wings.<\/p>\n \u201cDefinitely Irankunda and Metcalfe, in my opinion, have got to start. I don\u2019t think there should be any question about that,\u201d former Manchester United and Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Bosnich said on SEN. <\/p>\n \u201cIf Irankunda gasses out, like people have said, then take him off. Quite simple. But you start with your best players and he\u2019s arguably our best player.\u201d<\/p>\n While fresh reports have also cast doubt over midfielder Aiden O\u2019Neill – which could path the way for the experienced Jackson Irvine to start.<\/p>\n \u201cI can reveal this: that Aiden O\u2019Neill is basically waiting to have an ankle operation,\u201d host James Dodd said on Stan Sport\u2019s World Cup Daily.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s had injections in his ankle, he\u2019s in absolute bits, but he\u2019s still running himself into the ground for this team.\u201d<\/p>\n Italiano, meanwhile, arguably causes the biggest headache for Popovic, who revealed in his match eve press conference that the right wing back sustained an adductor injury in training.<\/p>\n There is no natural second choice right-back to replace the 24-year-old who plays in the Austrian Bundesliga.<\/p>\n Kai Trewin and Jason Geria, who came off the bench as one of the three half time changes against the USA, shape up as the most likely replacement.<\/p>\n Both are more naturally suited to play a central defensive role, however.<\/p>\n The same can be said of fellow squad member Milos Degenek, who featured in all four matches under Graham Arnold four years ago.<\/p>\n Another option is to move Degenek\u2019s fellow three-time World Cupper Aziz Behich to the right – the veteran is stuck behind Jordy Bos in the left wing back pecking order.<\/p>\n \u201cI know maybe in the past he has put Trewin out on the right-hand side,\u201d former Socceroo Archie Thompson said on SEN. <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not used to him there, he is more central mid. That could be an option or Jason Geria on the right.<\/p>\n \u201cWith speed and athleticism I would go Geria. It\u2019s a hard one; Italiano has been fantastic in that position. That is the better option.<\/p>\n \u201cIt will be interesting to see if Popovic rejigs the central defensive trio and we have to remember most of the back four are on yellow cards, they have been more involved than anyone the way we sit back and defend.<\/p>\n \u201cThey will have that one their minds though. It will be a shame if we miss one of them if we reach the knockouts.\u201d<\/p>\n Changes to be made for Paraguay clash? | 02:33<\/p>\n POPA\u2019S EXPERIENCE VS YOUTH DILEMMA<\/b><\/p>\n In both games so far, Popovic has pulled selection shocks.<\/p>\n He might be about to make it a trilogy.<\/p>\n In his match eve press conference, the Socceroos boss remained tight lipped on selection.<\/p>\n \u201cAlways considering all possibilities,\u201d he told reporters with a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause we\u2019ve always shown faith in every player that\u2019s here.<\/p>\n \u201cSince we\u2019ve started this journey, every player that\u2019s in our squad knows that he has a chance of playing and that\u2019s no different for tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n The shock of the tournament from an Australian perspective was Popovic\u2019s decision to bench captain Mat Ryan in favour of 22-year-old goalkeeper Patrick Beach.<\/p>\n The Melbourne City shot stopper became an overnight sensation by making eight saves and keeping a clean sheet against T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n Beach was less convincing against the USA as the tournament co-hosts scored twice in the first half.<\/p>\n Now, the most capped Socceroo ever, Mark Schwarzer believes it is time for change.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re talking about a World Cup, we\u2019re talking about international level and experience and so forth, so that\u2019s why I think it\u2019s harsh on Patrick Beach but I would go for the experience,\u201d the former Premier League goalkeeper said on the ABC Sport Daily Podcast.<\/p>\n \u201cI would put Matty Ryan back in goal; leader, captain, incredible amount of experience and I think he\u2019ll be completely up for the game and ready to perform at the level. <\/p>\n \u201cAnd I think the level you need right now is about the cool head, the experience in like a final. It\u2019s a final within the World Cup finals for us.\u201d<\/p>\n The experience versus youth debate has been a key feature of the Socceroos squad this World Cup.<\/p>\n Of the starting XI against Turkiye, only skipper Harry Souttar played in Qatar four years ago.<\/p>\n Seven of the starting line-up that day were aged 23 or under.<\/p>\n It is no secret that Popovic has an exciting young core to work with, but must balance that with putting experienced players around them.<\/p>\n That is why he first entrusted Mathew Leckie in the squad and then decided to start the 35-year-old against the USA.<\/p>\n The need for a few wiser heads also led Popovic to choose Cameron Burgess over Lucas Herrington so far this tournament.<\/p>\n Herrington came into this World Cup having started every game since he debuted in the March international window.<\/p>\n The 18-year-old\u2019s rise has been meteoric since joining MLS side Colorado Rapids from Brisbane Roar in January.<\/p>\n He has even had European giants Barcelona and Liverpool keeping an eye on him with the La Liga champions even making an offer, reportedly of around \u20ac10 million, that was rejected. Former Manchester United and Socceroos goalkeeper Bosnich believes it is time to show faith in the teenage rising star.<\/p>\n \u201cWhether you want to bring in Herrington at the back, that\u2019ll be a decision that\u2019s a toss-up. I would lean towards perhaps yes,\u201d he said on SEN. <\/p>\n \u201cNo disrespect to Burgess. It maybe needs a little bit of refreshing there. He did nothing wrong as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Leckie in doubt for Paraguay clash | 02:34<\/p>\n COULD BAYERN BUY BACK IRANKUNDA?<\/b><\/p>\n Nestory Irankunda left Bayern Munich so that he would make it to this World Cup.<\/p>\n But the 20-year-old could find his way back to Bavaria after putting his name up in lights for the Socceroos.<\/p>\n Irankunda was bought by Bayern from Adelaide United for a reported fee of $5.5 million – an A-League transfer record – in late 2023 and he joined the German giants the following year.<\/p>\n After time spent with Bayern\u2019s reserves and a brief loan spell in Switzerland, Irankunda decided last year that he leave behind training with the likes of England captain Harry Kane for more guaranteed minutes.<\/p>\n That was when English Championship club Watford came knocking.<\/p>\n The Hornets are now looking to cash in on Irankunda after an eye-catching season in the English second tier and a blistering World Cup debut.<\/p>\n Watford are reportedly looking for a fee of around \u20ac20 million ($32.94m) for the Australian winger.<\/p>\n Premier League clubs Everton and Crystal Palace as well recently relegated West Ham have been named in reports as clubs interested in Irankunda if he wishes to stay in England.<\/p>\n While Italy\u2019s Fiorentina and Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen may also acquire his services.<\/p>\n Watford are after as much money as possible because their purchase of Irankunda contained a 50 per cent sell-on clause – meaning Bayern get half of any transfer fee.<\/p>\n There is also another clause in his contract that has raised eyebrows, however.<\/p>\n Bayern boast a buy-back option estimated between \u20ac4.5 and \u20ac5 million.<\/p>\n That means that if Irankunda\u2019s star continues to rise, they could reclaim the Australian to play under former Manchester City star Vincent Kompany.<\/p>\n It is probably unlikely as Bayern already boast more established stars in Serge Gnabry, Luis Diaz and Michael Olise alongside Kane in attack.<\/p>\n But it certainly cannot be ruled out – especially if they believe they could buy-back Irankunda to then sell him for a higher price than the 50 per cent share they would get if Watford do the deal.<\/p>\n SOCCEROOS HISTORY OF FINAL GROUP GAME SUCCESS<\/b><\/p>\n Back to the Paraguay game and for a nation that has only made it to the World Cup knockouts twice, the Socceroos have a sneakily good record in do-or-die, final group games.<\/p>\n
When Burgess was hooked at half time against the USA after conceding an own goal for the hosts\u2019 opener, Popovic called on Jason Geria rather than Herrington.<\/p>\n