Tony Popovic isn't interested in limits.

He's a classic fighter, believer, motivator, hard taskmaster, born leader — in some ways an Australian football manager archetype, but with his own twist.

Popovic is uncompromising on his high standards across all areas on and off the pitch. He has refused to "beg" anyone to pledge allegiance to playing for Australia, and has made a commitment to defence over dazzling displays.

He is willing to be patient with unknown quantities in the squad in the hope they may just turn out to be miracle makers at the men's FIFA World Cup next year.

"We keep saying we want to try and do something special at the World Cup and I keep saying it to the group, 'One day Australia will go very far in the World Cup,'" Popovic said during an expansive one-hour discussi

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