Socceroos striker Tim Cahill has implored teammates to back themselves and each other when Australia takes on Chile in its World Cup opener on Saturday.
Cahill is the Socceroos’ most experienced player in Brazil and will be the team’s main target in attack. The 34-year-old, who plays domestically for the New York Red Bulls, knows how to perform on a big stage and would love nothing more for the underdog Socceroos to shock Chile in Cuiaba.
“We are up for every single battle and are willing to stand up and be counted,” Cahill said. “When you’re fearless things happen in a game. In 2006 I scored two goals in the World Cup. I was fearless. Hopefully it’ll be the same for some of these young lads.”
Cahill, however, is also realistic about the challenge facing the Socceroos. Chile, ranked 14th in the world, is considered one of the dark horses for Brazil and has a host of players who feature in Europe’s top football leagues. Cahill said Australia would need to be aggressive to be any hope of springing an upset.
“They (Chile) take their chances, so we have to attack,” he said. “If we are going to make an impact then we have to do that playing attacking football that will hopefully see us scoring goals. They normally play with a three (at the back) in the past or a four (at the back). World Cups aren’t about 3-3 draws or 6-0 wins. It’s a tactical battle. If they go with a four it’ll be interesting because it means they lose another man up front.”
As well as Chile, Australia shares Group B with reigning champion Spain and 2010 runners up the Netherlands. The World Cup starts tomorrow when host Brazil takes on Croatia.
