FIFA World Cup
While the win confirmed the US' spot in the knockout stage, defeat left Australia with work to do against Paraguay in their concluding Group D tie on Thursday.
Popovic said his team had failed to match the power and athleticism of the Americans in the opening 45 minutes.
"There are no surprises in what they did and we didn't match that in the first half," Popovic said.
Australia went into the tie knowing victory would almost surely confirm progression into the next stage but failed to produce the same level of quality shown in the 2-0 win against Turkiye in their opener.
"There are no surprises in what they did and we didn't match that in the first half," Popovic said.
Australia went into the tie knowing victory would almost surely confirm progression into the next stage but failed to produce the same level of quality shown in the 2-0 win against Turkiye in their opener.
"We found it difficult to win a challenge to win a second ball. We were slow to every ball, and we couldn't really wrestle back any momentum, which made it difficult.
"We conceded a couple of really soft goals but we just looked flat and lethargic in the first half."
Popovic had sprung a selection surprise before the game by leaving the Australians' two goalscorers against Turkiye - Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe - on the bench.
"We conceded a couple of really soft goals but we just looked flat and lethargic in the first half."
Popovic had sprung a selection surprise before the game by leaving the Australians' two goalscorers against Turkiye - Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe - on the bench.
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But Popovic said he did not believe his choice of lineup had affected the outcome of the match.
"I'm not sure how much the personnel would have made a difference in that first half," he said.
"It was warm for us out there, it was difficult. We found it difficult, and I think the players that came on would have probably struggled to last long in the first half. So, we needed some fresh bodies for the second half to come on," he added.
Photos: AFP
"I'm not sure how much the personnel would have made a difference in that first half," he said.
"It was warm for us out there, it was difficult. We found it difficult, and I think the players that came on would have probably struggled to last long in the first half. So, we needed some fresh bodies for the second half to come on," he added.
Photos: AFP
