Former Socceroos star Scott MacDonald believes coach Tony Popovic must make one change to his starting line-up for the crunch clash with Egypt on Saturday morning.
He believes the Australians would be better off if striker Mo Toure returned to the squad, allowing them to return Nestori Irakunda to the role he starred against Turkiye.
Toure was limited by a calf injury after that first tournament game and did not start against Paraguay, but MacDonald believes the change will maximize the strength of the Socceroos’ rising young star.
“If you want the best out of Iracunda, he’s not a natural number nine,” McDonald told Stan Sport. Time added.
“When did you score your first goals? You scored them in the first game of the tournament when Irankunda played over 10 goals and was able to counter-attack and Mo Toure led the line.”
“We’ve seen Tony Popovic do this, where you go from being completely confused to coming back into the picture. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Toure.
Tony Popovich is aiming to lead Australia to their first knockout win at the World Cup. Getty Images
“However, it wouldn’t surprise me if Iracunda stayed in the back nine and my gut feeling is that Aidin Hrustic could play thanks to his performance against Paraguay. Hrustic holds the ball better. Volpato gives it away too easily in good places. It could go either way.”
Former Soxeros goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer could also see a bigger role for Hrustic, given his strong performance against Paraguay.
“I agree, I also see Krustic’s game and I think he is a fantastic player,” Schwarzer said.
Mo Salah speaks exclusively to former teammate and Socceroos legend Mark Schwarzer for Stan Sport. Stan Sports
“I think his set-pieces and his delivery are probably the best in the team. That’s what we struggled with against Paraguay. Our set-piece delivery was far from ideal.
“I can see it’s possible. He had a big impact against Paraguay. I also think Egypt are two different teams. One with Mo Salah in the squad and the other without him. It goes without saying that a team with Salah is a much bigger threat.”
“If he’s not fit, it’s another opportunity for us.”