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.
Defeat will consign Australia to third spot.
"We know we've still got a good chance to get through," Popovic said.
"It's in our hands."
The eight best third-placed teams across the tournament will still reach the knockout phase, but that is a path that Popovic will be desperate to avoid.
