Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Socceroos Switzerland friendly preparations are now the main focus as Australia shift from World Cup squad celebrations to their final warm-up match in San Diego.
Tony Popovic’s side will face world No.19 Switzerland three days before turning full attention to their World Cup opener against Turkey in Vancouver on June 13.
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Australia Seek Stronger Start
The Socceroos were given a day off on Tuesday before returning to training on Wednesday, with the Switzerland game set to test match fitness and selection options.
Australia want a cleaner opening than they produced against Mexico, where they struggled to control the first half hour.
"The game the other day we as a group struggled to take control of the first 30 minutes," veteran Mathew Leckie said.
"I would say they put a lot of pressure on us early, and we didn't have much of the ball, and when we did, we didn't really have many numbers forward.
"So, yeah, it was tough, but one thing that the boss has mentioned is there will be moments of suffering in games. It's just about how we suffer, and to get through those periods.
Popovic Plans To Share Minutes
Popovic has signalled he wants to use the Switzerland match to give more players time on the pitch before the Turkey opener.
Uncapped pair Cristian Volpato and Tete Yengi could be among those given minutes as the squad builds rhythm.
"We would like to give more players minutes in this game to have everyone with some match time before we play Turkey, so that's my initial thoughts," Popovic said.
"But we'll see how everyone trains and how the fitness levels are.
"But I'd like to give everyone an opportunity, as many as I can in this game, to have them ready and available for selection against Turkey."
Official team updates are available through the Socceroos website.