Socceroos coach Tony Popovic and scoring debutant Tete Yengi react to Australia’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
Popovic declared the most important thing was there were no injuries ahead of Australia’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opener agianst Turkiye and that he was pleased with his team’s response to falling behind.
Match Report: Australia 1-1 Switzerland
Australia scored a 56th-minute equaliser through debutant Tete Yengi to answer Switzerland’s first-half strike from Dan Ndoye.
“I think it’s nice that we got a result, we’re playing a very, very strong nation,” Popovic said after the match on Paramount+.
“I’m pleased about that, good response in the second half. A lot of different faces on the field and the young boys acquitted themselves well.
“(Yengi) found it a bit difficult in the first half, our front three first time playing together were a little bit disjointed, not really sure what to do with or without the ball, but they settled in the second half. Nestory (Irankunda) got better, Tete got better, Connor (Metcalfe) did really well when he came on and that helped us build the play a bit better and make better decisions.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 06: Tete Yengi of Australia celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s first goal during the international friendly match between Australia and Switzerland at Snapdragon Stadium on June 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
“Without a doubt, conditions were warm, sticky the pitch, so it’s a good experience for us. A wonderful opponent. When you look at the first XI and where they’re all playing before the game.
“We had to get through that first half and fortunately we didn’t concede another goal. Second half we had a good passage there for 20 minutes.
“This all plays a part, experience for the players. It’s nice not to have any injuries. We were competitive, and we scored a really nice goal. I’m happy and looking forward to next week.”
Match Report: Australia 1-1 Switzerland
Yengi, who played in the Isuzu Ute A-League for the Newcastle Jets in the 2020-21 season, was a bolter call-up to the Socceroos due to his form at Japanese club Machida Zelvia.
The 25-year-old Adelaide-raised striker marked his first senior international with a goal and 71 minutes of action.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Yengi said.
“You work hard for moments like this and I’m happy to help the team.
“To be out here on the pitch, one week away from the World Cup, you can only dream of moments like this.
“It was difficult. First half they made it very hard for us. We had to do a lot of defending but I feel like we grew into the game and created some opportunities.
“It was an intense game against top quality players, so this is what it’s going to be like in the World Cup. With a bit more atmosphere we’ll gain that extra drive. I think we’re ready.”
