Australia head coach Tony Popovic believes his team must stay in the moment for the difficult match against Egypt in the round of 32. In the group stage, the Socceroos ended in second place after one win, one draw and one loss.

Australia started their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win against Turkiye but suffered a 0-2 loss against co-hosts USA. Popovic’s team then played a goalless draw against Paraguay in their final group stage match.

Australia have made it to the knockout stage for the third time in their history, and they will take on Egypt at Dallas Stadium on Friday.

“We can’t overthink that and be caught up by the occasion,” Tony Popovic said on Thursday. “We have to really stay in the moment. The history gets made after the game. We have to do our part during the match — whether that’s 90 minutes, extra time or penalties — to create that history.

“I’m expecting the game to be even more difficult than what we’ve had so far, because it is a knockout game and with respect to Egypt. But I also feel that we can play better. Tomorrow is a chance to do that. And if we perform very well, we have a chance to make history.”

The gaffer revealed his team would be ready for the challenges against Egypt irrespective of who plays for the opposition.

“I think that’s always been the challenge, when you have a young group that doesn’t have the maturity or the experience of playing big games regularly,” he said. “That’s also the exciting part, the exuberance that they bring, the fearlessness that they bring.

“We’re managing all of that, and we have a wonderful group that is together, is united, and they’re all playing their part. I’m confident we can see that again tomorrow, regardless of who plays and the players that come on and make an impact.”

Australia will need to play out of their skins to challenge the potent Egypt side.