Tony Popovic nears World Cup deadline with negatives piling up for the Socceroos

The recent loss to Venezuela has intensified scrutiny on the Socceroos as they prepare for their upcoming match against Colombia. This defeat, which saw Australia field three debutants, underscores the challenges Tony Popovic faces in building a competitive squad. The situation mirrors broader trends in international football, where teams like Scotland are also navigating qualification hurdles, as evidenced by their recent match results. As Popovic seeks to reintegrate experienced players, the pressure mounts to ensure Australia is ready for the World Cup stage.