Underdog tag suits Aussies

World Cup Group D: Mark Schwarzer and Harry Kewell believe Australia deserve more credit
By Mark Shail June 10, 2010

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is backing Australia to upset the odds and make a big impact at the World Cup finals.

The Socceroos face a tough proposition to reach the second phase after being placed in a group that includes Germany, Ghana and Serbia.

However, Australia are no strangers to springing a surprise after qualifying from a similarly difficult group four years ago, before suffering a stoppage time defeat against eventual World Cup winners Italy.

“If you look at our group, it is very, very tough. We are going in as underdogs but the difference now is that we are not the unknown quantity we were last time” said Schwarzer.

“I am quietly confident we will go into the World Cup in the best possible shape and condition and, hopefully, give it a good shake like we did last time.

“We definitely have more experience than four years ago and statistically experience helps you more than anything else.

“This time around we have a larger pool of players to call on. Hopefully that will keep us in very good stead throughout the World Cup.”

Few critics Down Under fancy Australia to repeat their performance of four years ago under experienced coach Guus Hiddink.

Current boss Pim Verbeek has been criticised for the team’s defensive style of play, but winger Harry Kewell said: “People should be backing Australia and giving us credit and building us up.

“Some seem to want us to fail. We are trying our best to make the nation proud. If critics don’t want to support us, then don’t bother watching us. Just forget about us. We want people to back us, not bag us.”

The former Leeds United and Liverpool star added: “We have young players coming through, we have belief and organisation, lots of experience and we’re physical. It is ridiculous to write us off.”

http://www.givemefootball.com/world-cup/underdog-tag-suits-aussies