Hiddink braced for Japan onslaught

MELBOURNE, May 24: Australia coach Guus Hiddink says his men would underestimate Japan's will to win at their peril when they meet at the World Cup finals.

''They would rather die than give up,'' Hiddink told reporters on Wednesday as he assessed Japan ahead of their Group F opener in in Kaiserslautern on June 12.

Drawing on his experience of guiding co-hosts South Korea to a remarkable semi-final place in 2002, Hiddink added: ''Having worked in that part of the world, one thing is very clear and that's their determination.

''That's one of the conditions that make them strong and we must be ready for that.

''They have many players with international experience who have played in Europe in the strong leagues. I would not like to pick out any individual players. They will be strong.'' The Socceroos, who will end a 32-year absence from the World Cup against Zico's side, are limbering up with a friendly tomorrow against European champions Greece.

Hiddink said he had made significant progress with the squad after three days of tactics and training before the 95,000 sellout game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

''The aim is to be fit for the Japan game, whatever the result is tomorrow is not that important. It's important to be physically and mentally fit,'' the Dutchman said.

''There may be some fatigue but I think the crowd and the atmosphere will challenge them to overcome any tiredness.'' Australia head for Europe on Friday and have further warm-up matches against Netherlands in Rotterdam on June 4 and Liechtenstein in Ulm, Germany on June 7.

After Japan, Australia complete their group games against World Cup holders Brazil and Croatia.

REUTERS