Socceroos captain Harry Souttar addressed the media following Australia's 2-0 defeat to the United States in their World Cup 2026 group stage match on Saturday. The loss marked a setback for the Australian side, which had entered the tournament with high hopes.
Souttar reflects on the defeat
Speaking after the match, Souttar acknowledged the disappointment but stressed the importance of regrouping quickly. 'We can be disappointed today, but tomorrow morning full focus has got to be on winning that last game,' he said, referring to their upcoming match against Paraguay on Friday.
The defender, who plays his club football in England, noted that the team had been 'humbled by a superior USA side' and that the performance fell short of their standards. Australia struggled to contain the US attack, which scored twice in the first half.
Looking ahead to Paraguay
With one group stage game remaining, the Socceroos still have a chance to advance if they secure a win against Paraguay. Souttar emphasized the need for a positive mindset. 'We have to learn from this and move on. The next game is all that matters now,' he added.
The match against Paraguay will be crucial for Australia's World Cup campaign. A victory could see them progress to the knockout rounds, depending on other results. The team will have a few days to recover and prepare.
Australia's performance against the US highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in defense and midfield. However, Souttar expressed confidence in the squad's ability to bounce back. 'We have quality players and a strong team spirit. We'll be ready for Paraguay,' he concluded.
