“Emotionally…”

• In the other Group D game, the USA won 4-1 against Paraguay;

• In the second leg, Turkey plays Paraguay on June 20 at 6:00. Australia will meet the USA in the top-of-the-table match on Friday, June 19 at 10:00 p.m.

Popovic surprised by two decisions in the composition of the starting team, leaving captain Maty Ryan and experienced midfielder Jackson Irvine on the bench. His strategy paid off immediately, with Australia making their final tournament debut with a 2-0 win that gives hope of a group exit.

“I'm proud, proud to be here as a coach,” Popovic told SBS after the match, as quoted by aleagues.com.au.

“I am proud to live this experience. To bring a smile to the faces of these people who have traveled so far to support us and I am happy for this young group of players,” the coach began his speech.

The Australian coach, in the ninth heaven after the debut with the right to the World Cup

“I'm proud of the staff for the work they've done and some good decisions on the sidelines. I've tried to guide them, support the players and they've been outstanding,” he added.

Popovic was terse when asked about Patrick Beach's performance. Isuzu Ute A-League side Melbourne City's starting goalkeeper saved eight Turkey shots on goal in just his third national team cap.

“It's something I've always seen in him. Today he lived up to expectations, I'm very happy for him,” Popovic said.

“It was something very special to see the youngsters combine to score a goal,” he commented on the phase in which Sydney FC's Paul Okon-Engstler provided the assist for Australia's first goal, scored by Nestory Irankunda.

Then he also sounded the alarm, warning that this success, in the debut, could have effects further, in the competition.

“We can't underestimate the effect this result will have on their confidence and belief. Emotionally, this game will take a lot of energy from the players, so we have to come back, recover well and focus on the USA game.” he warned.

Australia's other goalscorer, Connor Metcalfe, also received praise. “He's probably in the best physical shape since he's been with us,” Popovic said.

“You can see the benefit of that. He's put in a lot of work, I'm happy he scored a goal because we're constantly asking him to shoot more and he should do better with his left foot. It was the perfect stage to score.

The fact that it is a World Cup match is enough, the fact that we are playing against a host nation is enough for us. We will recover, prepare and respect a very good United States team,” the coach concluded.