Australia vs Colombia 3-0 : Coach Tony Popovic revealed that nearly the whole Australian football squad was “laid up sick” before their crushing 3-0 defeat to Colombia on Wednesday.
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic praised his “brave” team, revealing that a virus had swept through the squad in the lead-up to Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat to Colombia in New York. The loss marked Australia’s third consecutive setback on their road to next year’s FIFA World Cup, though their performance for much of the match showed improvement compared with last Saturday’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Venezuela.
The Socceroos held firm for 76 minutes before Colombia’s captain, James Rodriguez, converted a penalty after substitute Callum Elder fouled Santiago Arias, breaking Australia’s resolve. Twelve minutes later, Bayern Munich star Luis Díaz extended Colombia’s lead when a long ball caught the Australian defence off guard, leaving goalkeeper Paul Izzo stranded outside his box.
In stoppage time, Jefferson Lerma added a third from a Rodriguez corner, compounding Australia’s frustration. It was a discouraging finish for the Socceroos, who had battled hard to stay competitive before the late collapse.
Popovic Reveals Virus Hit Socceroos Before 3-0 Loss to Colombia
However, Popovic commended his players for showing resilience despite being unwell.
They couldn’t train on Sunday (Monday AEDT) — the entire squad was bedridden,” Popovic said.
We kept it under wraps because that’s what the players wanted, and it’s a real credit to them.
Popovic Opens Up on Team’s Health Struggles
We had a virus run through the entire squad, staff included,” Popovic said.
Despite that, we produced a strong and courageous performance. I was genuinely surprised by how well the players held up, considering they were clearly nowhere near full fitness. For 75 minutes, we competed really well, but the scoreline blew out late with two soft goals. It was disappointing for the players because I thought they were excellent.
Popovic made five changes from the lineup that started in the weekend’s defeat to Venezuela.
Turning Point of the Match
Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, defenders Cameron Burgess and Kye Rowles, and midfielders Jackson Irvine and Riley McGree were brought into the starting XI.
Making way were Melbourne City keeper Patrick Beach, injured defender Jason Geria, Adelaide United veteran Craig Goodwin, Sydney FC’s Paul Okon-Engstler, and teenage prodigy Nestory Irankunda.
For Irvine—who captained the side—and McGree, it marked a long-awaited return to the starting lineup after both made their international comebacks from injury off the bench against Venezuela.
Tactical Changes and Squad Adjustments Made by Popovic
Irvine, who also captains German Bundesliga side St. Pauli, played for an hour before being substituted by Netherlands-based Max Balard.
For Colombia, Luis Díaz looked threatening whenever he found room to move, forcing a strong save from Izzo in the 23rd minute. The former Liverpool star also unleashed a powerful long-range effort in the 35th minute that narrowly missed the post.
Australia’s best opportunity of the first half came right before the break, when McGree’s free kick was smartly stopped by goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.
Key Moments From Australia vs Colombia Match
Five minutes into the second half, striker Mohamed Toure attempted an overhead kick that sailed over the bar. Colombia responded 11 minutes later with a Johan Mojica strike that Izzo tipped over the crossbar.
Elder’s foul on Arias — a decision Popovic felt would not have gone Australia’s way had the situation been reversed — proved to be the turning point that triggered the team’s late collapse.
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