The Socceroos are one step closer to securing a ticket to the World Cup, but Tony Popovic has warned fans not to underestimate those who the team faces along the way.
Australia can ill-afford anything but a victory as they face Indonesia in a crucial World Cup qualifying battle on Thursday at Allianz Stadium.
With the battle for a spot becoming a tight battle, Popovic admitted that the expectation for his team to achieve at least a victory is the correct view for fans to have.
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If the team is to be defeated or record a draw it would place yet another obstacle in their path to success, with the team forced to enter the playoff tournament.
The Socceroos’ last meeting with Indonesia was the final match of Graham Arnold’s tenure, ending in a frustrating 0-0 draw.
But the systems that were in place during that match vastly differ to that of Popovic’s, whose brutal energy and intensity have shaped a new dynamic for the team.
With three draws and one win to his name as head coach, Popovic hopes his high standards will also be held and shown by the Australian public.
“The group is very tight, so there is no reason to underestimate Indonesia,” Popovic said.
“Their last result against Saudi Arabia proves that.
“But the expectation of the Australian public is where it should be. They should expect their national team to produce and to play good football.
“I expect every Australian to get behind the team, which is what we want and we know that that’ll help us.
“We know the magnitude of the games and how important they are, but we also know we’re in a position that we can retain our second spot.”
Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic speaks to the media. Getty
An element of unknown will follow the Indonesian team as the prepare to play their first match against Australia under new coach Patrick Kluivert.
The Dutch great has given no insights into how his squad will line up on Thursday, however, Popovic has researched the formations Kluivert has previously fielded.
“We don’t know how he’ll set up,” the 51-year-old said.
“We’ve seen what he’s done previously at the various jobs that he’s been involved in, in terms of the structure and the shape that he plays… but we have to focus on us.
“I know that we can deal with any structure that comes our way. We’re confident to deal with that, confident to play the football we want to.”
Socceroos celebrate FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier win. Getty
Having spent more time with the squad, Popovic admitted that his players now have a better understanding of his own expectations and playing style.
“It all happened in a couple of days before the (first) game against China, and then November was soon after, only three weeks, and you’re consolidating a little bit of the work that you try to instil,” he said.
“Now, we feel there’s a better understanding of the foundation, the template of what we want to put into place and the players have come in and the coaches have done a great job in helping the players understand their roles, giving them a lot of feedback.”
