HAM-SPRING!
Lazarus-like recovery has Scott Selwood in frame for Freo clash
THE Socceroos are blocking out all the external noise in the build-up to their clutch Confederations Cup meeting with Cameroon early tomorrow.
Reviews of Australia’s 3-2 loss to Germany have not been kind to the Socceroos, who now need at least a point and preferably three against the African champions tomorrow at 1am to remain in contention for the semi-finals.
Admitting the clash was “do or die” for their hopes in Russia, Robbie Kruse said there was tremendous resolve in the Socceroos camp to get on the winner’s list in St Petersburg.
“It’s going to be a huge game. It’s a defining game,” Kruse said yesterday.
“It all rides on this game. Hopefully we can put in a good performance and more importantly get the three points required.”
Australia is yet to put together a convincing 90minute performance since adopting a more attacking structure in March.
Coach Ange Postecoglou has endured more than his share of the boo-boys for his tactical switch, but Kruse said no one in camp was listening.
The 28-year-old likened top-level international football to walking a tightrope — where the smallest mistake was punished.
“I don’t read the press too much. I’ve heard from other people maybe we’ve been under scrutiny,” he said.
“That’s all from the outside. From the inside we know we’re very close to being a good team.
“There are small margins and that’s the difference when it comes to international football . . . a small margin between success and failure.
“There’s a few little tweaks we need to do and maybe a bit more confidence in taking on the world’s best and we can be a very good team.
“Hopefully we can finish off some moves and we can get a bit more positive feedback.”
Kruse also admitted a desperation to be involved from the outset against Cameroon after featuring from halftime in the tournament opener.
“Any game you play for your country you want to play and it’s times 100 in tournaments,” he said.
“But there’s 23 in the squad, only 11 can start and only three can come off the bench.
“If I have to come off the bench, I’ll try to make an impact when I do.”