Popovic’s Selection Picture Clears as Socceroos Show Promise and Puzzles Against Switzerland

Australia’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland offered the clearest glimpse yet of how Tony Popovic may shape his starting XI for the World Cup opener and it raised almost as many questions as it answered.

For long stretches, the Socceroos matched the Swiss stride for stride, highlighted by a brilliant through ball from Cameron Burgess that sliced the defence apart and set up debutant Tete Yengi for his first international goal. It was a moment of class that underscored Australia’s growing confidence in possession.

But the real story may be unfolding at the back. Popovic rarely reveals much, yet his decision to start Lucas Herrington, Alessandro Circati and Harry Souttar across defence for a second consecutive match suggests he has settled on that trio. If so, it marks a remarkable rise for 18‑year‑old Herrington, who appears to have leapfrogged Burgess for a starting role.

Souttar and Circati look like the first names on Popovic’s team sheet. Souttar, captaining the side for the first time, delivered a commanding performance in San Diego calm, authoritative and decisive giving Popovic plenty to ponder as he finalises his defensive structure.

Further up the pitch, the selection puzzle becomes even more intriguing. Nestory Irankunda was electric against Switzerland, easily Australia’s most dangerous attacking outlet. He created multiple chances and forced a spectacular save with a thunderous strike. Yet some believe the 20‑year‑old may be even more devastating as an impact substitute, unleashed against tiring defenders to maximise his explosive pace and power.

Popovic’s other wide options Mathew Leckie and Connor Metcalfe offer reliability and work rate, but Irankunda’s X‑factor is impossible to ignore.

Not everything clicked. Goalkeeper Patrick Beach was forced into several crucial saves, and debutant Cristian Volpato struggled to find rhythm early as he continues to build fitness and integrate into the squad.

With just a week until Australia’s World Cup opener, the Switzerland match provided valuable clues. Popovic appears close to locking in his defensive core, his attacking wildcard is impossible to overlook, and his squad still has gears to find.