Socceroos coach Tony Popovic is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding whether dynamic forward Nestory Irankunda will start in the decisive World Cup clash against Paraguay at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Thursday (Friday AEST). The match will determine Australia's path to the round of 32, with a win or draw securing second place in Group D and a matchup against the Group G runners-up in Dallas.
Injury Concerns Force Changes
Australia will be forced into at least two injury-enforced changes, with defender Jacob Italiano (adductor) joining Mathew Leckie on the sidelines. Leckie limped off during the 2-0 defeat to the United States with a hamstring injury, while Italiano sustained his adductor injury in training and will undergo further scans to determine its severity. Italiano's absence is a significant blow, as he was the only specialist right wing-back in the squad after Lewis Miller was sidelined months ago with an Achilles injury. Potential replacements include Jason Geria, left-back Aziz Behich, and Kai Trewin.
Attack Under Scrutiny
All eyes will be on how Australia's attack shapes up for the crucial encounter. Popovic's decision to drop goalscorers Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe for Nishan Velupillay and Leckie in the loss to the US drew criticism. However, Irankunda, Metcalfe, and Cristian Volpato impressed when brought off the bench. Popovic defended his tactics, stating, "Whoever starts tomorrow, I know can build a strong foundation, and whoever comes on can finish what we've started." He added that he wouldn't change the line-up in hindsight, only the team's first-half performance, and expressed confidence that Irankunda would play a big part in the team's progression.
Progression Scenarios
A win or draw against Paraguay would see Australia finish second in Group D and face the Group G runners-up—one of Belgium, Egypt, Iran, or New Zealand—in Dallas. A defeat would mean a nervous wait, but Australia would likely still progress as one of the eight best third-placed teams, setting up a probable clash with Group E winner Germany in Boston. Wednesday's results did not materially affect Australia's hopes of progression.
Players Growing on the World Cup Stage
Popovic praised his players for "growing day by day" on the World Cup stage and their response to a disappointing first half against the US. "These young boys are learning on the go. It's a very quick education and lessons that we are learning," he said. "I'm seeing them grow as young men, I'm seeing them grow as players, I'm seeing them mature. I'm seeing them enjoying and embracing the greatest challenge of all, which is the World Cup. It doesn't get greater than this."
Yellow Card Concerns
Defenders Harry Souttar, Alessandro Circati, and Jordan Bos are all carrying yellow cards, meaning a booking against Paraguay would result in suspension for the round of 32. Circati acknowledged the risk but said, "It's not something that I need to focus on—I'll think about that after the game. Obviously, you need to play keeping yourself a bit aware of that. But you can't let that affect your match, because I'd rather go past the round and get a yellow card than not pass at all."
Historical Challenge Against South Americans
The Socceroos have won just nine of 50 matches against South American opposition. Circati, who plays with several South Americans at club level, expects a tough test. "They don't back down to anyone, but neither do we," he said. Paraguay's coach Gustavo Alfaro has declared his team will play as if there is no tomorrow, and Popovic acknowledged the challenge: "We know nothing's given to you at a World Cup, we'll have to earn everything tomorrow night. We expect that, we actually want that. That's how it should be, and we're looking forward to a great test."
