Dallas, July 4 -- Australia head coach Tony Popovic believes the Socceroos must establish themselves among world football's elite if they are to earn greater respect from officials and opponents, following their penalty shootout defeat to Egypt in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

Australia's hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time ended in heartbreaking fashion as they lost 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time at Dallas Stadium.

The defeat marked the country's third unsuccessful attempt to register a maiden FIFA World Cup knockout victory, following exits against Italy in 2006 and Argentina in 2022.

Reflecting on the result, Popovic suggested that several key decisions had gone against his side but insi...