Emerton out to make amends

Brett Emerton was a spectator when Italy knocked Australia out of the 2006 World Cup, but his desire to atone matches any of his teammates.

Emerton, a starter in each of the three group games in Germany four years ago, missed the second round knockout clash with the eventual champion through suspension.

After picking up two yellow cards to be sent off in the final group game against Croatia, he was forced into a passive role for the Italy match, where controversial late goal ended the Socceroos' gallant campaign.

The experienced midfielder said while overall that tournament remained a career highlight, he is keen to help engineer a more satisfying conclusion in South Africa, both personally and for the team.

"It obviously didn't end in the right way for me last time round, but obviously we still had a good tournament and obviously fond memories from Germany," Emerton said.

"Maybe for me it's a chance to go and put things right.

"And obviously it's a great opportunity once again to compete in another World Cup."

The 32-year-old Socceroos stalwart is one of numerous regulars who skipped Monday night's farewell match against New Zealand at the MCG.

But Emerton said his slight calf strain was not expected to restrict his preparation in South Africa.

"It's nothing serious," he said.

"There was a possibility I was going to play on Monday night, but we decided against it."

While other first-choice players are also overcoming fitness niggles, Emerton said there was no reason for concern, with the program tailored to ensure all players are in peak condition for their opening match, against Germany on 14 June.

"The fitness is very good, we're trying to make sure we don't do a little too much with some of the players, making sure everyone's fit and raring to go for that first game," Emerton said.

"So if you see some players not training or missing sessions sometimes, they're not necessarily injured, just getting the balance right."

Though the state of the Socceroos' squad was not bothering him, Emerton admitted the quality of the group Australia has been drawn in - also including Ghana and Serbia - meant they could not afford any setbacks.

"It's a little bit harder than in 2006, with the respect we've earned in world football as well, teams won't take us lightly," he said.

"So it's going to be a difficult group and we're going to have to be at our absolute best to get out of it."
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/socceroos/news/1004442/Emerton-out-to-make-amends