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Last Updated: Apr 9, 2007 - 12:46:40 AM |
Australian midfielder Tim Cahill
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Australian midfielder Tim Cahill has warned the opposition in the Confederations Cup that the Socceroos are aiming to do more than just make up the numbers in Germany.
The 25-year-old is hoping to play a starring role in a successful campaign after blossoming as a player in his first season with Everton in the English Premier League.
Cahill said the squad is confident ahead of the Socceroos' opening match against host nation Germany in Frankfurt on Thursday (AEST), despite bookmakers suggesting they will struggle.
British bookmaking firms Sportingodds and Sportingbet have the Socceroos at long odds to win the tournament of 33-1, alongside their other Group A rival, Tunisia, while they are 8-1 to beat Germany, who are at 4-11.
"We're not here to make up the numbers – we're here to really make a go of it," Cahill told AAP.
"Being the underdogs is fantastic. We've got nothing to lose. As long as we prepare ourselves right and do the right things, then I think we'll do well."
Cahill was one of the standout performers for the Toffees in a season that saw them climb to fourth on the table and earn a berth in next season's Champions League, however he is champing at the bit to add to his seven international appearances.
"Playing in the Premier League, you're ecstatic when you do well there," Cahill said. "But this is the world stage, this is what it's all about."
"Competitions like this are where you try to prove yourself and prove yourself as a nation."
Socceroos assistant coach Graham Arnold said the Germany game, in front of 45,000 passionate fans cheering on the hosts, will help prepare Australia for its World Cup qualifier away leg against a South American side later in the year.
"Against Germany, there's obviously going to be a lot of emotion – the host's first game, straight after the opening ceremony," Arnold said.
"It's a great test for us – the closest game we can get to the South American game in November with a huge atmosphere and all the public against us."
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