Our fate might be sealed, but the Socceroos aren’t going to walk away from the World Cup without a stunning send off.
Up against the Cup’s biggest upset, Spain, at the Arena da Baixada, Curitiba next Monday (Tuesday 2.00 am AEST), the whole team is itching to show the world that Australia isn’t a team it can underestimate. Already Australia holds a better goal difference than the title holders Spain, a feat no one would have put their money on before Spain’s demoralising 5-1 loss to the Netherlands.
The squad came into the World Cup hoping to cause some upsets, and it definitely has. Both Chile and the Netherlands thought they were going to have easy wins, but in fact were chasing after the speedy Socceroos, leaving the pitch still gawking at Tim Cahill’s goals.
Despite not qualifying for the knock out stage, the Socceroos aren’t going to take their last game lightly. After a recovery session at their pool in their home base of Vitoria on Thursday, it’s back to business for the squad.
Socceroo defensive midfielder Matt McKay says he’s extremely happy with the way the squad has gelled in Vitoria, and knows that the Spaniards will be desperate to restore some pride in their game.
“Spain are a special team and are still reigning world champions, and will want to make a statement against us,” he said.
McKay, just like the rest of the team, believes in coach Ange Postecoglou’s goal of building the new golden age of the Socceroos, and knows it will take time.
“We are here to win games. We made a statement to the world that we can play and have made Australia proud,” he says.
Tim Cahill will miss the next match but will be there to support the team and make sure they achieve the right send off.
“This last game is massive. If we beat Spain it will be one of the best moments in Australian football.”
Cahill paid tribute to coach Postecoglou who, despite losing both opening games at the World Cup (Chile 3-1, Holland 3-2), has reinvigorated the national team since taking over eight months ago.
“Under Ange we trust in him and he trusts us. He knew a long time ago that we could do something special at this World Cup.”
“It is great to have a coach who believes in us and who will be around for a long time.”
