Australia’s unbeaten record goes on the line; kick off time, scores and results from Montreal
Canada called the Socceroos stingy and coach Tony Popovic wouldn’t want it any other way.
The Socceroos will get more feedback on their progress under Popovic when they face world No. 26 Canada (AEDT) in Montreal on Saturday and world No. 16 United States next Wednesday in Colorado.
Australia are yet to lose since Popovic took over from Graham Arnold in September and the Socceroos have qualified for the 2026 World Cup as part of a 10-match unbeaten run.
The Socceroos, currently placed 25th, have scored 20 goals and conceded just seven in these matches; The team won its last six matches.
Jesse Marsch.Credit: access point
The hot form, and more specifically the tight defense, led Canada coach Jesse Marsch to label the Socceroos as stingy.
“I take it as a compliment,” former Socceroos defender Popovic said on Friday. “I think that (tough defense) is always important. When you look at their recent results and how they defend as a unit, I would say the same thing for them.”
Tony Popovic.Credit: Getty Images
Canada entered the match having beaten Romania 3-0 and Wales 1-0; both performances impressed Popovic.
“We are playing with a team in very good form,” Popovic said.
“When you look at their list and see where they play around the world, you see that they are tough individuals and form a team with very good results. The last two matches in Europe against Wales and Romania ended without a clean sheet, two very good performances.”
One notable name missing from the Australia squad was Melbourne City star Aziz Behich, who scored a stunning goal against Japan in June but was overlooked by Popovic due to lack of playing time in recent matches.
“It would be nice to be there, but I also understand that you have to make plays to get selected,” Behich said. “It’s no surprise really but my whole focus right now is on City and starting the season well. Once the season starts I’ll put my name back into the mix.”
