**Tony Popovic Takes Charge: Socceroos Aim for Elite Status** Newly appointed Australia coach Tony Popovic is quickly making his mark by elevating training standards and instilling his vision ahead of a crucial World Cup qualifier against Japan. Coaching the Socceroos comes with its own set of monumental challenges. It involves managing players who arrive at camp just days before their first match of the international window, often after enduring long-haul flights. The task is further complicated by the need to navigate the vast distances of the largest confederation in world football, culminating in a showdown against 62,000 passionate Japanese fans at Saitama Stadium, where the atmosphere is electric with chants of “Vamos Nippon.” For Popovic, however, tackling these significant challenges begins with a focus on the details. During the team’s first training session in Japan, held on a pitch near Saitama Stadium, a clear plan was evident. Under the previous coach, Graham Arnold, training sessions often had a light-hearted tone, featuring quick action drills followed by foot races, with Arnold frequently injecting humor into the proceedings. In contrast, Popovic’s approach was more structured and business-like, emphasizing a methodical execution of drills. While both coaching styles have their merits—Arnold’s relaxed, family-oriented approach led to Australia’s most successful men’s World Cup campaign in 2022—the shift in focus under Popovic highlights a change in priorities as the team prepares for the challenges ahead.