Popovic defends selection gamble as Socceroos suffer heartbreak USA loss

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic's selection decisions have come under scrutiny after Australia's heartbreaking 2-0 loss to the USA in their second World Cup group match.Despite scoring in Australia's opening win over Türkiye, Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe were both left on the bench as the USA dominated the first half before a crowd of nearly 67,000 at Seattle Stadium on Saturday morning (AEST) "I think today was, I wouldn't say the best day for the referee," he said.Former Socceroos captain Craig Foster questioned Popovic's decision to bench Irankunda after his standout display in the opening match."He was so brilliant in the first game