Australia has no room for poor performances as they prepare to face Egypt in their World Cup Round of 32 match in Dallas.
The Socceroos have never won a knockout stage match at the World Cup, but wing-back Jordy Bos is confident his teammates are prepared.
“In the group stages, if you lost the game or if you didn’t win, then you still have another chance the next week,” he said.
“For the knockouts, there’s no second chances.
“I think it’s going into this game like there is no tomorrow because, if we lose, there is no tomorrow.
“I feel like the boys during the group stages were already in that mindset. We wanted to win and we don’t want to lose regardless. Not much changes there.”
Australia knows there are no more second chances as they prepare for the knockout stages. (Getty Images: Icon Sportswire/Bob Kupbens)
Australia’s bright start to the tournament — a 2-0 win over Türkiye — has given way to two goalless games, including the loss to the USA.
Bos is confident his side will find a way to score.
“I think the goals will come. We had a couple of chances and, on a different day, I think we will score,” he said.
“Also, in two games, we’ve had two clean sheets out of three. So that’s also something that we look at, and we’re happy about.”
Shrugging off the compliments
Bos’s performances at this World Cup have earned him praise from his teammates, with Nestory Irankunda labelling him among the best left-backs in the world.
“The boys are very supportive, and it’s really nice to have a group of boys that support you as much as they do,” he said of his teammates.
“Hopefully, I do get an assist or a goal in the next game, or next couple of games, and then maybe a couple more comments from the boys will come out.”
Bos plays club soccer in the Netherlands for Feyenoord, but has been linked with English clubs as well as those in the Italian Serie A.
The wing-back, though, will not be distracted by the rumours.
“I’m not too worried about it or not thinking too much of it,” Bos said.
“I’m just living in the moment and trying to do my best for the country and whatever happens, happens.”
Bos could find himself tasked with marking Egypt captain Mohamed Salah if the veteran is fit to play.
Mohamed Salah has been among the world’s best players for years, but injury could prevent him from facing the Socceroos. (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Salah suffered a hamstring injury during Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran, which secured their progression to the knockout rounds.
Bos said his teammates would not be overawed by the former Liverpool star.
“Mo Salah is a top player. He’s been at the top for a very long time,” Bos said.
“We’ll definitely have to look at how we can stop him.
“Off the field, there’s some respect, but on the field, there’s no respect.
“I think that’s how everyone’s going to go in the game and that’s how I would go in the game.”
