Melbourne Victory forward Nishan Velupillay says the Socceroos squad are now dialled in ahead of this week’s FIFA World Cup opener against Türkiye.
The Socceroos are currently in Oakland, California applying the finishing touches to their preparations ahead of Sunday’s clash with Group D favourites Türkiye in Vancouver.
Tony Popovic’s side head into that clash in Canada off the back of a morale-boosting 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their final pre-World Cup warm up fixture in San Diego on Sunday morning.
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Now just five days away from the start of their World Cup campaign, Velupillay says the sense of excitement is really starting to build within the group.
“I think the boys have had it in the back of their mind, you know, always to this Türkiye game,” said Velupillay, when speaking to media on Tuesday morning.
“We’ll do the preparation in the next coming days. (We’ve) got a day off tomorrow, which is good for the boys to freshen up a little bit, but yeah, we’ll do the preparation that’s needed and come Saturday, I think we’ll be ready to go.
He added: “I think everyone’s rearing to go, you know. It’s been tough, the training, but I think the boys have benefited from it, and yeah, I think everyone’s looking, you know, really sharp out on the pitch and ready to go.”
Nishan Velupillay of Australia
Whilst he was an unused substitute during the 1-1 draw with Switzerland, Velupillay gained valuable minutes during the 1-0 loss to Mexico in Los Angeles last week.
The 25-year-old has been a regular within the Socceroos set-up following the appointment of Popovic to the role back in September 2024, with the national team boss getting the best out of Velupillay during their time together at Melbourne Victory.
“I think if you ask any player, you know, (if) you have a coach that believes in you, I think it gives you that extra push” said Velupillay, when asked about his special working relationship with the Socceroos boss.
“I guess that’s the feeling I’ve got from him. I think there’s a reason why he’s chosen this 26 is because he believes in every single player here.
He continued: “I think it gives everyone that extra push, but I think with the games we’ve played, obviously I came on against Mexico and I felt I could make an impact.
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“So whatever time I get in the games, I’m ready to go, and I’m willing to help the team.”
Whilst his focus will be on helping the Socceroos take maximum points from their Group D opener with Türkiye, Velupillay has also carved out his own piece of history, with his selection in the Australian squad making him the first footballer of Tamil heritage to compete at the tournament.
“Yeah, it’s a proud moment for me and my family and I think any culture, you know, I hope there’s more.
He went on to say: “I guess it showcases the cultures we’ve got in this Australia squad, and it’s a proud (moment) for my family.
“They did a lot to get me here, and a lot of sacrifice, and yeah, if I can repay them back, I guess that’s the dream.”
