Australian football is entering a new era under the leadership of Tony Popovic. As head coach of the Socceroos, Popovic is determined to elevate the national team to unprecedented heights – but he has made it clear that only elite performances will be enough to earn a spot in his squad for the 2025 World Cup campaign.
Popovic, who took over the reins from Graham Arnold in September, recently returned from a scouting trip in Europe. He has been meticulously studying his player pool, attending A-League Men’s matches domestically, and strategizing with his coaching staff in Sydney. The message from these sessions has been unequivocal – every Socceroo, current or aspiring, needs to raise their game to an elite level.
The Socceroos Standard
“The Socceroos is the highest level possible. You’re playing for your country. That needs to be elite,” Popovic asserted. “The elite will survive. And if you’re not elite, you’re not gonna be able to play for the Socceroos. That’s basically what we’re saying to everyone.”
This challenge has been laid at the feet of every player in the pool, from established stars to the most promising prospects. Popovic highlighted that in the past two World Cups, Australia has had to qualify through playoffs rather than directly – a trend he is determined to reverse.
If we expect to come in the top two, then we must raise the level, we must raise the bar.
– Tony Popovic
Arzani In The Spotlight
One player who has found himself under particular scrutiny is Daniel Arzani. The mercurial winger was a breakout star of the 2017 World Cup but has struggled for consistency since. Despite flashes of brilliance for Popovic’s old club Melbourne Victory this season, the coach did not mince his words in his assessment.
“He needs to raise his level. We need goals, we need assists,” Popovic stated bluntly. “Doing one good dribble, one good trick or setting up one goal should not be enough to play for the Socceroos. There needs to be more.”
Arzani is far from alone in facing this demand for elite output. Popovic name-checked several other exciting young A-League talents – Macarthur FC’s Jed Drew, Ryan Teague of Melbourne Victory, Noah Botić from Western United, and Nicolas Milanović at Western Sydney Wanderers. But while their club form has generated buzz, the Socceroos boss warned that international football is another step up entirely.
The Next Level
“Every player is in the mix, regardless of age — I don’t think that that should matter. It’s more about whether they can raise their level again,” said Popovic. “Playing at club level is one thing, you have to raise your level [with the Socceroos] and then you have to back up that performance four days later.”
Popovic pointed to the demands of major tournaments, where the Socceroos would need to string together quality performances under pressure. It will take more than just being “fit enough to play” – he is looking for match-winners and game-changers.
We’re talking now about three or four young strikers that are playing. Now the question is, in three or four years, can we be watching one of them playing in the bigger leagues in Europe? That’s the question, can they take the game to another level?
– Tony Popovic
The Road Ahead
As the Socceroos prepare for critical qualifiers against Indonesia and China in March, Popovic’s expectations could not be clearer. With Australia currently occupying the second of two automatic qualification slots in Group C, nothing less than two wins will suffice.
Every player, from the greenest rookie to the most grizzled veteran, has been put on notice. Popovic demands an elite level, in training and on the pitch, every single day. Because in the unforgiving world of World Cup qualifying, there is no margin for error. Only the best of the best will make the cut.
For the likes of Arzani and Australia’s other ambitious youngersters, the message is unmistakable – it’s time to level up. The 2025 World Cup waits for no one. Popovic has thrown down the gauntlet; now, it’s up to the players to rise to the challenge.
