“We believe the future is bright, of course, and there are many young players that aren't here at this stage that will be in the future as well,” Popovic said of his squad.

“But I've maintained all along that we wanted to deliver now with this group. We believe that they're good enough to deliver now. We've shown that already by getting through the group, a very difficult group. And we've done that through the quality that these boys have.

“Tomorrow is another opportunity to not think about the future but to think about now, the present. And I'm sure these boys will deliver once more a very good performance tomorrow.”

The Australians booked their place in the knockout rounds by finishing second in Group D, two points behind the United States but ahead of Paraguay on goal difference after the nations shared a 0-0 draw in the final group match.

Popovic has taken a bold approach to his team selection, picking 21-year-old Patrick Beach in goal ahead of veteran shot-stopper Maty Ryan while Nestory Irankunda, Mo Toure, Paul Okon-Engstler and Mo Toure have all featured so far.

“We know the exuberance that (the young players) bring, the fearlessness that they bring,” said Popovic. “So we're managing all of that. We have a wonderful group that is together, is united and they're all playing their part.

“I'm confident we can see that again tomorrow regardless of who plays and the players that come on and make an impact. We know how big this game is and I think all the players are ready to deliver.”

The Australians have never won a match in the knockout rounds but, with a new generation emerging after the country won the 2025 AFC U20 Asian Cup™, confidence is growing that a successful future lies ahead.

But while Popovic does not want to wait, he has warned against obsessing over the outcome of Friday’s clash.

“I think we can't overthink that and be caught up by the occasion,” he said. “We have to really stay in the moment. The history gets made after the game, so we have to do our part during the match, whether that's 90 minutes extra time or penalties, to create that history.

“I'm expecting the game to be even more difficult than what we've had so far because it is a knockout game and respect to Egypt as well. But I also feel that we can play better and tomorrow is a chance to do that. If we perform very well, we have a chance to make history.

“That's what we're working towards and I think the players are ready, they're relaxed. Tomorrow we put on a top performance and it gives us a chance to make that history.”

The involvement of Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah remains in doubt after he limped off in the African’s side’s 1-1 draw with IR Iran in the group phase, but Popovic stressed his team will be ready whether the former Liverpool man plays or not.

“We have prepared for obviously Mohamed Salah playing,” he said. “We've seen when he's not on the pitch the players that are in those positions where he may play. So we've prepared for both scenarios and we'll see tomorrow.”