Popovic eyes physical test against USMNT "at the peak of their powers"
A football and physical test awaits the Socceroos on Tuesday evening, as Tony Popovic prepares his side for a meeting with a high-powered United States in mile-high Denver.
DENVER, Colorado – Australia coach Tony Popovic has said that he is looking forward to testing his squad against a United States side filled with players “at the peak of their powers” in their Tuesday evening friendly, as well as getting an assessment of his side’s physical preparedness in the high altitude of the Rocky Mountains.
The Socceroos touched down in the United States on Saturday evening after defeating Canada last Friday, grinding out a 1-0 win at Montréal’s Stade Saputo stadium thanks to a 71st-minute goal from 19-year-old phenom Nestory Irankunda and making it 11 games unbeaten under the one-time Golden Generation defender, with wins in their last seven games.
Progressing through to the World Cup without the need for a playoff for the first time since 2014 after victories over Japan and Saudi Arabia in June, Popovic has been afforded a rare chance at an extended build-up for the World Cup, with an October window against two host nations representing an important milestone.
“We’ve been accustomed to going through the playoffs, so this is quite rare for us to be automatically qualified with a year to prepare,” said Popovic. “We’re always looking for top opposition; challenges that can make it difficult for us.
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“We know the quality [the United States] have. They’ve got a wonderful manager, they’ve got players that are playing at the peak of their powers in the best leagues in the world. We want to challenge ourselves, and that’s why we happily took on these two games.”
Speaking to JDL Media, defender Jason Geria anticipated that, as it did against Canada, this physical battle may bubble over. If it came to that, however, he didn’t envision the Socceroos taking a backwards step, as they didn’t against Canada.
“There were things going off left, right, and centre with the Canadians. I think maybe they didn’t think, you know, we had that fight in us, or that type of aggression in us,” said Geria. “So it could be a similar story here with the Americans.
“Athletically, they’re pretty, pretty incredible. But so are we. The thing about the setup here is how they keep us prepared in all aspects, whether that’s dietary, mental or physical. We have really good staff here who keep us in really good condition.”
One of the key areas that Australia will seek to measure itself against the United States, renowned as one of the fittest sides in world football, is their physicality – especially in the mile-high altitude of Dicks Sporting Goods Park.
The Socceroos have become renowned across Asia for their physical style of play and ability on set pieces since joining the confederation, while Popovic has brought a heightened focus on physical fitness, recovery, and diet and nutrition to the squad as part of his demands for the side to be “elite”.
“We know that we need to be at our physical peak in all matches -- especially in the World Cup, where hot conditions will come into play and you’re playing against the best teams in the world,” assistant coach Paul Okon told JDL Media. “We know that we’re going to have to run. We don’t shy away from that. We actually don’t see that as an issue.
“Of course, the USA is renowned for that, so that’s why I think we’re excited also to see where we are at and where we can learn from it. Because ultimately, we know that in most games, we’ll always go in as underdogs. And I don’t think that’s any different tomorrow evening. So we’re really looking forward to it.”
United States manager Mauricio Pochettino referred to Australia’s physical style of play in his pre-game remarks, describing their identity as being “more solid” and less likely to change, in contrast to the evolving style of his own unit.
Popovic has deployed his side in a 3-4-3 in possession, reverting back to a 5-4-1 out of it, throughout his year-long tenure but made clear on Monday that while the Socceroos do have a style they’re trying to play, there’s still plenty of experimentation taking place within that framework.
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“I’d argue that in terms of us, we are constantly making changes,” said the coach. “We have that challenge every time we’re together. I mentioned after the Canada game, we played a 19-year-old and a 21-year-old up front. We had a captain who was 22. We had a debut at right wing-back.
“I’m sure both teams want to build continuity but, at the same time, trying to increase the depth of your squad, depth of your team, the quality of your team. And that can only come from these games and giving players an opportunity.
“I think we’re both on the same mission in terms of where we want to be come the World Cup, and tomorrow gives both teams an opportunity to showcase that.”
Header Image: Socceroos