We've got nothing to lose against Italy: Aussies

STUTTGART, Germany, June 23: Australia have nothing to fear from any of their remaining World Cup opponents after their roller-coaster ride into the second round.

The Socceroos, appearing at the World Cup after a 32-year absence, stormed into the knockout stage for the first time after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Croatia in Group F yesterday.

Defender Craig Moore's first half penalty and forward Harry Kewell equaliser 11 minutes from time saw the Australians twice came from behind to book a place in the last 16.

''What I like about this team is that they are very competitive, they just never give up no matter what happens,'' said Australia's Dutch coach Guus Hiddink.

''This team has enormous mental power to be able to come back. They can react always and they did again this time.'' Australia had already demonstrated their never-say-die qualities when they beat Uruguay on penalties last year to qualify for the finals then scored three goals in the last eight minutes to beat Japan 3-1 in their opening match last week.

Australia's next game is against Italy in Kaiserslautern on Monday and while the three-times champions are overwhelming favourites, the Socceroos still believe they can win.

''We're the underdogs but everyone loves the underdog,'' said defender Lucas Neill. ''Why should we fear them. We've got as many strengths as they do, we're playing with plenty of confidence and we've got nothing to lose.'' Captain Mark Viduka said Australia's performances in the past month were proof they could match anyone at the finals.

Ranked 44th in the world coming into the tournament, the Socceroos beat European champions Greece 1-0 then drew 1-1 with Netherlands in their World Cup warm-ups.

They were hugely impressive in their plucky 2-0 loss to Brazil last Sunday, only conceding a last minute goal when they were pressing for an equaliser.

''Italy are a very good team, obviously. They've got so much experience at the World Cup and it's going to be very difficult,'' Viduka said.

''But we're on a high and we fancy ourselves as well. We're treating every game now as a cup final.'' Kewell, who was Man of the Match after a turbulent week in which he missed a chance to score against Brazil then escaped a possible suspension for arguing with the referee, said there was no limit on how far Australia could go in the tournament.

''Italy are out there to win the World Cup but so are we. You don't enter a competition without the thought of winning it,'' he said.

REUTERS

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