Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has defended his decision not to start Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe in Australia's 2-0 World Cup loss to the United States, despite lamenting a sluggish and lethargic showing.
Australia's hopes of straightforward progression to the round of 32 will come down to their final group match on Friday (AEST) after a nightmarish afternoon at Seattle Stadium.
Paraguay's gutsy 1-0 win over Turkey later on Friday (local time) means the Socceroos will finish second in their group if they secure a draw or win against the South Americans.