Popovic tells Australia to make ‘history’ in World Cup last 32

The Socceroos have never won a knockout match on football’s biggest stage, but then neither have Mohamed Salah’s Egypt.

Speaking Thursday on the eve of their meeting at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Popovic said: “We feel great to be here, we’ve earned it and we deserve to be at this stage.

“We feel relaxed, comfortable and prepared. It will be a special match and we want to show Australian football on the world stage.”

Australia beat Turkey 2-0 to start their campaign in North America, then lost to co-hosts the United States, before a draw with Paraguay saw them into the last 32.

The Australia squad has some talented young players, including 18-year-old centre-back Lucas Herrington, who has attracted interest from Barcelona.

Sprinkled in are some older heads, and Popovic said he expects his men to show what they are all about against an Egypt side who won a World Cup match for the time time in the group stage.

Popovic, the former defensive stalwart, said his side were “good enough to deliver”.

“We have to do our part during the match, whether that’s 90 minutes, extra time or penalties, to create history,” he added.

“I’m expecting the game to be even more difficult than what we’ve had so far, in terms of because it is a knockout game, and respect to Egypt as well.

“But I also feel that we can play better. And tomorrow’s a chance to do that.

“And if we perform very well, we have a chance to make history.”

There is an injury doubt surrounding Egypt’s talisman Salah, the former Liverpool great, with Egypt’s coach saying he was not sure if the attacker would start the game.

“We have prepared for both scenarios,” said Popovic.