Australia coach Tony Popovic says the Socceroos are ready to defy expectations when they face Turkey in their World Cup Group D opener in Vancouver on Saturday.
Turkey enter the match as favourites, boasting exciting young talents such as Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz, but Popovic believes Australia can once again prove doubters wrong on football’s biggest stage.
“We understand that not many people are expecting much from us outside of our own people, our own media, our own team and staff. But we’re accustomed to that,” Popovic said.
“We’re confident that we can show some great football and show what Australian football can do.”
Australia are appearing at their sixth consecutive World Cup and reached the last 16 in Qatar 2022, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Argentina.
With co-hosts the United States and Paraguay also in Group D, both Australia and Turkey know a strong start could prove crucial in the race for qualification.
“We know we have a big challenge against a formidable opponent, but it’s the World Cup. We’re ready,” Popovic said.
“They expect to win and so do most people. What we can do is try and spoil the party.”
The Australian coach praised Turkey’s quality and passion but stressed his side must focus on creating problems of their own and earning respect on the world stage.
Australia also received a fitness boost ahead of the match, with striker Mohamed Toure cleared to play after missing training earlier in the week due to illness.
“Everyone’s fit and everyone’s available,” Popovic confirmed. “Toure just had a runny nose and wasn’t training.”
The 22-year-old Norwich City forward is among Australia’s brightest attacking prospects as the Socceroos look to make a winning start to their World Cup campaign.
