Bahrain midfielders Salman Isa and Mohammed Salmeen (who is also captain) will be out to beat the Socceroos tonight as they remain a chance to qualify for the Asian Cup. Poppa has revealed that the competitive banter has already begun and that he is confident that the Socceroos will win the match. “We’ve had a bit of a chat and for them, it’s a really big game. They were obviously really disappointed we lost to Kuwait because it makes it harder for them and it comes down to their last match against Kuwait. They’ll have to beat us and then them to go through. They’re looking forward to coming out to Australia. They’ve never been to Sydney,” he said.

All Hyundai A-League fans would welcome a player of Popovic’s experience to their clubs... and it is still something that he is considering. “I signed a one-year deal (for Al-Arabi). I had the option to sign a two-year deal but I signed for one year to see how it goes. I’ve always maintained I’d like to finish in Australia. Especially now, I’d like to play in the new league but we’ll see how it goes. I wouldn’t play if I felt that physically I wasn’t up to it. I wouldn’t let myself down just to go through the motions. If I felt I could compete and do well and contribute and help the league on the field, I would do it.

“I follow it a bit because a lot of players that play there are friends of mine. I’m interested to see how they’re going. Obviously I check the Sydney team the most. I know a lot of the boys there and I grew up playing with a few of them. I’m also good mates with Musky [Kevin Muscat] and Okon [Paul Okon]. Now there’s Lazza [Stan Lazaridis] who’s back and Viddy [Tony Vidmar] and they’re guys who when I see them, we’re mates. I’m always interested to see if they’re fit and well.”

Despite the retirements following tonight’s game and the newfound fortunes for the national side, Socceroo fans needn’t despair that more doom and gloom lies ahead. Poppa believes that with the right development, the Socceroos remain in good stead and the strong majority of World Cup players will form the backbone for the next World Cup campaign. As new blood enters the fold, he thinks our young players have the quality to continue the momentum.

“As a footballing nation we’re definitely in safe hands. But if people expect results and miracles overnight they’re not going to happen,” he explains. “What you’ve got to remember is that everyone starts when someone
gets injured… When someone got injured I got seven or eight games under my belt and within that time I gained a bit more experience and confidence and then finally felt a part of it. These guys are the same. They can’t be expected to walk in and in one or two games set the world alight. It’s going to take time. We’ve got to be patient and hopefully the group will gel and some outstanding players will emerge for the Socceroos. I’m sure we’ll see that in the next generation.”

For the retiring Socceroos, tonight is special. But for those of us here and lucky to witness it, it’s also a special night. Australia’s retiring players are a part of new football but just as importantly, they were part of old soccer too. They’re the ones who bridged the gap. Whether Poppa, or the Socceroos of his generation realise it or not, they’ve helped changed the sport in Australia forever.

“Knowing that most of the boys are coming back is special and obviously with it being my last camp I’m going to cherish it and enjoy every moment. It’s going to be a great 10 days.

“It won’t be sad for me. I’m very content with what I’m doing. I know it’s the right thing to do and like I said I’m looking forward to the games and after that to being a fan at Socceroo matches. It will be great to catch up with the boys. I have a lot of good mates there and it’ll be nice to see them all.”

Take a bow, Poppa.