Socceroos embrace underdog status as they prepare for Türkiye at World Cup
As Australia's national football team, the Socceroos, prepare to face Türkiye in their World Cup group opener, comments by head coach Tony Popovic have taken centre stage. Popovic acknowledged Türkiye's strength but said the team will play "with nothing to lose". The match will be held at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium.
ABC News reports Popovic, speaking after training in Mexico City, said: "There is no pressure on us; that is a kind of freedom." Australia are ranked 38th in the FIFA rankings, while Türkiye are 22nd.
Popovic added that captain Aiden O'Neill's late-season form at Glasgow Celtic will be "critical for the team". Türkiye's national team coach Vincenzo Montella told the press: "We have to dominate possession against Australia's physical game." That is reported directly from ABC.
ABC's sports analysis says Türkiye are expected to deploy Hakan Çalhanoğlu in a deeper role against Australia's 4-3-3 setup. The match being staged in Mexico City means the altitude factor could be decisive for endurance. Kick-off is set for 21:00 local time.
Read next
Israel attacks Lebanon despite being included in potential peace deal
Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) air strikes on southern Lebanon came just hours after it was announced that the potential US-Iran peace deal would also cover Lebanon. According to Al Jazeera, the strikes targeted villages near the city of Tyre. Lebanon's health ministry said casualties are continuing to rise.
Iran announces funeral and burial dates for late Supreme Leader Khamenei
G7 leaders discuss trade imbalances with China, India in pre-summit talks
South Africa trolled by African fans in the wake of World Cup loss
Violence erupts at anti-government protest in DR Congo
