‘A fresh start’: Socceroos ready to turn over a new leaf under Popovic

Socceroos star Craig Goodwin says players have taken ownership of the predicament they find themselves in as they prepare to adjust to life under a new coach at one of the most pivotal times in the national team’s recent history.

Players have begun assembling in Adelaide ahead of Thursday night’s clash with China, a match they must win to remain any realistic hope of qualifying via this stage for the 2026 World Cup. It is also their first game under Tony Popovic, who was appointed coach a fortnight ago after the shock resignation of Graham Arnold.

Craig Goodwin says players have taken responsibility for the predicament the Socceroos find themselves in this week.Credit: SMH

Arnold stepped down after Australia’s 1-0 defeat to Bahrain and 0-0 draw with Indonesia in the September window, a dismal pair of results that severely dented their hopes of direct World Cup qualification.

“No one saw it coming or expected it,” Goodwin said.

“It’s a bit of a sad time because it’s been six years with Arnie in charge, and we’ve achieved some amazing things together … but this is football and this is what happens, and now we have to re-focus in the middle of qualifying in a really important stage.”

World Cup qualifying through Asia has never been smooth sailing for the Socceroos, but with the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams, and the increase in slots for AFC nations from 4.5 to 8.5, it was anticipated that they would make it without much trouble.

New Socceroos coach Tony Popovic will take charge of his first match on Thursday night.Credit: Steven Siewert

However, last month’s matches have left them second-bottom in the six-team Group C, and with no margin left for error if they are to finish in the top two and qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“Most of us would have thought about it individually and self-reflected, looked at the way that we performed as individuals. Obviously, there’s always things that you can look at tactically – but first and foremost, we have to look at ourselves,” Goodwin said.

“Everyone just has to look at it as a fresh start and a fresh perspective to really stamp their authority on the team under a new coach. It’s going to be fresh opportunities for players … you’ve really got to try and re-focus and re-evaluate the individual effort that you’re putting in and making sure that you’re at the right level. We know that the performances across the two games weren’t good enough. With fresh coaches coming in, it’s a great chance to really re-focus and analyse as individuals, as players, are we hitting the targets that we need to be hitting?

“I’ve done that, and I’m sure all the other boys have as well. We’ve spoken about it as a playing group too. We know that it needs to be better from the last two camps.”

Craig Goodwin celebrates his stunning goal for the Socceroos against France at the 2022 World Cup.Credit: Getty

Arnold was heavily criticised for his tactics, in particular Australia’s lack of invention in the final third when taking on teams who sit back in numbers and defend – a situation they may find themselves in again on Thursday night, although Goodwin suspects bottom-placed China will need to come forward and attack to have any hope of keeping their own World Cup dream alive.

In any case, due to timing, there is little chance for Popovic and his coaching staff – assistants Paul Okon, Hayden Foxe and Frank Juric, all of whom, like their boss, are ex-Socceroos – to implement any radical changes to the way they play, particularly since most European-based players won’t arrive until Tuesday or even Wednesday.

The widespread hope is that a change of voice, at least in the short-term, will be enough to get their qualifying campaign back on track – even if, as Goodwin said, the experience is “unnerving” for players who are suddenly unsure of where they sit in the new coach’s eyes.

“I’m sure he’s got the plan and everything set in stone,” Goodwin said.

“As players, it’s about just getting in, learning as quickly as possible and trying to implement that. We have a very good squad ... and very motivated players to make up for what’s happened in the last two games, and I think you’ll see a very different mentality coming into these two games.

“Nobody can question, especially over Arnie’s tenure, the mentality of the team, the work ethic of the group and especially the pride in coming in and representing your national team. The last camp was just, obviously, a very disappointing one and not the performances that we expect from us as a playing group, so we know that we have to change those things.”

Popovic has not had to wait long to experience the sort of stresses that are part and parcel of international management. He was forced to make two changes to his squad over the weekend, calling up Macarthur FC recruit Luke Brattan and Nashville SC’s Patrick Yazbek after injury ruled out Ipswich Town’s Massimo Luongo and St Pauli’s Connor Metcalfe.

Three points against China, and perhaps a point away to Group C leaders Japan next Tuesday night, would be the ideal start to his tenure.

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