Tony Popovic: A New Dawn for Australia's Socceroos

Tony Popovic has been named the new coach of Australia's Socceroos, bringing continental success experience at a time when the team needs a quick turnaround to secure an automatic World Cup berth. Popovic has three weeks to prepare for a crucial match against China followed by a challenging game against Japan.

Tony Popovic was named Australia coach on Monday, bringing a track record of continental success to the Socceroos at a crucial time. With World Cup berth hopes hanging in the balance, fans are eager for a fresh approach from the former Crystal Palace defender.

Popovic, who has 58 caps for Australia, inherits a team that gained just one point from their last two World Cup qualifiers. His first challenge will be preparing the squad for a match against China in Adelaide, followed by a tough encounter at Japan's Saitama Stadium.

This role marks Popovic's first foray into international football coaching, though he is well-versed in the Asian football scene. Notably, he guided Western Sydney Wanderers to the 2014 Asian Champions League title. Despite mixed success in subsequent coaching roles, Popovic aims to prove himself as he steps into Graham Arnold's shoes at the helm of the Socceroos.

(With inputs from agencies.)