http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,27302659-5019291,00.html

June 21, 2010 .

Serbia coach Radomir Antic says he is considering resting some of his star players for their crucial clash against the Socceroos on Thursday morning (EST).

Up to six Serbia players will carry yellow cards into the match in Nelspruit and will miss a possible second-round game should they pick up another booking against Australia.

"That is a lot of players with one booking and we still haven't decided what to do, it could be a last-minute decision," Antic said.

Serbia, who currently lie in third spot in group D, are far from assured a spot in the round of 16 and must beat Australia to guarantee progression to the next round.

Despite the possibility of resting players, star defender Vidic said Serbia would be treating Australia with the utmost respect in what's likely to be a match of high tension.

"All the teams who are here at the World Cup have good qualities, it's only small details which decide who is going to win," Vidic said.

"We respect Australia, they have four or five players who play in England at a high level.

"That says something about the team. I'm sure it will be a difficult game."

One of Australia's England-based stars Tim Cahill says he is ready to go for the crucial clash after he missed the game against Ghana due to suspension.

"This whole week I've kept myself really fresh," Cahill said. "I'm really excited and ready to go. I'm sharp, I've made sure the manager can see I'm edgy to still be in the selection."

Skipper Lucas Neill believes the Socceroos can repeat their 2006 World Cup performance and reach the last 16 if they can beat Serbia and hope the Germany-Ghana match doesn't end in a draw.

"There is unbelievable belief within the team," Neill said.

"We are obviously hurt and we've given ourselves a mountain to climb in the first game, but we're still here and the nation shouldn't give up on us because we haven't given up."

Mind games or a touch of seriousness?

Edited by tyson_85: 21/6/2010 09:55:00 PM

I fail to see the logic here. Resting players for a game you may or may not play is pointless.

I suppose the logic is that they see the Australia game as an esay win thus the next game won't be a case of if?

More likely to be mind games I would imagine but I also wouldn't be suprised if they saw us as easy beats.

Antic isn't stupid he won't be resting any stars for this match that's a guarantee. He knows he's gonna have it tough against us and knows they will need a fully fit team to beat us.

I'm fairly sure they're just fucking with us.

just like the refs - what a load of bullshit coming out of him.