During the course of his 33-minute unveiling press conference, there was only one moment Tony Popovic bristled. It occurred when a journalist suggested “it’s not the easiest time to take over” the Socceroos. He was referring to the World Cup qualifying predicament – the fifth place in a six-team group from which only the top two will secure a direct spot in the 2026 finals.
Popovic interrupted before the reporter could finish. “No, it’s the best time,” he said. “Why wouldn’t it be a good time?” He went on to explain that bad results – such as the loss to Bahrain and draw with Indonesia that expedited Graham Arnold’s departure – can sometimes mask good things, that Australia are only two games into the third phase of qualifying, and the last World Cup under Arnold showcased a “fantastic group …