Source : ABC NEWS
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has watched his side mature since he took control nearly two years ago, but now they face the biggest test of their growth.
A World Cup knockout game against Egypt, in which victory would deliver something Australian soccer has never experienced.
But Popovic, who played in the 2006 World Cup side that broke out of the group stage for the first time, urged his players to stay grounded.
“We have to really stay in the moment,” he said in his pre-match press conference at Dallas Stadium.
“The history gets made after the game, so we have to do our part during the match, whether that’s 90 minutes, extra time or penalties, to create that history.
The Socceroos have looked relaxed as they prepare for their round of 32 clash with Egypt. (Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“If we perform very well, we have a chance to make history. And that’s what we’re working towards.
“I think the players are ready, they’re relaxed. Tomorrow we put on a top performance and it gives us a chance to make that history.”
Egypt stand in the way
To make history, Australia will have to get past a side that has lost just three of it’s past 13 matches, and was undefeated in the World Cup group stage.
Omar Marmoush of Manchester City and two-time Premier League champion Mohamed Salah are the big names in the squad, but Popovic won’t underestimate the Egyptian depth.
“They have a couple of individuals, they can turn their game on their own and we’re aware of that,” he said.
“We’ve seen when (Salah’s) not on the pitch, the players that are in those positions where he may play.”
Mo Salah, despite his limited preperation, still looms as Egypt’s danger man. (Getty Images: AMA/Robbie Jay Barratt)
The Socceroos are coming off an eight-day break after they played their final group stage game against Paraguay.
They have no injury concerns, and Popovic believes the break has given his side a chance to prepare properly for the game against Egypt.
“We had a couple days there where you’re on a high and you come on a little bit of a low and then we’d have to pick up again,” he said.
“Physically and mentally I think the players are in a great position.
“We’re definitely ready for this game tomorrow and we just want the players to enjoy the moment, to be present and just continue doing what they have shown, which is high quality football and that they’re a very good team.”
Australia and Egypt have met just twice, with the Socceroos losing in 1987, before the result was reversed in a friendly in 2010.
