He also used it to describe how he has tackled the hurdles he has confronted thus far, albeit balanced with a natural level of anticipation about what lies ahead. He appeared very much a man who is ready to meet the moment that awaits: all business, no frills.
“It’s a great honour and privilege, and the limited preparation, of course, everyone talks about that,” he said.
Sam Silvera and Riley McGree at training on Monday.Credit: Getty Images
“But that is international football. We just look at it as finding solutions to the problems that may occur, do it in a real positive manner, do it with a lot of belief that we have, and then we execute.”
While he played 58 times for the Socceroos, and coached in Asia to great success at club level with the Western Sydney Wanderers, Popovic isn’t sure what it will feel like to be standing in the dugout, the nation’s footballing hopes and dreams resting largely on his shoulders. A crowd of close to 41,000 is expected; the capacity of Adelaide Oval is much greater, but AFC rules have blocked the sale of standing-room tickets or the use of the venue’s famous hill.
“That’s probably hard to answer, how I’ll feel beforehand,” Popovic said.
“As every player should feel regardless of whether it’s your first game or in some cases, 50th, 60th or 70th game, I think excitement before the game, nerves of excitement, pride – but when that all settles, there’s a job to do. I have to make my contribution from the sideline and the players will be ready to make theirs on the pitch.”
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Asked what dominant theme he had conveyed to his players in camp this week, Popovic said: “The first part is the football we want to play. That’s a priority. Just for all the players to realise and staff that we’re representing Australia, and that needs to be seen when we’re out there.
“We need to show that we’re a level above any club-level game. When you represent your country, that should be a non-negotiable for everyone. Then the football to match what we want to do.
“If we can match those two together, we’ve got a very good chance of winning the game tomorrow, which is what we aim to do.”
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