Soccer-Popovic says Australia must improve after Venezuela defeat

Soccer Football - World Cup - Asian Qualifiers - Third Round - Group C - Japan v Australia - Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama, Japan - October 15, 2024 Australia coach Tony Popovic before the match REUTERS/Issei Kato

(Reuters) -Coach Tony Popovic acknowledged his World Cup-bound Australia side need to make improvements after the Socceroos suffered a 1-0 friendly loss to Venezuela in Houston on Friday.

Jesus Ramirez scored the only goal of the game seven minutes before halftime when he pounced inside the six-yard box to convert Ender Echenique's low cross from the right and condemn Popovic's side to a second consecutive defeat.