Physical challenge

AUSTRALIAN greats say the Socceroos must be prepared to wage physical warfare in Japan if they are to realise their World Cup dreams.

Golden generation member Josip Skoko says physicality has been phased out of Australia’s game in recent years, but Archie Thompson insists Japan are susceptible to intimidation if the Socceroos bring the right intensity on Thursday night.

And if under- fire coach Vahid Halilhodzic’s musings are anything to go by, Thompson is right about Japan being worried about Australia’s size and strength.

Impressed by the way Ange Postecoglou’s side pressed and harassed Chile in its last outing, a 1- 1 draw at the Confederations Cup, Stan Lazaridis says the team must use that blueprint in Saitama, where obtaining at least a draw is a must.

“That performance against Chile, I call that the hamburger with the lot,” Lazaridis said.

“For me, there was nothing missing. It had elements of everything. The fact we could demonstrate that physical presence, but also the skill level, it was very impressive.

“They were hunting in packs, they were like wolves and that’s what I loved to see.”

Skoko, a part of the squad that made the last 16 in the 2006 World Cup, said it was not disrespectful to say that was a physical team.

“And I think we’ve stopped using our physicality,” Skoko said. “We had some great teams and players, but the one non- negotiable was intensity.

“And it wasn’t always about going out to intimidate our opponents, but it was about going out and matching them and really taking it to them in that physical battle.

“That was the lesson out of that Chile game. If you put a good game plan together and really get in their heads, get in their faces and bring out what Australians generally do have – which is great workrate and a will to win – then one- on- one it’s a battle, it’s a war.

“I definitely think that’s a part of our game that hasn’t been there of late, but should always be there.”

Thompson said the Socceroos could get the upper hand using their physical advantage.

“I don’t think they ( the Japanese) like that physicality, anyone taking it to them,” Thompson said.