LOS ANGELES — Australia coach Tony Popovic called the task of choosing his 26-player World Cup squad “a puzzle,” one he plans to complete after Saturday’s friendly against Mexico at the Rose Bowl (Sunday AEST), with final selections to be announced in the hours that follow.
Popovic has described the selection challenge as more akin to a complex three-dimensional puzzle than a simple pick of the best individuals, saying the aim is to assemble players who can combine to form something greater than the sum of their parts — including versatile options and specialists for particular conditions or scenarios.
The coach’s approach, often at odds with public expectation, has provoked debate among supporters and pundits, and Popovic’s standing will be closely judged on the Socceroos’ World Cup results. He has shown a willingness to surprise with his squad choices in the past.
Popovic told ESPN in Florida that he admires José Mourinho for his confidence and self-belief, and said he is willing to back his methods and the players he selects.
Over the past month Popovic and his staff assembled close to 40 World Cup hopefuls in Sarasota, Florida, working on fitness and assessing how players might fit into a final 26. For some, camp was primarily about ensuring conditioning after long club seasons — examples cited include Jordy Bos, Alessandro Circati and Mathew Ryan — while others used the Gulf Coast period to force themselves into contention, Popovic told ESPN.
That pathway has precedent. A year ago Connor Metcalfe converted strong form in a pre-window Abu Dhabi training camp into a World Cup qualifying place, started crucial games and scored his first international goal against Saudi Arabia, and has remained a regular in the squad since, the report said.
