Socceroos winger Ajdin Hrustic has dismissed descriptions of their Group D draw against Paraguay as one of the worst matches of the World Cup, insisting the team's focus is on advancing to the knockout stage. The 0-0 stalemate drew sharp criticism from pundits, with Sky Sports calling it a "largely forgettable game," The Athletic saying it "won't be remembered as a classic," and Guardian Football Weekly's Barry Glendenning labeling it "the worst game of the tournament by a considerable distance." The match also recorded the lowest expected goals tally of the group stage.
Hrustic: 'We Got Our Job Done'
Hrustic, who played 30 minutes as a winger against Paraguay, acknowledged the criticism but stressed the team's primary objective. "Look, you can't make everyone happy, can you?" he said. "If it's one of the worst games for them, fair enough, but we got our job done and that's what counts, right?" The Socceroos secured a point that keeps them in contention for a spot in the last 16, where they would face Mohamed Salah's Egypt.
Travel and Heat Challenges
The squad departed their San Francisco Bay Area base on Tuesday after more than three weeks at the historic Claremont Resort, traveling to Dallas for their next match. Temperatures in Dallas have hovered around 35°C recently, with forecasts of 37°C for Friday's 1pm kick-off. However, the match will be played indoors at the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, which is air-conditioned. Hrustic noted that experience in Qatar's air-conditioned stadiums will help, even though training will be outdoors. "You've just got to adjust, right? It's never perfect, but you've got to make it perfect, you've got to be ready," he said. "What we feel is what they'll feel."
Goal Drought and Defensive Priority
The Socceroos have not scored in two matches, with Connor Metcalfe's long-range effort against Turkey the last time they found the net. Hrustic, a creative player, emphasized that defense remains paramount. "As a creative kind of player, I still think zero conceded goals is the most important, because you will get a chance, right, and it's about taking that chance," he said. He expressed confidence that goals will come.
Focus on Egypt, Not Salah
Egypt star Mohamed Salah is in doubt for the match after being substituted in the second half of Egypt's 1-1 draw with Iran due to a hamstring strain. Hrustic declined to discuss Salah in detail, redirecting attention to Australia's preparations. "He has had a great career, he's done a lot for Liverpool," Hrustic said. "We respect every opponent, every player, but the focus is on us."
Penalty Shootout Preparedness
Hrustic, who scored a penalty for Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2022 Europa League final shootout victory against Rangers, said the team will be ready if the match goes to penalties. However, he noted that he doesn't need to advise younger teammates, drawing on his own experience. "I've missed against Cameroon in a friendly in March; it can happen," he said. "I've done it on the big stage, missing penalties – it's all part of learning, and I think you learn every day. It doesn't matter how young or old you are, you've just got to be ready for that one moment."
Early Morning Kick-Off for Australian Fans
The match kicks off at 4am on Saturday along Australia's east coast. Hrustic predicted a long night for fans. "Everyone will be out Friday night," he said. "They'll leave the club at 3am and be there for the game at 4am." Australia aims to join Paraguay in the last 16 after the South Americans stunned Germany on penalties on Monday.
