Tim Cahill and Aussies plan to catch the Germans cold
By Adam Roberts May 06, 2010


Australia enjoyed their best World Cup campaign in Germany four years ago, where they reached the last 16 before losing in controversial fashion to eventual winners Italy’s last minute penalty.

Pim Verbeek, Guus Hiddink’s former assistant whilst in charge of South Korea in 2002, is the current coach and he guided the Socceroos to an unbeaten qualification campaign.

They have been drawn in a tough looking group that includes Germany, Ghana and Serbia, but star midfielder Tim Cahill says the squad are looking to get off to a good start in the opening game against the Germans.

“We know they are very disciplined and tactically very strong but, as it is the first game, there’s no reason why we can’t catch them cold,” said the Everton player, who has scored an impressive 14 goals in 37 international appearances.

Looking back on that agonising defeat against Italy four years ago, Cahill added: “It hurt, especially with the penalty being given when we were so close to extra time and with them having only ten men.

“I remember standing there, putting my hands on my head and thinking ‘please don’t shatter my dreams’.

“The only positive I can take from it is that Italy went on to win the World Cup and we were one of their toughest opponents in the competition.

“I think things happen for a reason. For us, it was a great learning experience because it showed that if you don’t punish a team with ten men during 90 minutes, then anything can happen.”

On his excellent goalscoring record for club and country, the 30-year-old said: “I think I’ve got a knack of scoring goals and being in the right place at the right time.

“But my priority is to work hard and do a job for the team. It’s great that people say that about me, but I have to make sure I keep doing it on a regular basis.”http://www.givemefootball.com/internationals/world-cup-countdown-australia