Australia shocked many with their stunning World Cup win against Turkey on Sunday, opening their World Cup campaign in style.
Two brilliant counterattacking goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe headlined the victory, as did the heroics of new goalkeeper Patrick Beach.
The Socceroos’ defence, though, was the cornerstone of the victory, a trademark of coach Tony Popovic.
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So, what made this strategy so effective against Turkey, and will it work again in the Socceroos’ remaining group stage games against the United States and Paraguay?
How is Popovic different to previous Socceroos coaches?
Popovic’s main strategy is a strong defensive structure based on a deep block (in which teams drop into their defensive back third of the pitch to close down the space in and around the 18-yard box), and an extremely disciplined group of players to mainly prevent any goalscoring opportunists and force shots from long range.
It is a system based on counterattack: defend in numbers and then aim to pass balls behind an opponent’s defence to give opportunities to the team’s speedy strikers.
Generally, Popovic adopts a 4-4-2 system or a modified 4-2-3-1 system (see graphics), although he switched to a more defensive 5-4-1 formation to face the highly rated Turkish team.
The past two coaches to lead the Socceroos had different coaching philosophies and tactics.
Ange Postecoglou was attacking and played proactive soccer, pressing the opposition in the front third with a 4-3-3 system that prioritised attack.
Graham Arnold focused on team cohesion and collective effort, coupled with a strong mentality and resilience. His tactics were more balanced defensively and in attack.
Arnold mostly played a 4-2-3-1 formation.
How did this work against Turkey?
Turkey dominated possession against Australia, but this game showcased why possession doesn’t always lead to victory in soccer.
Popovic’s approach against Turkey was outstanding – it was the young Socceroos’ best game since Popovic took over as head coach in 2024.
The Socceroos were more than happy for Turkey to come at them with possession, but they stood tall. The team was led by their goalkeeper who was brilliant and made many saves, but also worked quickly on the transition when needed.
Australia’s defence and midfield worked hard as a unit and defended as one. Every time the Socceroos regained possession in the back third or middle third, they pushed forward on the counterattack.
Australia’s fitness was a feature – despite having to soak up immense pressure, their efforts showed they can cope with the high intensity and high-speed running to execute the demanding game plan.
The US and Paraguay loom
The US and Paraguay are two totally different teams, with different styles of play and that may affect how the Socceroos compete against them.
Australia’s game against the US in Seattle on Saturday morning will be a huge challenge.
US coach Maurício Pochettino has transitioned the team towards a modern outfit focusing on intensity, attacking and pressing.
However, this may again suit the Socceroos, because it will give them the space they need to get behind the US defence and rely on a strong counterattacking system.
The US generally play a 4-3-3 system, however Pochettino is flexible with this, depending on the opposition.
The game against Paraguay will be different.
Paraguay came to the World Cup with a reputation of being hard to score against. They relied on resolute defending from deep in their own half and then direct and effective counterattacks.
However, their defence was shredded in round one against the US, where the home team demolished Paraguay 4-1.
Usually, Paraguay play a system of 4-2-3-1, or at times 4-4-2.
If Paraguay plays the same way they did through qualifying and prioritise defensive stability, the Socceroos may be faced with a team very similar to themselves.
How far can they go?
The win against Turkey will give them confidence and they can beat anyone and greatly enhances their prospects of reaching the next round after the group stage.
The victory is also a sign this young team has the game plan, fitness and skill to surprise many, including those watching back home.
If they can manage a draw against the US, or a draw or win against Paraguay, they will have a strong chance of progressing to the second round, which they have only done twice in their history: in Germany in 2006, and Qatar in 2022.
