Big test against world’s best
NERVOUS, but extremely excited.
That’s how the Socceroos will be feeling after being handed an incredibly difficult draw at next year’s World Cup former Australian skipper Craig Moore says.
Australia were pitted against reigning world champions Spain, World Cup finalists the Netherlands and tough South American side Chile in Group B at the Brazil showpiece.
Moore, who was part of Australia’s two previous World Cup campaigns, faced the might of five- time world champions Brazil and Italy in 2006 before coming up against European giants Germany in 2010.
And the 37-year-old with more than 50 caps says the opportunity to play the big encounters is what a World Cup is all about.
‘‘Some of these players will have some decisions to make about what they actually need to do to get on that flight to Brazil,’’ Moore said.
‘‘But if you’re lucky enough to play against the teams we have in this group, as a player, they must be extremely excited about it.
‘‘Sure a bit nervous too. But nerves are good at this level . . . it’s about being able to test yourself against the best in the world.’’
He said the next few months will be decisive for players who are pushing for a spot in coach Ange Postecoglou’s 23-man squad for Brazil.
Moore warned players like young gun Tom Rogic, who isn’t getting much game time at current club Celtic, will possibly need to move in search of more minutes on the field.
‘‘Of course there are decisions that Ange Postecoglou will have to make but I think a lot of them will be made for him,’’ Moore said.
‘‘Players will dictate their selection by what they do between now and the end of their seasons.
‘‘Game time is very important. Some may have decisions to make, Tom Rogic for example, but the majority of players will select themselves.’’