Overview
- On Saturday Popovic left captain Maty Ryan and vice‑captain Jackson Irvine out of the starting XI for Australia's first two World Cup matches in favour of 22‑year‑old goalkeeper Patrick Beach and midfielder Paul Okon‑Engstler.
- Ryan said Popovic privately told him he 'had a gut feeling' to start Beach and stressed that he accepts the decision while remaining ready to play if called upon.
- Beach produced praised performances in the opening games, with teammates and Ryan highlighting his composure and shot‑stopping under pressure.
- Irvine has mostly come off the bench across the two matches and has emphasised leadership, training and squad unity while accepting a reduced on‑field role.
- Paraguay’s win over Türkiye has made the final Group D match decisive because a draw would secure second place and progression to the round of 32 while a defeat could still allow advancement as one of the best third‑placed teams.