Socceroos v Colombia LIVE: Colombian star Luis Diaz set to pose ‘great test’ to ‘confused’ Australia
When it comes time for the World Cup, Australia will be set to face the best of the best.
The playing group will get a small glimpse into what those looming world-class athletes are capable of doing with arguably their hardest challenge this year against Colombia.
Coach Tony Popovic hopes former Liverpool star Luis Diaz will provide his team with the lessons they need heading into the major tournament.
“We will be against the best players in the world come the World Cup,” Popovic replied when asked about facing the Premier League champion on the international stage.
Luis Diaz (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Argentina. Getty
“When you look at where he’s come from, where he’s played at Liverpool, Bayern Munich, outstanding for Colombia … [he’s] played at the highest level for 50-60 games a year. That’s what you’re up against – but that’s what’s coming in June.
“We can expose ourselves to that now. We know his strengths. We have to try and stop the service that gets to him in the areas that he likes it.
“It is a great test, great challenge.”
Australia produced what was arguably their worst performance under Popovic last week against Venezuela, with the side struggling to find their mojo.
Venezuela won the match 1-0, although they did dominate in possession late in the first half and for most of the second half.
Popovic admitted that the lack of cohesion was partly due to his choice to field four debutants, but he has “no regrets” choosing to do that.
“The best part of the game was just debuting the youngsters and trying to give Mo (Toure) and Nestory (Irankunda) some more international experience,” he said.
Players of Australia pose for a team photo before facing Venezuela. Getty Images for Soccer Australi
“With each camp and each game, I’ve always tried a new player or two. In this game, we probably played a lot of them at the same time and that really disrupted our structure and that was a little bit disjointed … so there was a little bit of confusion.
“That was my choice to expose them. I don’t regret doing that. I’m happy we did that. We learnt a lot from the game.
“I want to win every game as a coach, so I’m not happy we lost the last match, but I’ve got to accept that and that responsibility that comes with the result.
“I’ll put a team out there that I believe can get a result against Colombia and perform better than against Venezuela.”
